When I think of Fukushima...

As today is Fukushima Citizen's Day, I was thinking about what I associate with Fukushima. Unfortunately, the first thing that comes to mind is the triple disaster in March 2011. But there is so much more to the prefecture than that. I paid my first visit long before the disaster, in 2001 and I have been a few times since with my most recent visit three years ago, August 2023. 

Fukushima is Japan’s third‑largest prefecture, stretching from the Pacific coastline to quiet inland towns and highland lakes. Its major cities, Fukushima City and the coastal hub of Iwaki, form the prefecture’s urban backbone, while the surrounding countryside offers wide, open landscapes that feel distinctly different from the dense rhythm of Japan’s larger metropolitan areas. This mix of city life, rural charm, and natural beauty is one of the reasons Fukushima leaves such a lasting impression on visitors.

One of the places I love most in Fukushima is Lake Inawashiro, pictured. The lake’s calm, expansive scenery captures Fukushima’s gentle character perfectly. Whether splashing in the water, walking along the shore, or simply pausing to take in the view, Inawashiro is a refreshing destination. Fukushima is also known for its cultural icons, and one of the most famous is Ultraman, whose creator, Tsuburaya Eiji, was born in Sukagawa. You will find more about Lake Inawashiro, Tsuburaya Eiji and Ultraman on City-cost.

There is much more to Fukushima, this is just what came to mind for me instantly. I feel that combined with the prefecture’s natural symbols - the zelkova tree, Nemoto rhododendron, and narcissus flycatcher - Fukushima’s identity becomes a blend of nature, creativity, and enduring cultural pride. What comes to mind for you when you think of Fukushima?