Fukushima Prefecture, set in Japan's Tohoku region, is a destination of striking contrasts — from the samurai castle towns of Aizu in the west to rugged volcanic highlands around Mt. Bandai and the Pacific coastline of Hamadori in the east. Centuries of feudal history live on in Tsuruga Castle, the thatched-roof post town of Ouchi-juku, and the stirring legacy of the Byakkotai teen warriors. Nature lovers find five-colored volcanic ponds, pristine highland lakes, and world-class sakura viewing at Miharu Takizakura. Fukushima's culinary identity is rich with Kitakata ramen, Aizu kozuyu soup, sake brewed from volcanic-spring water, and some of Japan's finest peaches.
Fukushima's history spans from prehistoric Jomon settlements to one of the defining events of 21st-century Japan. The region's feudal identity was shaped most powerfully by the Aizu Domain — a loyal Tokugawa vassal clan that refused to accept the 1868 Meiji Restoration and fought one of the last battles of the samurai era. The tragic story of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Force), a unit of 20 teenage warriors who committed ritual suicide on Iimori Hill believing their castle had fallen, has made Aizuwakamatsu a symbol of samurai honor throughout Japan. In modern times, Fukushima entered international consciousness through the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent nuclear accident — an event that, while devastating for coastal Hamadori communities, has also sparked a remarkable story of reconstruction, agricultural recovery, and renewed regional identity.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Fukushima.
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1
Hunter-gatherer settlements along the Abukuma River; artifacts now displayed in Fukushima Prefectural Museum
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2
Agricultural communities established in the Nakadori valley; rice cultivation begins
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3
Shirakawa Barrier constructed as the northern frontier of the Heian court — one of Japan's celebrated ancient checkpoints
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4
Multiple warlords contest Aizu; the Date and Uesugi clans both hold the region at different times
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5
Aizu Domain established as a loyal Tokugawa vassal under the Matsudaira clan; Tsuruga Castle becomes the domain's center; Ouchi-juku flourishes as a key post town on the Aizu Nishi Kaido road
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6
Aizu refuses to recognize the Meiji Emperor; after a 30-day siege of Tsuruga Castle, the domain surrenders; the Byakkotai episode becomes Japan's most celebrated tale of youth sacrifice
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7
Industrialization begins; Joban coalfields in Iwaki become a major energy source; Fukushima City becomes the prefectural capital
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8
Coal mining peaks in Iwaki mid-century; decline of coal leads to the innovative creation of Spa Resort Hawaiians (1966) as an economic pivot
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9
Magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami; Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant suffers meltdowns; 154,000 residents evacuated from coastal zones; decade-long reconstruction follows
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10
Gradual return of residents to coastal areas; Fukushima's agriculture regains domestic market share as monitoring confirms safety; 2011 Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum opens in Futaba (2020)
Historical eras
The chapters of Fukushima's past.
Historical sites
Places where Fukushima's past comes alive.
Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu)
Where: Aizuwakamatsu
Admission: Adults ¥410 ($2.73); children ¥150 ($1)
Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence)
Where: Aizuwakamatsu
Admission: Adults ¥850 ($5.67); high school ¥550 ($3.67); junior high and below ¥450 ($3)
Byakkotai Memorial & Seiganji Temple, Iimori Hill
Where: Aizuwakamatsu
Admission: Moving staircase ¥250 ($1.67); hilltop access free
Fukushima Prefectural Museum
Where: Aizuwakamatsu
Admission: Adults ¥280 ($1.87); high school ¥170 ($1.13); junior high and below free
Sazaedo Spiral Buddhist Stupa
Where: Aizuwakamatsu (Iimori Hill)
Admission: ¥400 ($2.67)
Shirakawa Komine Castle
Where: Shirakawa City
Admission: Adults ¥200 ($1.33); children ¥100 ($0.67)
Ouchi-juku — Edo Period Post Town
Where: Shimogo Town, Minami-Aizu
Admission: Free to enter; Ouchi-juku folk museum ¥300 ($2)
Coal and Fossil Museum (Horuru), Iwaki
Where: Iwaki City
Admission: Adults ¥600 ($4); children ¥300 ($2)
Museums
Curated collections that tell Fukushima's story.
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.