Plizio Visual Lab
Fukushima
ℹ️Practical info — Fukushima
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- To enjoy the spring blooms at Hanamiyama Park without the massive crowds, make sure to arrive very early in the morning.
- Be warned that the public bathhouses in Iizaka Onsen run significantly hotter than average-ease yourself into the water very slowly.
- Renting a car is highly recommended if you want to properly explore the spectacular mountain routes like the Bandai-Azuma Skyline.
- Keep an eye out for special local train passes, which often provide substantial discounts for travel entirely within the prefecture.
🍽 Food
Pan-fried dumplings uniquely arranged in a crispy disk shape, first-rate with a cold beer near the station.
A savory, soy-based broth featuring famously thick, curly noodles that are a regional staple.
Fukushima is renowned for its fruit; be sure to buy incredibly juicy peaches direct from orchards in the summer.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A traditional, red papier-mâché cow toy with a bobbing head that is widely believed to bring good luck.
Hand-carved and beautifully painted wooden dolls that make for a classic souvenir from the hot spring towns.
Take a moment to soak in the free public footbaths scattered around the historic hot spring town.
A peaceful, forested hill located right in the center of the city, offering wonderful panoramic views over Fukushima.
Water temperature…
Fukushima, the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture located in the Tohoku region of Honshu, stands as a testament to historical significance and natural splendor. Tucked away within the Fukushima Basin and flanked by the majestic Azuma and Adatara mountain ranges, the city serves as a crucial hub for administration, education, and commerce in northern Japan. Its history is deeply rooted in the feudal era, when it flourished as a castle town under the administration of the Date and later the Itakura clans. During the Edo period, it gained prominence as a vital stop along the Oshu Kaido highway, one of the five major routes connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with the northern provinces. The city's economic evolution is particularly noteworthy, transitioning from a pre-eminent center for the silk-reeling industry to a diversified modern economy that includes machinery, chemicals, and information technology. Fukushima is internationally renowned for its agricultural prowess, specifically its production of high-quality peaches and pears, earning it the moniker "The Fruit Kingdom." The city's resilience is a core part of its modern identity; following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Fukushima has undergone an extensive recovery process, focusing on renewable energy initiatives and environmental restoration. Cultural life in Fukushima is spirited, characterized by traditional events such as the Fukushima Waraji Matsuri, which features a massive 12-meter straw sandal paraded through the streets to ensure the health and strength of the people. The city is also a gateway to numerous hot spring resorts, with Iizaka Onsen being one of the most historical and beloved, offering therapeutic waters that have been enjoyed for over 1,500 years. For nature enthusiasts, Hanamiyama Park is, where the hillsides are painted with the colors of thousands of flowering trees every spring, a sight that has captivated artists and photographers for decades. Academically, the city is home to Fukushima University and various research institutes that lead in fields ranging from robotics to medicine. With its blend of rich samurai heritage, dramatic mountainous landscapes, and a determined spirit of innovation, Fukushima provides a profound and multi-faceted experience for travelers seeking the authentic heart of Japan.
- Location: Japan
- Top sights: Shinobuyama · Owaraji · Fukushima Prefectural Culture Center - Main Concert Hall
- Nearby: Zao Onsen (36 km)
- Population: ~294.237 (2017)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 24 | 20 | 13 | 7 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 97 | 62 | 83 | 84 | 86 | 113 | 202 | 149 | 138 | 143 | 94 | 111 |
Live webcam – Fukushima
See what it looks like near Fukushima right now.
Fukushima Ward: Fukushima - Route 49 - Joko · 1.1 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Fukushima City was officially incorporated on April 1, 1907.
- The city covers an area of 767.72 square kilometers in the Fukushima Basin.
- Iizaka Onsen is historically referred to as the 'Saba-ko' or Mackerel Lake spring.
- The Waraji Matsuri sandal is recognized as the largest straw sandal in Japan.
- Mount Azuma-Kofuji, near the city, features a perfectly circular volcanic crater.
- Fukushima is the administrative center for the third-largest prefecture in Japan.
- The city's climate is humid subtropical with significant seasonal temperature variations.
- Hanamiyama Park was originally private land opened to the public in 1959.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Fukushima (16)
Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art🏛 museum
This art museum houses a significant collection of French Impressionists, including works by Corot and Courbet.
Frequently asked questions
What can you visit in Fukushima today?
Which historical city is nearby?
What is the region's typical dish?
When is the best time for Hanamiyama?
Are there onsens in the prefecture?
Fukushima: where is it located?
Fukushima: what is there to see?
Fukushima: when is the best time to visit?
Fukushima: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
