Fukushima Prefecture’s Tadami Town and 5 surrounding tourist spots: A journey through the capital of nature!

Tadami Town (Tadamimachi) in Fukushima Prefecture is located in the southwest of the prefecture, in Minamiaizu District, and borders Niigata Prefecture. It is one of Japan’s most prominent heavy snowfall areas. The Tadami River flows through the town, hosting several dams and serving as a base for hydroelectric power generation. Known as the “Capital of Nature,” the town is considered a hidden gem that preserves Japan’s original landscape.

Registered as a UNESCO Eco Park, Tadami is blessed with abundant forest resources. Gazing at the tranquil and pure flows of the Ina River and the Tadami River evokes a nostalgic feeling, even for first-time visitors. You can enjoy sightseeing that allows you to immerse yourself in this sentiment. The JR Tadami Line, a favorite among railway fans, is also a must-see! Here are some of the best tourist spots in the Capital of Nature, Tadami Town.

1. Tadami Recreation Center Hitoppuro Machi-yu

After being closed for some time due to the heavy rain disaster in July 2011, Tadami Recreation Center “Hitoppuro Machi-yu” reopened on September 1, 2013, thanks to the heartfelt wishes and support of local residents and tourists who love Tadami. Everything from the baths to the dining hall was completely renewed. The bathing area now features a sauna and is widely used as a relaxation spot for both locals and tourists.

The renovated bathhouse offers a spring-summer bath with a sauna and an autumn-winter bath, with the men’s and women’s baths alternating daily. There is also a dining hall offering noodles and rice bowl dishes at reasonable prices, as well as a spacious relaxation hall for unwinding after a bath. Private rooms are also available for those who prefer privacy. Located about a 10-minute walk from Tadami Station, Hitoppuro Machi-yu is the perfect place to relieve travel fatigue.

2. Tadami UNESCO Eco Park

The UNESCO Eco Park project, launched in 1976, aims to harmonize the “conservation and sustainable use of ecosystems with the coexistence of nature and human society.” Tadami Town was registered as a UNESCO Eco Park on June 12, 2014. The town’s nature-coexisting lifestyle has been recognized worldwide. Since then, Tadami has become widely known across Japan, attracting numerous tourists daily.

This region of Tadami is a mountainous area with abundant deciduous broadleaf forests, including primeval beech forests, where various plant communities thrive in diverse environments. Tourists enjoy the ultimate forest bathing experience in nearly untouched virgin forests of coniferous Kitagoyo, dwarf Mongolian oak, beech, horse chestnut, and streamside walnut trees. Tadami’s rich natural scenery makes it a must-visit destination for nature sightseeing.

3. Mitsuishi Shrine

Located on the mountainside of Yougaiyama, accessible via a walking trail behind Tadami Station, Mitsuishi Shrine has long been worshipped as a deity for the head, eyes, household safety, and matchmaking. Along its approach are three sacred rock formations—Ichinoiwa, Namidaiwa, and Enmusubi-no-Iwa—hence the shrine’s name, which means “Three Stones Shrine.”

“Ichinoiwa,” where one places their head in the hollow and prays, is said to cure head ailments and improve intelligence. “Namidaiwa,” where water seeps out year-round, is believed to cure eye diseases if one purifies their eyes with the water. The huge “Enmusubi-no-Iwa,” full of small holes where people tie five-yen coins with paper strings, is said to bless good relationships and is a popular prayer spot. Tourists from all over Japan visit to seek these blessings.

Another highlight is “Enmusubi Mitsuishi Spring,” a clear water source along the approach that has never dried up and is one of Tadami’s top 10 famous waters. It’s a recommended power-spot destination. At the adjacent Tadami Ski Resort, visitors can also hike to Mitsuishi Shrine with snowshoes, adding to the sightseeing experience.

4. Iwana-no-Sato

Tadami’s tourist spot “Iwana-no-Sato” was affected by the Niigata-Fukushima heavy rain disaster in July 2011 and had suspended operations, but its fishing ponds have reopened. These ponds are stocked with char (iwana) and yamame trout raised in the clear flow of the Kurotani River. Visitors can watch, catch, and taste the lively char raised with abundant spring water, clear stream water, and premium feed.

Many tourists come to catch the finest char. The facility now also offers yamame and larger char fishing ponds, making it one of Tadami’s popular attractions. Some fish can grow up to about 30 cm, allowing both children and adults to enjoy fishing. Equipment and ingredients are required, but visitors can also enjoy barbecues with friends after fishing. Be sure to stop by during your visit to Tadami.

5. JR Tadami Line

The JR Tadami Line is a railway line connecting Aizuwakamatsu Station in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, with Koide Station in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture, and is a nationally famous sightseeing route. This local line spans approximately 135 km, serving as both an essential transportation method for local residents and a scenic route beloved by railway enthusiasts, photographers, and tourists nationwide.

Known as a spectacular hidden-scenery route, the line offers breathtaking views of the Aburumagawa and Tadami River gorges from its windows, enhanced by lush greenery in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. During peak sightseeing seasons, the trains are very crowded. The line ranks in the top three in various polls, including “Top 10 Rail Lines with Beautiful Autumn Leaves,” “Top 10 Local Lines with Stunning Snow Scenery,” and “Favorite JR Local Lines in Eastern Japan,” making it the pride of Tadami.

Usually a quiet town, Tadami becomes crowded during the operation of special trains like steam locomotives, with traffic jams and many tourists flocking to photo spots.

◎ Summary

As introduced, Tadami Town is surrounded by mountains and traversed by large rivers, making nature the main attraction. A boat trip along Lake Tagokura is highly recommended. During the autumn foliage season, the lake is surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of vibrant colors, offering an unforgettable experience. Relaxing in the “Forest of Blessings,” a vast primeval beech forest, will surely leave lasting memories of your trip.

As you walk through Tadami, the friendly townspeople often greet and chat with you, making you truly feel the warmth of the region. Be sure to visit Tadami to experience its grand nature and the kindness of its people.