Fukushima

Fukushima is the capital of Fukushima Prefecture, a regional city in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshu. It sits in the Fukushima Basin, framed by the Azuma mountain range to the west and the Abukuma Highlands to the east, with the Abukuma River flowing through the city. As a stop on the Tōhoku Shinkansen, it connects to Tokyo in roughly 90 minutes.

The city developed as a castle town and post station along historic highways, later becoming the political, commercial and cultural centre of the prefecture. Landmarks include Hanamiyama Park, a hillside garden famous for spring cherry blossoms, and Iwaya-Kannon, where Buddhist figures are carved into the rock face of Mount Shinobu, which rises near the city centre and offers walking trails and views over the city.

Fukushima City is also known for its fruit-growing culture, particularly peaches, apples, pears and cherries along the Fruit Line, and for its sake breweries. Hot spring districts such as Iizaka Onsen, Tsuchiyu Onsen and Takayu Onsen provide traditional ryokan and onsen experiences within the city limits.

As the prefectural capital, Fukushima hosts government offices, regional businesses and events such as the Fukushima Waraji Festival. Its mix of natural scenery, hot springs, local food and rail access makes it a practical base for leisure travellers exploring Tōhoku and for business visitors to the region.