A Variety of Attractions from Orchards to UFOs! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Fukushima City

Fukushima City once prospered as a castle town. This historically rich city still offers many tourist attractions where you can experience untouched nature and see traditional crafts in action. Fukushima City is said to be a "paradise in Fukushima" for its breathtaking scenery, and you can even enjoy hands-on traditional craft experiences.

Fukushima is also Japan’s top producer of peaches and pears, boasting many orchards where fruit picking and sales occur. In addition, there is even a location where UFOs have been reportedly sighted, making it a popular spot among UFO enthusiasts. In this article, we present a variety of Fukushima City’s tourist attractions.

1. Hanamiyama

Hanamiyama is a sightseeing spot in Fukushima City where the late photographer Shotaro Akiyama visited every year, declaring “There is a paradise in Fukushima.” Hanamiyama, generously opened to the public by local flower horticulturists, is very popular among tourists.

In spring, about 20 different types of cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly, making it one of Fukushima City’s top cherry blossom spots. In addition, beautiful flowers such as plum, rengyo (a type of flowering dogwood), magnolia, and peach blossoms bloom simultaneously in dazzling shades of pink, white, and yellow. The pink gradation is particularly stunning.

Though the hanami season is especially crowded with visitors, you can also enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year. In early summer, hydrangeas and lotus flowers appear; in autumn, you can admire vivid fall colors; and in winter, the rice fields are transformed into a silvery landscape.

From this spot, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Azuma Mountain Range and Fukushima City itself. In addition, nearby food stalls (yataiya) sell dango and soft serve ice cream. "Sakura Soft" is especially recommended. Beloved as a paradise in Fukushima, Hanamiyama is an enchanting tourist spot that you must visit.

2. Fukushima Fruit Line

Known as the "Fruit Kingdom," Fukushima City is famous for its seasonal fruits available for picking along the "Fruit Line" that runs through the city. Throughout the year, many orchards offer fruit picking opportunities, attracting countless tourists.

Starting around June with cherries, continuing with peaches from July to September, and then pears, grapes, and apples until around December, fruit picking is a year-round activity on the Fruit Line. With more than 40 orchards along the route, you might be spoiled for choice.

Peaches are particularly abundant and are sometimes referred to as part of the "Peach Line." Among them, the local Fukushima specialty "Akatsuki," harvested from early to mid-August, is highly recommended. Enjoy the sweet, juicy flavor unique to this region. Relish the seasonal tastes by exploring the Fruit Line in Fukushima City.

3. Nagashi Soumen – Azuma-an

At the popular Fukushima City attraction "Azuma-an," you can enjoy nagashi soumen (flowing somen noodles) in the midst of nature while also trying your hand at Iwana (a local fish) fishing. Located along a narrow road past the Fruit Line and Azuma General Park in central Fukushima City, Azuma-an offers a unique outdoor dining experience.

The highlight is dining while watching a clear, cascading waterfall fed by pristine spring water. Even on hot days, the surrounding natural environment and cool breezes create a refreshing atmosphere. The area is covered by a roof, making it suitable even on rainy days. Enjoying nagashi soumen while taking in the soothing view of nature makes for an exceptionally delicious experience.

4. Shikinosato

At Shikinosato, you can relish the beauty of the four seasons within an expansive natural park. Not only can you enjoy scenic views, but you can also participate in traditional craft experiences at this popular tourist spot. With the concept of “see, eat, and experience with all five senses,” there are plenty of facilities and spaces that cater to both children and adults.

The park features wide expanses of lawn, a circular flower bed, a rose garden, and more—allowing you to admire the vivid displays of flora that change with the seasons. There are also play areas for children such as the "Jabuchabu Pond" and "Wanpaku Plaza," where kids can run freely.

Right at the entrance, you'll find a building called "Kobo" where you can observe crafts being made and even try your hand at traditional handicrafts. On the right is the "Kokeshi Kobo" where you can observe kokeshi doll making and even participate in a painting experience (starting at 1,000 yen).

On the left is the "Glass Kobo," where you can engage in glass art production (starting at 3,000 yen) by reservation. This multi-faceted venue is a beloved destination for families to create lasting memories.

5. Tsuchiyu Onsen

Tsuchiyu Onsen is a hot spring area in Fukushima City offering a variety of attractions, including day-trip hot spring baths, foot baths, and the chance to enjoy local specialties such as kokeshi dolls and konjac, a regional delicacy. A stream, the Arakawa, flows through the onsen town, where traditional inns create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Located about a 30-minute drive away, Tsuchiyu Onsen is also conveniently close to other tourist destinations, such as Shikinosato and Tohoku Safari Park, making it a great base for sightseeing.

