A morning 3-hour train will take you to
FUKUSHIMA (Koriyama Station) this morning to start out your day.
Upon arrival, exit the station then follow a 30-minute drive to see the renowned
Miharu Takizakura cherry tree. More than a thousand years old, this is widely considered the most beautiful of its kind in Japan, and "Takizakura" translates to "waterfall cherry tree," describing the dramatic arcs of its branches. After this, you’ll have a one-hour drive to Aizuwakamatsu for lunch, followed by an afternoon exploring the town. Stop by the rebuilt
Tsuruga Castle, see how the surrounding park’s cherry blossoms contrast with the traditional architecture, and even enjoy a cup of tea at a teahouse on castle grounds.
Nearby is the
Aizu Sazaedo Temple, which is a one-of-a-kind double-helix pagoda with an ingenious design that allows people to walk up and down it while always traveling in the same direction. Along
Nanukamachi Street there are famous Aizu crafts to be seen such as urushi-nuri lacquerware and akabeko, a kind of toy cow. There are also antique stores you can step into, and some even exhibit Showa-era artifacts.
For dinner, enjoy a kaiseki meal at your ryokan accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Fukushima (Aizuwakamatsu).
