11 Recommended Tourist Spots in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture! A Summary of Popular Parks & Hot Springs

Sukagawa City in Fukushima Prefecture is a healing town wrapped in flowers and greenery. It is full of attractive tourist spots such as Suigōka Park, selected as one of the “Top 100 Urban Parks in Japan,” hot springs with silky smooth waters, and Otakizawa Falls, chosen as one of the “Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan.”
Here, we introduce 10 of the most popular parks, hot springs, and nature spots in Sukagawa City. If you're thinking, “Since I’m already in Sukagawa, I want to visit the must-see tourist spots!” then this guide is for you. We’ve also picked out seasonal highlights such as famous cherry blossom spots and the Taimatsu Akashi, one of Japan’s three great fire festivals. Let us share the charm of Sukagawa City with you!

1. Sukagawa Peony Garden

The “Sukagawa Peony Garden” is a peony garden where 7,000 peony plants of 290 varieties are in full bloom. It is the only nationally designated scenic spot in Japan specializing in peonies, with a site area equivalent to about three Tokyo Domes. Highlights include trees over 200 years old and a unique Sukagawa-only variety called “Showa no Yume.”
Although peonies are best viewed in May, the site is open year-round as a garden. You can also enjoy tulips, roses, and autumn foliage. With a pond, bridges, and a shrine on the grounds, it’s a pleasant spot for sightseeing in Sukagawa. A must-see tourist attraction when visiting the city.

2. Suigōka Park

Suigōka Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Urban Parks. Known for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, it is a lush, green, comprehensive park in Sukagawa. The spacious grounds include an observation deck, plum grove plaza, north lawn, a pond, museum, and rest house for seniors—perfect for a leisurely visit.
The park hosts events such as a cherry blossom festival in April and the “Sukagawa Taimatsu Akashi,” one of Japan’s three great fire festivals, in November. Especially popular with families and couples is the cherry blossom festival, where 180 cherry trees bloom along both sides of the Shakadō River over a 2km stretch.

3. Ōkanbara Azalea Garden

Ōkanbara Azalea Garden is a tourist spot with about 10,000 azalea plants blooming in a vast 2-hectare garden. It features two small hills and fields of about 33,000 square meters, showcasing about 100 azalea varieties (3,000 plants), 50 rhododendron varieties (2,000 plants), and 50 peony varieties (50,000 flowers).
Best viewed from late April to early June, the colorful azalea blooms are stunning. It’s also a popular photography spot, attracting many visitors annually. The best shooting location is in front of the shop with a full view of the garden.

4. Fukushima Airport Park

If you or your children are airplane enthusiasts, “Fukushima Airport Park” in Sukagawa City is highly recommended. Built around Fukushima Airport, it provides easy access to the airport’s observation deck. A popular tourist course is to watch planes at the airport and then stroll through the park.
The park has three areas: the “Air Front Area” with a Japanese garden, the “Green Sports Area” with tennis and futsal courts, and the “Earth Science Area” with BBQ facilities—perfect for active visitors. In April and May, cherry blossoms bloom in the Air Front Area, forming a tunnel of blossoms for a peaceful stroll.

5. Otogi-no-Yado Yoneya

Now for hot spring facilities in Sukagawa City—perfect for relieving travel fatigue or wrapping up your trip.
First is “Otogi-no-Yado Yoneya,” a top hot spring inn in Sukagawa. Its charm lies in its luxuriously smooth waters. Using diluted alkaline simple hot spring water with a source temperature of 51.6°C, it offers various baths including indoor and open-air types. Known as “an exceptionally rare spring quality only available here” and “so smooth you won’t need lotion,” it’s a must-try.
Their official site offers a day-trip plan with dinner—perfect for those wanting to enjoy the onsen without overnight stays.

6. Sukagawa Citizen’s Hot Spring

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bath, Sukagawa Citizen’s Hot Spring is a beloved option. Cheaper than regular public baths, it offers a 39.2°C alkaline simple spring, known for leaving your skin smooth. It’s praised by people of all ages for its healing properties, including relief for nerve, muscle, and joint pain, and chronic digestive issues.

Note: The facility was temporarily closed for maintenance but reopened on December 26, 2015.
(Info as of November 9, 2016)

7. Hibari Onsen

Hibari Onsen is a health-oriented facility in Sukagawa. Though its exterior is playful, the spring quality is impressive. Enjoy natural hot spring water sourced at 40.1°C and pH 8.7, directly piped without recycling. With its silky smooth water and abundant flow, it’s perfect for those seeking quality with a twist.

There’s also a game corner, a nice perk. The lodging area was renovated in December 2012 for added comfort.

8. Kaisei-no-Yu Serizawa Onsen

For those traveling with dogs, Kaisei-no-Yu Serizawa Onsen is ideal. With dog-friendly accommodation, a dog run, pet-exclusive open-air hot spring, and grooming room, you can finally enjoy a hot spring trip with your pup.

The spring is a clear, colorless alkaline simple spring that is even drinkable—perfectly safe. All facilities feature free-flowing hot spring water, with a generous flow of 750 liters per minute.

9. Fujinuma Onsen Yamayuriso

Located in Fujinuma Lake Nature Park, this hot spring facility features a lovely open-air bath with seasonal views. The water is a pH 9.6 alkaline simple spring—soft and smooth, known as a “beauty bath.”
Perfect to pair with a visit to Fujinuma Lake, which features a 5km walking trail around its 20-hectare surface and 18,000 trees—ideal for refreshment.

10. Otsujigataki Falls

Otsujigataki Falls is one of Sukagawa’s top natural attractions and one of the “Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan.”
Named for its resemblance to the character “乙” in the way the water flows, it's also known as the “Mini Niagara.” The water spans 100 meters wide and falls dramatically—truly a stunning sight to behold.
Near the left bank is the Otsujigataki Ruins, the oldest archaeological site in Sukagawa, adding historical depth to the area.

11. Mt. Yomogidake

Mt. Yomogidake lies on the border of Hirata Village, Koriyama City, and Sukagawa City. Standing 952 meters tall, it takes about an hour to climb from the base. Its gently sloping trails make it beginner-friendly.
Enjoy unique rock formations along the way, and especially the summit view. On clear days, you can see the Nasu and Azuma mountain ranges—and even a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. Great for those who want an active sightseeing adventure.

◎ Summary

What did you think? Located in the heart of Fukushima, Sukagawa City is easily accessible by Tohoku Main Line, Shinkansen, highways, and Route 4—making it convenient from Sendai and the Kanto region. If you're looking to relax in nature or take a break from the city, this is the place to be. You can visit year-round, but seasonal visits are also recommended. Enjoy cherry blossoms in early spring to April along Shakadogawa River, at Eizenji Temple, and Nagamune Castle Ruins. Don’t miss the Taimatsu Akashi fire festival in the second week of November.
Besides these featured spots, Sukagawa has many hidden gems and delicious local foods waiting to be discovered. Take your time and enjoy everything this charming city has to offer.