Oku-Aizu Valley 奥会津

Rising from Mount Arakai, the Ina River meanders through the western part of Fukushima Prefecture. Over the centuries, many people settled on the banks of the river and villages and towns were created. The isolated region of Okuaizu is surrounded by mountains and offers a magnificent landscape of lakes and beautiful valleys.

To visit the Okuaizu region, it is advisable to take the Tadami line , a rural train that passes through serene and isolated countryside. The JR Tadami line is very famous for its superb landscapes which it crosses and which it is possible to admire through the windows. Its route is approximately 135 kilometers in the Japanese countryside, from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Koide Station in Niigata Prefecture.

In order to promote this region rich in cultures and traditions, the local authorities created what is today called "the region of Oku-Aizu". It includes the cities of Yanaizu, Mishima, Kaneyama, Showa, Tadami, Minami Aizu and the village of Hinoemata.

• Read also: Visit Aizu-Wakamatsu

Yanaizu

Yanaizu City has a history that dates back over 1200 years. It flourished over the centuries around Fukuman Kokuzo Bosatsu Enzoji Temple . Built on the side of a cliff, Enzoji Temple was founded by Tokuitsu Daishi in 807. Note that the current wooden structure was rebuilt in 1830. Despite these renovations, the temple has retained its soul. It bears traces of historical events that took place within its walls, such as the damage caused during the 19th century samurai battles.

This temple is famous for the "Nanokado Hadaka Mairi" festival that has been held for over 1000 years . On January 7, men in loincloths run to the main hall of Enzoji where they compete to climb a rope suspended from the ceiling. The legend says that those climbing it, can hope for a prosperous year!

About 20 minutes from the center of Yanaizu, don't miss the beautiful rice terraces in the Kubota area.

• Read also : The rice fields of Aragijima Island

mishima

In 2017, Mishima was selected as one of the most beautiful villages in Japan. But the main attraction of Mishima City is the spectacular view of the Daiichi Bridge over the Tadami River and the trains crossing it.

Mishima is a city recognized for its artisanal techniques around the creation of woven products. Archaeological research has provided evidence that handcrafted objects similar to those used today existed there as early as the Jomon period (14,000-300 BC).

Reserve your seat on a Tadami line train with a Japan Rail Pass

Kaneyama

Kaneyama is surrounded by lush green mountains and is home to seven natural springs, making it a renowned hot spring resort in the region. It is also here that you can find one of Japan's few natural sparkling water sources, called "Oshio Natural Sparkling Water".

Kaneyama has no city center, but is made up of a set of small villages preserved and scattered along the Tadami River like Oshi or Nakagawa.

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Showa

The small village of Showa is the custodian of an ancient weaving technique called " Karamushi " and the only village producing the material for this art, Choma ramie . The characteristics of the Karamushi textile are the permeability and lightness of the garments woven with it.

To learn more about the Karamushi weaving process and see the transformation of ramie from plant to fabric, you can visit July at the "Karamushi Weaving Festival" or throughout the year at " Karamushi Kogei Museum" and even participate in workshops.

• Read also: Traditional crafts of the Tohoku region

You will also find the Tagokura Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Japan, from which it is possible to take boat trips to admire the natural beauty of the region.

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Minami Aizu

In an idyllic landscape of rural, peaceful and traditional Japan, discover " Maezawamagariya ". This preserved historic district founded at the end of the 16th century is home to many traditional wooden houses with thatched roofs . What differentiates Maezawamagariya from other traditional Japanese villages are the " Magariya ", L-shaped houses divided into two parts: one for domestic animals and the other for humans.

• Read also: The Machiya, the houses of Japanese merchants

You can also enjoy the pleasures of snow! Skiing, snowboarding, excursions to admire the frozen landscapes at the top of the mountains... discover the Japanese winter there.

Hinoemata Village

In the very south of Fukushima prefecture, Hinoemata is a mountain village located in the Oze natural park.

Since the Edo period (1603-1868), the art of Hinoemata Kabuki has been passed down here from generation to generation. You will be able to discover this traditional art of the theater preserved there thanks to the perseverance of the villagers. Indeed, the people who produce Kabuki plays there and the performers on stage are all farmers and ordinary villagers.

• Read also: Kabuki, popular and baroque theater

Discover Japan's northeast with our 13-day self-guided tour: Getaway in Tohoku