Yakuoji Temple is located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. It is a historical temple that was built during the Daido era (806~810), but it was destroyed by fire during the Boshin War. The main temple building was later reconstructed, which is what can be seen today. Many Important Cultural Properties are stored inside the building, including Buddhist wooden sculptures, paintings, and handcrafts.

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Yakuoji Temple

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Located in the Hatoriko Highlands, British Hills is a resort facility built in the theme of Victorian England. The buildings were created on the principles of language training and understanding British culture, resulting in an English atmosphere that presides over the architecture, interior, and even the furnishings. The facility is equipped with four restaurants, including a pub and a large dining hall.

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British Hills

Mt. Haguro is located in central Hanawa-machi, Fukushima Prefecture. The Dewa Jinja Shrine is located at the summit, and it is open for viewing for those who climb the mountain.

Mt. Haguro

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Komine-jo Castle is located in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. Its walls are constructed entirely of stone, and it is counted as one of Tohoku's Three Famous Castles along with Morioka-jo Castle and Wakamatsu-jo Castle. 
The castle fell in the battle of Shirakawaguchi during the Boshin War, but using drawings from the Edo period as a reference, the three-story keep tower was rebuilt in 1991 and the front gate reconstructed in 1994. The three-story keep tower is one of only a few castle towers reconstructed in wood, and it can be seen clearly from the JR Shirakawa Station platforms. 
In recognition of its historical importance, the castle was declared a National Historic Site in 2010. 

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Komine-jo Castle

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Nanko Koen Park in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a Japanese *teien* park that was constructed in 1801 by Matsudaira Sadanobu, a Shirakawa feudal lord. The park is surrounded by the hills of a number of mountains, and from it one can look out on Mt. Sekisan in the southeast and the Nasu Mountains far off to the west. 
Nanko Koen Park was created to be a place where anyone can relax, regardless of social status. It is considered one of the first modern parks, and it is often referred to as Japan's oldest park. In the park is also a tearoom called Kyorakutei, said to have been built for the enjoyment of the common people. There are several popular photography spots within the park, such as Nanko Jinja Shrine and Suirakuen Garden, and the grounds are dotted with any number of monuments and stone slabs with *haiku* and *tanka* inscriptions.

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Nanko Koen Park

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Kagaminuma Pond in Iwase-gun, Fukushima Prefecture has origins in a tragic legend from the Kamakura period. A man named Wada Tanenaga was exiled to Iwase-gun and executed. When his wife learned of her husband's death, she clutched a mirror to her chest and threw herself into a pond. It is said that the mirror could be seen shining at the bottom of the pond, which is how the pond got its name (*kagami* = mirror, *numa* = pond). The pond is located in the middle of rice paddies, and the area around it has been developed into a park.

Kagaminuma Pond

Lake Hatoriko is an artificial lake in Iwase-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. It is 16 kilometers in circumference and reaches 31.2 meters at its deepest point. The name Lake Hatoriko actually originates from the village of Hatori, which sank to the bottom of the dam. 
In 2005, the lake was chosen as one of the 100 Dam Lakes of Japan, and the view from the observation deck located along National Highway 118 is quite popular among tourists. There are plenty of facilities nearby, such as cycling roads, autocamping grounds, and golf courses, so the region is also garnering attention as a resort area.

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Lake Hatoriko

Bobata Onsen is a hot spring resort in Ishikawa-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, that is comprised of several *onsen ryokan* hotels. It's estimated that the hot springs of Bobata Onsen were first opened around 900 years ago, and it's said their beginnings were when the injuries of a soldier were healed after he washed them in the mountain stream water. These hot springs have long been used to heal injuries, and people often visit for day trips and to stay overnight. 

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Bobata Onsen

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Warera Genki Club is a lodging facility in Samegawa-mura, Fukushima Prefecture, where visitors can participate in a variety of cultural experiences. Nearby is a mountain with an elevation of 650 meters, and for accommodation visitors can choose to either stay inside the lodge or in an outdoor tent. The premises are also furnished with stone-oven pizza making, adventure courses, agriculture, drum baths heated by firewood, and many other nature experiences for visitors to enjoy.

Warera Genki Club

Yukiwari Bridge is an arch-shaped iron bridge that stretches across the Abukuma River in Nishigo-mura, Fukushima Prefecture. It's known as a popular viewing spot for the fresh verdure of early summer and autumn foliage. In May of 2021, the new Yukiwari Bridge was formally opened, and from a nearby observation deck you can view both bridges, the new and the old, along with the beautiful scenery that surrounds them.

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Yukiwari Bridge

Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, was built in 1840 during the Tempou era by a village headman and 49 other contributors. It's a small shrine with local roots, but the beautiful sculptures carved by the carpenters of the time are sure to draw the eyes of those visiting.

Hiyoshi Jinja Shrine

Nanko Jinja Shrine is enshrined in Nanko Koen Park in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to Matsudaira Sadanobu, who was a feudal lord of the Shirakawa domain. The Nanko Shrine Museum is also located on the shrine grounds, and here one can find items that once belonged to Matsudaira as well as a collection of documents by Shibusawa Eiichi. The shrine is said to provide blessings for marriage, and it is known also as a popular spot to see cherry blossoms.