Fukushima City’s onsen offer communal baths and many day-use hot spring facilities. The water quality is that of a colorless, transparent simple hot spring with a slightly alkaline pH—gentle on the skin and safe for both children and adults. Some inns even use their own unique sources, such as simple sulfur springs or bicarbonate springs, so you can choose your preferred hot spring experience.

Beyond soaking in the onsen, you can also learn about Fukushima City’s history and culture. Tsuchiyu Onsen is renowned as the "hometown of kokeshi dolls." This craft, considered one of Japan’s three major kokeshi varieties, carries the legacy of a long line of dedicated artisans. In town, you’ll also find the "Kokeshi-do," where you can admire these historical dolls.

Recommended local cuisine includes “Tsuchiyu Konjac” — available in forms such as sashimi konjac or konjac ice cream — which you can even watch being made. It makes for a delightful addition to your sightseeing itinerary.

6. Iwatani Kannon

Iwatani Kannon is a mystical site where you can view around 60 sculpted Buddha statues (bodhisattvas) carved into the cliff face as part of the Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon. Located on the eastern cliff of Mount Shinobu, this serene spot is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the nearby stream. From here, you can also admire panoramic views of Fukushima City and feel the gentle flow of time as you wander. Each Buddha face carved into the cliff exhibits a unique expression that is deeply soothing to behold.

7. Anna Garden

Anna Garden is a tourist facility where you can enjoy spectacular views throughout the year. Lined with various eateries offering Fukushima City’s local cuisine, traditional craft shops, and stylish accessory stores, it is a must-visit attraction. European-style buildings and gardens blend beautifully with seasonal changes, creating a stunning visual experience. The garden's symbol, St. Anna Church, exudes a mysterious atmosphere.

In summer, the cool highland breezes make for a comfortable visit; in autumn, the surroundings transform into vivid red and orange hues; in winter, a snowy silver landscape unfolds. Because the scenery changes with each season, you can visit Anna Garden multiple times and always enjoy something new.

Gourmet options abound here as well: "Saint Hills ~ Pizza ~" offers authentic wood-fired Italian pizza; “Eve no Mori Café,” which focuses on seasonal and organic produce, is another popular spot. Other favorite eateries include "nico nico cafe" for nostalgic Neapolitan pasta, "Coffee Salon Seizan" for a relaxing coffee break, and "Chadokoro Seizan" for traditional Japanese sweets and tea.

Additionally, there is an exhibit of traditional kokeshi dolls titled "The Kokeshi Collection of the Hara Region – Nishida Memorial," where you can appreciate the enduring allure of historical kokeshi. And "Dagashiya Honpo Saika-an" sells locally produced senbei rice crackers and handmade dagashi (traditional Japanese sweets), letting you fully experience the charm of Fukushima.

There are also stores featuring imported goods and international furniture, so you can enjoy a diverse shopping experience without ever getting bored. The fruit gelato is also highly praised by tourists—be sure to sample it during your shopping break.

8. UFO Fureai-kan

In Iino-cho, Fukushima City, there have been numerous UFO sightings reported. To promote local revitalization in Iino-cho, the "UFO Fureai-kan" was established—a facility where visitors can explore exhibits and interactive displays related to aliens.

With an admission fee of only 400 yen, it is an affordable destination for both UFO enthusiasts and casual visitors. Along the "UFO Road" beside the facility, many alien statues are displayed, ranging from octopus-like figures to chameleon-like beings, creating a mysterious atmosphere before you even step inside.

Inside, the facility is dimly lit and adorned with various decorative lights, evoking a sense of otherworldliness. Interactive features include talking alien figures when buttons are pressed, models of space cities, and many other displays that draw you into the world of extraterrestrials.

The museum is divided into a "UFO Area" and an "Alien Area." The UFO Area exhibits UFO-related mysteries and even includes classified CIA documents. In the Alien Area, you can view various types of aliens and even take photos with them in a designated shooting area.

On the second floor, there is a "Fureai Room" featuring a UFO electromagnetic wave bath available separately for men and women—a perfect way to relax and recover from a day of sightseeing. In addition, the "UFO Butsusan-kan" offers food and souvenirs. A recommended dish at the dining area is "Flying Fish Ramen," named after the notion of UFOs “flying.” Taking home UFO or alien-related souvenirs also makes for a great memento.

◎ Summary

Every one of these locations brims with the unique charm of Fukushima City. Often referred to as "the city of flowers and beauty," Fukushima City is easily accessible even from the Tokyo metropolitan area and is blessed with abundant nature. With its local specialties, traditional crafts, and hands-on experiences, visitors of all ages can enjoy a dynamic and enriching trip. When you travel to Fukushima City, make sure to explore these diverse attractions and immerse yourself in everything this wonderful city has to offer!

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A Variety of Attractions from Orchards to UFOs! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Fukushima City