Journeys in Japan — Season 1, Episode 27: Aizu, Fukushima: A Taste of Tradition and Scenic Charm

Episode synopsis

Nelson Babin-Coy is off to explore the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture by train. Nelson's first stop is at Yunokami-Onsen. The area is a hot-spring village with many traditional inns and guesthouses. One of the things Nelson wants to do on this journey is to bathe in an open-air bath looking out over the river. Three and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the hot spring facing the valley feels like paradise! Ōuchi-juku near Yunokami-Onsen was a post town on the old road. Its main street is flanked by more than 40 old wooden houses, which were built as lodgings for travelers over 300 years ago. Nelson stays in one of the traditional buildings and tastes local cuisine prepared by the guesthouse owner. Traveling slowly by train through this scenic countryside, Nelson finally approaches his destination, Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu-Wakamatsu developed as a major castle town in feudal times and has remained the main city of Aizu until this day. (Excerpt)

About Journeys in Japan

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Fukuoka City, Fukuoka: Rediscovering Asia in Fukuoka
• E2Toyama City, Toyama
• E3Furano, Hokkaido: Traversing Snowy Furano by Dog Sled
• E4Naoshima, Kagawa: Island of Art
• E5Kamakura, Kanagawa: Discovering Japan's Samurai Spirit
• E6Tsukuba, Ibaraki: A City with State-of-the-Art Technology
• E7Oshino Village, Yamanashi: Living Close to Mt. Fuji
• E8Tottori Sand Dunes, Tottori: Land of Majestic Dunes
• E9Northern Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka: Suruga Bay's Bountiful Nature
• E10Toyokawa, Aichi
• E11Himeji, Hyogo
• E12Naruto, Tokushima