Introduction to Instagram-Worthy Photos in Fukushima Prefecture
The vast Fukushima Prefecture is divided into three areas: Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu. Hamadori’s representative tourist attraction is the Soma Nomaoi in Soma City, a traditional event with over 1,000 years of history. The heroic appearance of warriors on horseback is spectacular, and you can capture the festival’s excitement and intensity in your photos.
In the Nakadori area, the highlight is Hanamiyama Park in Fukushima City. In spring, about 750 varieties of flowers bloom, creating a vibrant floral carpet. In the nearby Iizaka Onsen, you can enjoy public bath tours and foot baths, with retro streets and hot spring cuisine also being attractive features.
The Aizu region is the top recommended tourist area in Fukushima Prefecture, featuring the thatched-roof houses of Ouchi-juku and the existing castle tower of Tsuruga Castle. Tsuruga Castle offers various views, from its majestic figure against the blue sky to collaborations with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Aizu Sazaedo is a unique temple with a spiral structure, making it enjoyable to capture its distinct architectural beauty in photos.
Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai are representative scenic spots in the Tohoku region, with the inverted reflection of Mount Bandai on the lake surface being a breathtaking sight. Enjoying the lake from a pleasure boat or canoe is also recommended. The nearby Goshiki-numa is a mysterious area with ponds of various colors, changing with the angle of sunlight. Well-maintained walking paths make it safe to explore.
The Tadami Line is a local railway running through this area, offering spectacular views from the train windows. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the scenery is breathtaking, and the moment the train crosses the iron bridge is popular among photographers.
Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle, a historic castle built about 630 years ago, became famous during the Boshin War (a battle between the old Shogunate army and the new Meiji government army). In 2011, its roof was restored with red tiles, making it the only castle in Japan with red-tile roof. It is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 30 minutes by bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
Aizu Sazaedo
Aizu Sazaedo, built in 1796 on Iimori Hill in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, is a unique three-story hexagonal structure with a height of 16.5 meters. It features a double-helix slope with 33 Kannon statues, allowing worshippers to perform the 33 Kannon pilgrimage within the temple. Its one-way structure, with separate paths for ascending and descending, ensures worshippers do not cross paths.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 20 minutes by bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
Lake Inawashiro and Mount Bandai
Located on the south side of Mount Bandai, Lake Inawashiro is the fourth-largest lake in Japan with high transparency. Mount Bandai has experienced two major collapses, with the one 50,000 years ago believed to have caused the formation of Lake Inawashiro. Okina Island in the lake is also thought to have resulted from these collapses.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
Goshiki-numa
Goshiki-numa, formed by the collapse of Mount Bandai in 1888, is a famous scenic spot that has received one star in the Michelin Green Guide. As the name suggests, it features ponds of various colors, and the surrounding area offers magnificent landscapes and hot springs.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
Tadami Line
The Tadami Line runs between Tadami Station and Oshirakawa Station, connecting Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures, and opened in 1971. The area is surrounded by lakes and world heritage-grade beech forests, making it a popular spot for railway photography, especially at the first Tadami River Bridge viewpoint.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
Rokujurigoe
Rokujurigoe is a pass on National Route 252 connecting Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures, named for its historical length. It is ideal for driving, with beautiful mountain cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. The nearby JR Tadami Line offers scenic views, making it enjoyable to see from both the road and the railway.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn (closed in winter)
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
SL Banetsu Monogatari
The SL Banetsu Monogatari is a steam locomotive that runs between Niitsu Station and Aizu-Wakamatsu Station. It offers the longest journey of any steam locomotive in Japan, with an eight-car train.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: ▶Operating schedule
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Between Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and Niitsu Station
Taishi Village
Taishi Village and Kaneyama Friendship Square along the Tadami River are popular spots for photographing the Tadami Line. Especially recommended is the view from Shirifuki Pass. Since there are few trains on the Tadami Line, plan your visit in advance.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
Ouchi-juku
Ouchi-juku, located in the mountainous area of southern Fukushima Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot that retains the appearance of an Edo period post town from about 400 years ago. Over 30 traditional thatched-roof houses line the street, once used by lords and travelers. Festivals are held in summer and winter, attracting over a million visitors annually.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
Iizaka Onsen
Iizaka Onsen is located 25 minutes by car or train from Fukushima Station. These baths have over 1,200 years of history and were visited by the famous poet Matsuo Basho. These public baths are available without reservations and at reasonable prices, offering a chance to experience local culture and lifestyle.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: All seasons
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 25 minutes from Fukushima Station to Iizaka Onsen Station
Hanamiyama
Hanamiyama Park is a famous flower spot in Fukushima City. Local farmers have created vibrant flower fields, and the area features beautiful streams and traditional landscapes. Celebrated as a “paradise in Fukushima” by a renowned photographer, it has gained national recognition.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: 30 minutes by bus from Fukushima Station
Soma Nomaoi
Soma Nomaoi is a three-day festival held in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. Around 400 horsemen, dressed in armor and carrying swords and flags, create a grand and majestic procession. According to legend, it originated over 1,000 years ago when a general conducted military exercises using wild horses as enemy soldiers.
Instagram Worthiness:★★★★★
Photography Opportunity: Late May
Location Information: ▶Map, Hours, Routes
Transportation Information: Limited public transportation; car is convenient
