Fukushima City



Intro

History
Fukushima Shi (福島市）is the capital of the Fukushima Ken Prefecture. The name Fukushima means Lucky Island. The population is said to be around 290,000. Fukushima was officially established in 1871, but the prefecture and city had been using the name as far back as 1702. The name was taken from the castle which once stood at the center of the city.

Fukushima is famous for its Peaches and its gyoza. When entering the city from certain routes visitors can see many orchards of a variety of different fruits. At Fukushima Station, the center of transport, you can always find maps of great places to go for a variety of the cities famous gyoza.

The cities mascot is Momorin a cute rabbit which is said to signify the arrival of spring. Momorin was inspired by the shape of the snow melt on Azuma Yama a mountain which can easily be viewed from all over the city.

Fukushima's was once originally called Minekoshi along with the mountain in the center. Fukushima once had a castle named Daibutsu located at the present day prefecture office. The castle was likely built in the early 1400s and was also called the Suginome castle after the great Buddha Suginome. In 1591 the castle was renamed the Fukushima castle and the name became associated with the area. The castle was dismantled not long afterward. After several changes of government eventually the name of the town was officially changed to Fukushima on September 10th 1871.

Geography and Climate
Fukushima City is located in a valley and is mostly surrounded by mountains. This can cause the summers to be quite rainy and winters to be temperate. Fukushima city gets a moderate amount of snow every year but rarely is it excessive. To the west of Fukushima is an active volcano names Azuma Kofuji which recently has been showing an increase in activity. Previous years this volcano has been a very popular and easy climb. Since late winter of 2014 the crater and a 500 meter radius around it has been closed off. The last time Azuma Kofuji erupted was December of 1977.

TRAINS
Fukushima city has the benefit of having the Shinkansen pass through and stop at their main station. This can make it very easy to travel to other big cities at a fast rate, including Sendai, Koriyama, and Tokyo. Both the Tohoku Shinkansen and the Yamagata Shinkansen pass through. Fukushima city also has the JR Tohoku Main Line and Ou Main Line. The Tohoku line goes from Tokyo all the way to Morioka. The Ou line starts at Fukushima and continues up to Aomori station

There are also two local trains available from the main station. Iizaka line which goes to Iizaka city just north of Fukushima, a city famous for its very hot onsens. And the Abakuma line which travels along the Abakuma river into the Miagi prefecture.

BUS
Fukushima has a very complex and efficient bus system which runs through the city coupled by prefectural buses which travel to other big cities as well. These prefecture buses tend to cost the same price as train tickets but offer more luxurious seating. Fukushima has the benefit of the Sakura bus company which also travels to other cities at a discounted rate. It is very easy to purchase tickets for these buses online and they can be very luxurious.

CAR
Lastly for car drivers Fukushima has the benefit of 6 highways the run from or through the city. Route 4 which runs from Tokyo to Sendai Route 13 which runs from Fukushima to Akita passing through Yamagata Prefecture Route 114 which runs from Fukushima to Namie Route 115 which runs from Souma to Inawashiro Japan National Route 399 which runs from Iwaki to Nan'Yō, Yamagata Japan National Route 459 which starts at Nigata, also passes through Kitakata, and ends at Namie.

Schools
Fukushima city has a huge variety of schools including private and specialty schools. In total Fukushima city has: 10 public high schools and 4 private. 21 public Jr High Schools 2 private

51 public Elementary Schools 1 private 5 prefectural special needs schools 1 national school which covers special needs, Elementary, and Jr High School And Fukushima University located in the southern part of the city.

To Do
Fukushima is famous for its peaches and gyoza. Locals strongly encourage tourist to enjoy these whenever possible. Many times locals will even be giving fruit away as a gesture of kindness. Just a few blocks east of the main station is the intersection of Bunka Dōri and Paseo Dōri. This is where Fukushima Cities local shops meet the cities party and night life. You can find many places to eat, sing, drink, and socialize in this area. On the west side of the station there is also the typical round one and several large shopping centers with a wide variety of both local and import goods. Along Route 4 there is a large horse race track which is usually open from spring throughout summer. It is very popular amongst locals and it is a great place to try your hand at betting on horse races. Many loyal fans are always more than willing to help out a friendly tourist.

In the center of the city are two mountains. Shinobu Yama, and Oyama. Shinobu is the taller of the two and has multiple shrines and playgrounds scattered across it along the entire way up. At the very top is the main shrine along with a large bell dedicated to peace. It sounds very beautiful but very loud. You can also admire the large Waraji (Straw Sandal) which is dedicated to the temple to wish for strong legs. During most festivals this Waraji will be paraded throughout the town.

Fukushima Shi is also one of the few cities with a large Mansaido (万SAI度）. Which is an otaku's dream come true. It is an abundance of new and used Anime goods and fashionable clothing. This building is two floors. The first contains anything from UFO catchers, Anime, Toys, Movies, games, DVDs, and electronics. On occasion card game tournaments will be held in the center of the shop. The second floor contains music equipment, hunting and fishing supplies, toy weapons, detailed models, and more.

Festivals and Events
Fireworks

Fukushima Shi holds some of the best fireworks festivals each year. Usually at the beginning of August the Race course will put on a free musical fireworks show lasting about an hour or longer with a variety of unique fireworks finely timed to popular music. It is an amazing way to kick off the summer. Throughout most of the summer there are a large variety of fireworks shows all along the multiple rivers which run through the city.

Hanami

During Hanami season Fukushima also has one of the most famous Hanami viewing mountain parks in all the prefectures. The actual name of the park is Hanami Yama (flower viewing mountain). It has recently become much more popular in the last few years and displays a wide variety of flowers besides the Cherry blossoms. The food is always good and you can also purchase special honeys and Sakura sake as well.

Waraji Matsuri Waraji Matsuri is one of the biggest festivals of the year. It symbolizes the beginning of summer and consist of a festival which last several days. At the night the large Waraji from atop Shinobu yama is paraded down the main street and multiple mikoshi shrines and dancers fill the surrounding streets. Long after the festivities die down you will still find parties and shrines dancing along Bunka Dori and Paseo Dori. There is never a better time to enjoy outdoor drinking. The local shrine Inari Jinjya will also host a variety of booths and activities including a very popular haunted house. It is something that should not be missed.

Kenka Matsuri Just north of the main city is the Iizaka Onsen town which every October host the Kenka Matsuri (fighting festival). During this festival the entire town comes to life as people from all over gather to carry Mikoshi shrines throughout the day. This event is very foreigner friendly and loves inviting many people to help carry the shrines. Throughout the day you will be showered with food, snacks, and drinks including alcohol. Afterward participants are usually treated to a local onsen and an Izakaya dinner. The festivities do not end there however. Make your way back to the Hachiman shrine and witness the main attraction. Locals carrying several very large Kenka shrines will spend the next hour or two crashing them in a wild display of energy and power. It is a very dangerous activity, but the locals take much pride in it.