Fukushima
Discover Fukushima
Fukushima (福島) is the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture in Honshu, Japan in the Fukushima Basin and its surrounding parts. Known for its fruit production, Fukushima is particularly proud of their peaches, but pears and apples and persimmons are also grown. Fukushima was hit by high magnitude earthquake on 11 March 2011. A nuclear plant Fukushima Dai-ichi, located some 60 km to the south-east at the Pacific coast, was damaged in the quake and an evacuation zone was established. Fukushima city is well outside the evacuation zone, which occupies 2.4% (as of 2024) of the prefecture's land area. Elevated radiation levels have been detected (though still quite low), and while debate rages on about the long-term effects of these levels, a short stay in Fukushima is not likely to do you any harm.
What to Experience in Fukushima
Taste of Fukushima...
A lot of bars and restaurants are in the neighborhood east of the train station. There is an underpass connecting the east and west sides of the station. There are lots of izakayas and beer gardens in Fukushima. Passeo Dori and the roads branching from it are where most of the best places are found. Two examples are Yatta Iwamora and Jyuhachiban (十八番). The tap water is generally safe, and hasn't been contaminated by radiation from the Dai-ichi power plant 90km (56 miles) away. Seafood and local foods are also safe despite the contaminated water at the Dai-ichi power plant discharged since 2021. While there is an ongoing debate about long term exposure to low level radiation, risks to short-term travelers are minimal and should not be of major concern. It has been said travelers will be exposed to higher levels of radiation during the airplane ride to and from Japan than their time spent in Fukushima.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsIt is a 40-minute bus ride from 37.2275140.4280561 Fukushima Airport (FKS) to Koriyama station (¥800), from which you will then have to travel to Fukushima station by Shinkansen (¥2920, 15 minutes) or local train (¥820, 45 minutes). It may be a bit more convenient to arrive in Tokyo and take the Shinkansen from there. Fukushima is a stop on the Tohoku Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Sendai, and is also served by the JR Tohoku and Yamagata lines. The Yamagata Shinkansen branches off here, traveling over conventional lines to Yamagata and Shinjo. The Shinkansen only calls at 37.75451140.459212 Fukushima Main Station. The travel time from Tokyo to Fukushima by Shinkansen is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, with 2 to 4 departures every hour at a cost of ¥8500 each way (non-reserved seats). JR Bus' Abukuma makes five daily round-trips to Fukushima from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo (5 hours, ¥4800)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Taxis are abundant around the station, though may be harder to find elsewhere. Buses and trains are convenient for heading out of the city, including the surrounding hot spring areas. Momorin Share Cycles are a good way to explore Fukushima City, at just \50/30 minutes, though you need to install and use a Japanese-only app on your device. 18 unmanned bicycle ports are located within the city. There is one on either side of JR Fukushima Station. Bicycles are motor-assisted and have large basket, bell, key/lock, and automatic light. They can be borrowed 24 hours everyday. Walking is sufficient around the station, central shopping arcade, and the evening bar and restaurant area. Fukushima downtown is compact with few changes in elevation. There are also paths along rivers 15–20 minutes away which make longer walks or jogs an enjoyable activity. Do note there are many underground pedestrian walkways in the city.
Where to Stay
The tap water is generally safe, and hasn't been contaminated by radiation from the Dai-ichi power plant 90km (56 miles) away. Seafood and local foods are also safe despite the contaminated water at the Dai-ichi power plant discharged since 2021. While there is an ongoing debate about long term exposure to low level radiation, risks to short-term travelers are minimal and should not be of major concern. It has been said travelers will be exposed to higher levels of radiation during the airplane ride to and from Japan than their time spent in Fukushima.
Money & Budget
A lot of bars and restaurants are in the neighborhood east of the train station. There is an underpass connecting the east and west sides of the station. There are lots of izakayas and beer gardens in Fukushima. Passeo Dori and the roads branching from it are where most of the best places are found. Two examples are Yatta Iwamora and Jyuhachiban (十八番). The tap water is generally safe, and hasn't been contaminated by radiation from the Dai-ichi power plant 90km (56 miles) away. Seafood and local foods are also safe despite the contaminated water at the Dai-ichi power plant discharged since 2021. While there is an ongoing debate about long term exposure to low level radiation, risks to short-term travelers are minimal and should not be of major concern.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Fukushima
a view of a city with mountains in the background
green grass field under blue sky and white clouds during daytime
a white tent on a grassy hill by a body of water
Boats line the shore of a serene lake.
an aerial view of a snow covered mountain
a winding road in the middle of a mountain range
green grass field under blue sky during daytime
green grass field during daytime
A waterfall located in the mountiains of Fukushima, Japan.
a building that has a bunch of birds on top of it
a view of a city with mountains in the background
green grass field under blue sky and white clouds during daytime
a white tent on a grassy hill by a body of water