Nicknamed “Peach City” for producing Japan’s most delicious peaches, Fukushima is dotted with hot springs and fruit orchards. It’s home to Buddha-carved cliffs and a historic public bathhouse, as well as a fine-art museum designed like a traditional Japanese house.

Things to do

Fukushima is home to the spa town of Iizaka Onsen, which features around 60 traditional ryokans and hot spring wells. At its heart lies the Sabako-yu public bathhouse that’s modelled on a 19th-century wooden structure, where the famous Edo period poet, Matsuo Bashō, is said to have bathed.

In the foothills north of Fukushima lies the Fukushima Kenritsu Bijutsukan, an art museum designed like a traditional Japanese house. Its collection includes oil paintings and sketches by local artist Shoji Sekine, as well as works by American-Lithuanian artist Ben Shahn and prominent realist artist Andrew Wyeth.

Head east of Fukushima to Hanamiyama Park, established by local farmers to beautify the hillsides surrounding their agricultural fields. Wander amidst the ornamental plants and native trees that are backed by the snow-capped Azuma Mountains. Visit the park in spring to see the flowering Somei Yoshino cherry trees.

Carved into the cliff face of Mount Shinobu to the north of Fukushima are the 60 Buddhas of Iwaya Kannon, many of which date back around 300 years. Admire the site’s charming Iwaya Kannon-do Temple, then take in its sweeping views of the Fukushima plains.

Getting around

Fukushima Airport is around one hour’s drive away and there are regular trains to Tokyo and Sendai along the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Buses travel throughout Fukushima, while the downtown area is compact enough to explore on foot.