Reviews, Local food , Transportation Information, and Map Information of Hanamiyama, Iizaka Hot Springs, and Ouchijuku

1.Basic Information

Ouchijuku (Ouchijuku)

Ouchijuku is a popular tourist spot in the mountainous region of southern Fukushima Prefecture, preserving the Edo period’s appearance from about 400 years ago. Over 30 traditional thatched-roof houses line up in this historical post town along the highway once used by feudal lords and travelers. Festivals are held in summer, and a snow lantern and snow festival are held in winter, attracting over one million tourists throughout the year.

Iizaka Hot Springs (Iizakaonsen)

Iizaka Hot Springs is located 25 minutes by car or train from Fukushima Station. These baths have a history of more than 1200 years and were visited by the famous poet Matsuo Basho. They can be used casually for a day trip without reservation, at a reasonable price, providing a place to experience local culture and life.

2.Reviews

Hanamiyama (Hanamiyama)

Hanamiyama Park is a nationally renowned flower spot boasted by Fukushima City. Farmers create colorful flower fields, and the area offers beautiful streams and traditional sceneries. Praised as “A Paradise in Fukushima” by a famous photographer, it has become known nationwide.

Soma Wild Horse Chase (Soumanoumaoi)

The Soma Wild Horse Chase is a 3-day festival held in the Soma region of Fukushima Prefecture. About 400 horse-riding warriors, dressed in armor, carrying swords, and holding flags, create a luxurious and magnificent procession. According to legend, it originated over 1000 years ago when a shogun treated wild horses as enemy soldiers and conducted military exercises.

3.Local Food

Introducing distinctive meat dishes.

In Japanese cuisine, there are meats such as offal, horse meat, and whale meat, which are not commonly eaten in daily life. Each region has its own traditional meat dishes, and these are known as local specialties and famous products of the area.

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Introduction to Eastern Japan's Yakisoba

Yakisoba is a dish made by frying boiled noodles on a griddle, seasoned with a special sauce, vegetables, and meat (mainly pork). The sauce is a crucial element that defines the flavor of yakisoba, and its characteristics vary by region. In Eastern Japan, Yokote yakisoba from Akita Prefecture is particularly famous.

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Introduction to Eastern Japan’s  Ramen: Part 2

In Eastern Japan, particularly in the Kanto region, ramen based on chicken bones and soy sauce has traditionally been favored. Below, we introduce the representative ramen of the Tohoku, Kanto, Nagano, and Niigata regions.

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4.Traffic Information

■How to get to Ouchijuku (Multilingual support)
Ouchijuku Tourism Association Official Site
https://ouchi-juku.com/

■How to get to Iizaka Hot Springs (Multilingual support)
Iizaka Hot Springs Tourism Association Official Site
https://iizaka.com/

■How to get to Hanamiyama (English support)
Fukushima City Tourism & Convention Association Official Site
https://www.hanamiyama.jp/

■How to get to Soma Wild Horse Chase
Soma Wild Horse Chase Executive Committee Official Site
https://soma-nomaoi.jp/

5.Map Information