Reader’s Question:

Traveling to Fukushima: Renting a Car

I will be traveling to Fukushima Prefecture for the first time at the end of August. I will be traveling with an infant for a two-night, three-day trip, taking the Tohoku Shinkansen
from Ueno and renting a car in Fukushima. I am considering whether to rent a car from Koriyama Station or to take the JR train from Koriyama to Aizuwakamatsu and then rent a car there.

Accommodation and Sightseeing Plans

– Accommodation: Ashinomaki Onsen – Planned sightseeing spots: Ouchi-juku, Tsuruga Castle, Goshikinuma, Lake Inawashiro, Mount Bandai I would also like to try: sauce katsu don, tempura manju, and Kitakata ramen in Kitakata City.

Recommendations for Car Rental

Given the above plans, where would you recommend renting a car? I will be returning via the Tohoku Shinkansen. If anyone is knowledgeable about Fukushima Prefecture, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Additionally, there are experiences like making Akabeko available.

Exploring Fukushima: A Memorable Family Adventure

Traveling to Japan is always an exciting undertaking, but embarking on a journey to Fukushima Prefecture filled me with a unique sense of anticipation. As a new parent, I was both thrilled and slightly nervous about traveling with my infant. I knew we were in for an adventure, and with just two nights and three days to soak in all the beauty and culture Fukushima has to offer, I wanted to make the most of our time.

Getting There: The Shinkansen Experience

First things first—let’s talk about the Shinkansen. We took the Tohoku Shinkansen from Ueno Station in Tokyo, and wow, what an experience! There’s something magical about gliding through the Japanese countryside at such high speeds. My little one was a trooper, and we made sure to pack plenty of snacks and toys for the journey. The views of mountains and rice fields flying by were mesmerizing; it was a great way to start our trip. Arriving at Koriyama Station felt like stepping into a new world. The station itself is bustling but not overwhelming, which was a relief with a baby in tow. I’d heard about the convenience of renting a car here, and honestly, it seemed like the best option for our trip.

Renting a Car: Koriyama Station vs. Aizuwakamatsu

Now, here’s the million-yen question: should we rent the car at Koriyama Station or take the train to Aizuwakamatsu and rent there? After mulling it over, I decided that picking up the car in Koriyama would be the best bet. Here’s why: accessibility and convenience. Koriyama is the central hub of Fukushima and has a bunch of rental car options right at the station. Plus, it meant we could hit the road right away without any extra train rides. I mean, who wants to navigate train schedules with an infant? The thought alone was enough to make my head spin! The car rental process was straightforward. I reserved online ahead of time (pro tip: always do this during peak travel months, especially with an infant). When we arrived, the rental staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. They helped us fit the car seat into our compact vehicle, which made me feel a bit more at ease.

Our Home Base: Ashinomaki Onsen

With our rental secured, we made our way to Ashinomaki Onsen, our home for the next two nights. Let me tell you, this place is a hidden gem! Nestled in the mountains, the onsen (hot springs) was a relaxing escape. The atmosphere was calm and serene, just what we needed after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. The onsen facilities were family-friendly, with private baths available. We took full advantage of that! Soaking in the warm water while gazing out at the lush green surroundings felt like a dream. It was a fantastic way to unwind after a day of travel.

Exploring Fukushima: Must-See Spots

With our base established, it was time to hit the road! Our itinerary included some of the most breathtaking spots in Fukushima, and I was itching to explore.

Ouchi-juku: A Step Back in Time

First up was Ouchi-juku, a historic post town that looks like it’s straight out of a samurai movie. The thatched-roof houses were enchanting, and the scenery felt almost unreal. We strolled through the town, and while it was a bit crowded, we found quiet nooks to enjoy. I loved watching artisans craft traditional goods, and the vibe was so relaxed. The best part? I finally got to try the famous negi soba (buckwheat noodles served with a green onion instead of chopsticks). It was deliciously unique! My infant, while not yet eating solids, seemed to enjoy the ambiance—lots of new sights and sounds to take in.

Tsuruga Castle: A Historical Marvel

Next, we made our way to Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu. The castle is a stunning sight, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how my little one would react to a historical site, but it turned out to be a hit! The grounds were spacious enough for a stroller, and we found plenty of shady spots to take breaks. The castle itself is steeped in history, and we learned about the samurai who fought valiantly to protect it. The view from the top was breathtaking, offering a panoramic look at the surrounding countryside. I made a mental note to come back when my child is older and can appreciate all the stories behind the castle walls.

Goshikinuma and Lake Inawashiro: Nature at Its Finest

Nature lovers, rejoice! Goshikinuma (Five Color Pond) was next on our list. The vibrant colors of the ponds were mesmerizing, and the hiking trails were manageable even with a baby. Just be prepared for some steep paths! It felt like the perfect escape from the city, and I couldn’t help but snap loads of pictures. Afterward, we headed to Lake Inawashiro, one of the largest lakes in Japan. The view of Mount Bandai across the lake was postcard-perfect. We took a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, soaking in the fresh air. We even had a mini photo shoot with our little one, who seemed rather intrigued by the rippling water.

Food Adventures: Culinary Delights

Okay, let’s talk about food—because what’s a trip to Japan without indulging in local delicacies? I had a list of must-try foods that were calling my name. First on the list was sauce katsu don, a bowl of rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet slathered in a savory sauce. We found a cozy restaurant in Kitakata, and it did not disappoint! The flavors were rich and satisfying. I could seriously eat katsu don every day and never get tired of it. Then came the tempura manju (sweet buns filled with red bean paste), which we stumbled upon at a local market. I mean, who knew deep-fried sweet buns could be so addictive? They were flaky and warm, and I might have eaten more than one (okay, maybe two). And of course, Kitakata ramen! We visited a famous ramen shop and waited in line with the locals. The rich, soy-based broth was heavenly, and the chewy noodles were pure perfection. Eating ramen in Kitakata felt like a rite of passage, and it was one of the highlights of our culinary journey.

Unique Experiences: Making Akabeko

One of the coolest experiences we had in Fukushima was making Akabeko, the traditional red cow figurine that symbolizes good luck. There’s this lovely workshop where you can try your hand at painting your own Akabeko. It was a fun and creative way to bond as a family and create a tangible memory of our trip. My little one was mesmerized by all the colors, and it was such a joy to see the excitement on their face. Plus, they now have a cute little Akabeko to bring home as a memento!

Final Thoughts: An Unforgettable Journey

As our trip came to an end, I reflected on our whirlwind adventure through Fukushima Prefecture. From the serene onsen to the historic sites and mouthwatering food, it was a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and family bonding. Traveling with an infant can be challenging, but we embraced the pace of the journey with open arms. I learned to savor the small moments—the quiet drives through the countryside, the laughter over a bowl of ramen, and the thrill of discovering hidden gems. If you’re considering a trip to Fukushima, I wholeheartedly encourage you to do it! Renting a car from Koriyama Station was the right choice for us, allowing us to explore freely without the constraints of public transport. So pack your bags, grab your little one, and hit the road! Adventure awaits in Fukushima!