Geography
Fukushima Prefecture is located on the Pacific coast, north of Tokyo. Fukushima, as well as a number of other prefectures located to the north of it, belongs to the Tohoku region. The prefecture is dominated by mountainous terrain, with the highest peak being Mount Bandai (1819 m). A temperate climate with mild winters prevails here, due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
History
After the Meiji Revolution, Fukushima was part of those areas in Japan that remained loyal to the shogun rather than the young emperor. However, the resistance of the rebel samurai was eventually crushed.
Fukushima Prefecture gained worldwide – and notoriety – fame after the Great Northeast Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, east of Japan in the Pacific Ocean. Despite thousands of victims, enormous destruction and the danger of radioactive contamination, the situation is now under control. The main indicator of this for the Japanese themselves: now Fukushima farmers again have the right to sell their products - and this prefecture is famous for its vegetable and fruit delicacies - throughout Japan without restrictions.
Culture, attractions
and entertainment
Of course, among the natural beauties of Fukushima, it is worth highlighting the Higashiyama hot mineral springs resort. It is located in a picturesque valley east of Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. There are many hotels here, from European to traditional Japanese. Of special note is the famous local ryuokan Mikaitaku, built entirely of wood.
The local sake factory, Suehiro, is very popular among Japanese and foreign tourists. This company was founded back in 1850 and since then has been one of the leading sake producers in the Tohoku region. It belongs to a family that has owned it for eight generations! Sake from Suehiro is known throughout Japan and regularly wins professional awards. To obtain the required aroma of the “drink of the gods”, local know-how is used, a special process of open fermentation “Yamatai”. Tours are organized for visitors to the sake factory, which include a visit to the local museum, as well as a visit to the store and tasting bar.
Another prominent landmark of this prefecture is the famous Crane Castle - "Tsuruga" - erected in 1384. During the civil war after the Meiji Revolution, the castle was destroyed, but then, with the passage of time, it was restored. It was one of the last strongholds of supporters of the shogun's power. The castle is surrounded by a park of sakura trees, which makes it look especially romantic.
Finally, the famous historical Iimori Hill also deserves attention. At the very end of the civil war, a ritual suicide - seppuku - took place here of those samurai who supported the shogun and saw Tsuruga Castle engulfed in flames. They regarded the fire in the castle as a symbol of their defeat. Nowadays there is a memorial in memory of those who gave their lives in the name of devotion.
The Shinkansen super express train runs from Tokyo to Koriyami Station. From there, take the Banetsu-sai Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. The total travel time is about three hours.
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