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Nanko Jinja Shrine

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Yakawa-no-yu is an *onsen ryokan* hotel surrounded by mountains in Hanawa-machi, Higashi Shirakawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. Nearby are a number of spots where you can enjoy magnificent nature, such as Eryuda no Taki Falls and Mt. Yumiharidoyama. The interior of the building still retains a historical refinement, and during your stay you can enjoy cuisine made with edible wild plants and home-grown vegetables.

Yakawa-no-yu

Suiraken Garden is a Japanese-style water garden with a strolling path located within Nanko Koen Park in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. There are around 4,000 different varieties of trees and shrubs growing in the garden, so visitors can enjoy the changing expressions of the plant life throughout all four seasons. The garden is also home to a teahouse where visitors can spend some leisurely quiet time while enjoying matcha green tea and Japanese sweets. Additionally, from August to October, seasonal evening events are held in which 500 paper lanterns adorn the garden.

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Suirakuen Garden

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Every year, a kind of natural art called rice paddy art spreads out on the east side of Kagamiishi Station on the Tohoku Main Line, JR East, in Kagamiishi-machi, Fukushima Prefecture. The effort was started in 2012 under the concept of "picture books viewed from the window - another library." In fact, visitors can view the rice paddy art from the observation room on the 4th floor of the local library. The best time to see it is in July and August, and during that time lots of people visit to see the sprawling agricultural art.

Rice Paddy Art

Yukiwari Canyon, located in Nishigo-mura, Fukushima Prefecture, is famous as an excellent place to see autumn foliage. From the Yukiwari Bridge, which spans the upper reaches of the Abukuma River, you can see the gradation of the red and yellow leaves coloring the area. Additionally, from an observation spot along the adjacent Nishinogo Walking Trail, visitors will have a view of the colorful canyon and the Yukiwari Bridge with the Nasu Mountains in the background.

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Yukiwari Canyon

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The Tanagura-jo Castle Site in Higashishirakawa District, Fukushima Prefecture, is a park centered around the remains of a castle built by Niwa Nagashige during the Edo period. The park is famous for its colorful seasons: cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and foliage in autumn. Near the remains of the Otemon Gate is a large Japanese zelkova tree that is about 620 years old; it's designated as a Natural Treasure of Fukushima Prefecture, and it is also known as the symbol of Tanagura.

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Tanagura-jo Castle Site

Shirakawa Seki-no-mori Park is located near the Shirakawa Barrier Site. Within the park is Furusato-no-ie, which is a *sugoya-zukuri* private house of the Shirakawa region that was relocated and rebuilt. There is also play equipment and facilities that use the natural environment as well as shops and restaurants that offer specialty products.

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Shirakawa Seki-no-mori Park

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Shiroyama Koen Park is located directly in front of Komine-jo Castle district in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. During spring, a lot of people visit to see the beautiful scenery of Komine-jo Castle and cherry blossoms in full bloom. There are also a variety of facilities in the park grounds that visitors can enjoy, such as a historical archive, shops, restaurants, and even a place where visitors can try on armor and take photos. 

Shiroyama Koen Park

Located on the border of Ten'ei-mura and Shimogo-machi of Fukushima Prefecture, Mt. Futamata is a mountain that sports two separate peaks. The legend behind its distinct appearance is that, once upon a time, when a giant tried to step over the mountain, he bumped into it and split the peak in two. 
Rhododendrons grow in abundance at the summit, and from there you can enjoy a 360-degree, panoramic view. From the top there is a view of the Iide Mountains, Mount Bandai, Lake Inawashiro, and the Nasu Highlands, and Lake Hatoriko also spreads out just below.

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Mt. Futamata

The Ayu Suspension Bridge is a 62-meter-long, bright red suspension bridge located in Yamatsuri Town near Yamatsuriyama Station. It is considered the symbol of the town, and it’s a popular place for photographers to practice their skills. The bridge offers beautiful views of the Kuji River and surrounding mountains, and its red color makes for a stark contrast against the vibrant green of summer, fall foliage, and silvery-white winter.

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Ayu Suspension Bridge

Naguragawa Valley in Higashishirakawa, Fukushima Prefecture, is a stretch of abundant nature that lies along Prefectural Road 27 (Hanawa-otsuko Route). During autumn, the changing leaves of the trees turn into a brilliant foliage, charming all who visit.

Naguragawa Valley

Kashi & Shinkashi Onsen is a quiet hot spring region surrounded by virgin forest located at the source of the Abukuma River in Nishigo-mura, Fukushima Prefecture. Kashi Onsen is characterized by its abundant supply of hot water, and it is said that it was Matsudaira Sadanobu's preferred place for hot-spring bathing. 
Additionally, in the Shinkashi region, there is a walking path located along the river where visitors can enjoy the beautiful canyon scenery. Fresh verdure and clear streams in spring, mountain stream fishing at the Abukuma River in summer, the colorful foliage of the valley in autumn, and the silvery-white scenery in winter; lots of people visit to enjoy the changing landscape throughout the whole year.

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Kashi & Shinkashi Onsen

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Oononouen, located in Ishikawa-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, is an agricultural farm that specializes in the cultivation of fruit. Within the premises, visitors can purchase original merchandise such as sweets, jams, and juices that were made using fruit that was grown on the farm. There are also a variety of seasonal events held during which the farm is open to the public.

Oononouen

Yamamoto Fudoson Temple is a Buddhist temple in Fukushima Prefecture that is over 1,000 years old. It is located in Okukuji Prefectural Natural Park, which is well known throughout the prefecture for its beautiful autumn foliage. To reach the temple, visitors will take a walk along quiet paths through a forest of 100-year-old cedar trees, followed by a climb up a set of stone steps. On the temple grounds is an impressive cave, which is where the deity enshrined at this temple is worshipped. 
The best time to see the autumn foliage around the temple is late October to early November, but the area is also known for its rhododendrons, azaleas, and cherry blossoms that bloom in spring.

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Yamamoto Fudoson Temple

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Shirayama Hime Jinja Shrine in Ishikawa-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, has a long history, believed to be built sometime around the year 1150. The shrine is located in the mountains near the side of Aoba-jo Castle, and it is surrounded by greenery. In spring, the area is filled with blooming cherry blossoms and azaleas, and it is popularly known as an ideal place to take a hike and enjoy the natural scenery. 
The shrine also hosts a festival on the first Saturday and Sunday of October each year. 

Shirayama Hime Jinja Shrine

Kanotsunodaira Observatory is located on a hill with an elevation of around 700 meters in Samegawa-mura, Fukushima Prefecture. It is an ideal place for stargazing, as there is little influence from artificial light and the view from the hill spreads out in 360 degrees. There are two telescopes with different specifications inside the facility, and there is also an observation deck set up outside. With advance reservations or on days when the observatory is open to the public, visitors can receive guidance from instructors about astronomical observation.

Kanotsunodaira Observatory

Tea Room Takayama is an old-fashioned café located right next to Shin-Shirakawa Station. After exiting the station, just go a little to the right and you'll be able to see the Nordic-style building. There is a fireplace in the center of the room where visitors can feel the warmth of the wood, and the wooden interior creates a relaxing atmosphere. In addition to coffee, the carefully-made homemade desserts are also popular with patrons. There is also a select shop set up inside which offers imported clothes and accessories. 

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Tea Room Takayama

The Shirakawa Barrier Site in Hatajuku, Shirakawa City, is the remains of a checking station that was placed at the entrance to the Mutsu Province along the ancient Tosando Route. The Shirakawa Barrier, which lost its functionality along with the decline of the *ritsuryo* governing system, later became a place of admiration for cultural figures from the urban areas, eventually becoming known as a place for *waka* poetry. Surrounding the barrier site are a number of giant trees, including an 800-year-old cedar, which create an ambiance of longevity.

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Shirakawa Barrier Site

Daruma Land in Shirakawa City is an experience-based entertainment facility dealing mainly in Shirakawa *daruma* dolls, a traditional handicraft of Fukushima Prefecture. The facility was built by relocating and reforming five buildings, including historical structures and one building that is over 150 years old. The establishment itself is separated into six areas, and it includes things like a Shirakawa *daruma* manufacturing process factory observation and exhibit area, a workshop that combines painting experiences and virtual factory tours, a *daruma* shrine where visitors can pray for success, *daruma*-themed attractions, and a souvenir shop planned and developed in collaboration with local businesses. The facility as a whole is designed so that visitors can enjoy a variety of things all together in one space. 

Daruma Land

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Kashima Jinja Shrine is located in Kashima, about two kilometers southeast of Shirakawa Station. The Shirakawa Lantern Festival is held here, and it is counted as one of the Three Great Lantern Festivals of Japan (Shirakawa, Yahiko, Isshoku). During the festival, around 120,000 tourists come to visit from nearby prefectures. 16 stone *komainu* guardian lion-dogs dot the shrine grounds, and it is popular for visitors to do *komainu-meguri* and go around to see all 16 of the statues. Additionally, about a three-minute walk from the shrine there is an *iwakura* deity dwelling and a sacred tree, leading the area to be known as a power spot. 

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Kashima Jinja Shrine

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About a four-minute walk from Shirakawa Station, inside the grounds of Kotoku-ji Temple, lies the grave of Ohara Shosuke, who is described in Fukushima folk song called "Aizu Bandai-san". The lyrics are well known throughout the region: 

*Ohara Shosuke, why did you ruin yourself?* 

*You love sleeping in, drinking in the morning, and taking baths in the morning;* 

*That ruined you, yes, it ruined you.*

The gravestone is shaped like *sake* bottles and cups, as he is remembered for loving alcohol. 

白河市VP　小原庄助の墓.mp4

The Gravesite of Ohara Shosuke

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Shirakawa Station has the atmosphere of a Western retro building, with outer walls painted white and grey and a triangular roof made of red tiles. In the past, it also garnered attention as the filming location for a light motor vehicle commercial. Inside, there is a café as well as a shop that sells local specialty goods and Shirakawa *daruma* dolls. 

Shirakawa Station

Sightseeing Spots