【Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey -】 Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
What is Zatsu Tabi? The Charm of Fukushima as the Setting
“Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey -” is a manga work by Kentaro Ishizaka based on real travel experiences, and was adapted into a television anime in 2020. The story depicts the protagonist traveling throughout Japan using the Seishun 18 Ticket, and Fukushima Prefecture is one of the important settings in the work.
In the Fukushima Prefecture arc, centering on the Aizu region, a diverse array of spots appear, from historically significant tourist attractions to dining establishments beloved by locals. “Pilgrimage to sacred sites” is actively conducted by fans who have read the work, with many travelers visiting Fukushima Prefecture in search of the same scenery as depicted in the story.
Basic Information for Fukushima Prefecture Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Access Methods
The main access methods to Fukushima Prefecture are as follows:
From Tokyo
- Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to Koriyama Station via Tohoku Shinkansen
- When using the Seishun 18 Ticket, approximately 5-6 hours via Tohoku Main Line
Access to Aizu Wakamatsu
- Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes from Koriyama Station via Banetsu West Line
- Also accessible from the Niigata area via Banetsu West Line
Recommended Seasons for Pilgrimage
Fukushima Prefecture’s sacred site pilgrimage can be enjoyed year-round, but the particularly recommended times are:
- Spring (April-May): Many famous cherry blossom sites, Tsuruga Castle’s cherry blossoms are spectacular
- Summer (July-August): Lush green nature and summer festivals
- Autumn (September-November): Beautiful fall foliage and comfortable climate
- Winter (December-February): Snow scenery and hot springs are attractive, but exercise caution with transportation
Sacred Sites in the Aizu Wakamatsu Area
Tsuruga Castle (Aizu Wakamatsu Castle)
A symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu that appears impressively in the work, Tsuruga Castle is also the site of the tragic Boshin War known for the Byakko Squadron. Currently, the interior of the main tower is open to the public as a museum.
Basic Information
- Address: 1-1 Otecho, Aizu Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
- Operating Hours: 8:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Admission Fee: Adults 410 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen
- Parking: Paid parking available in the surrounding area
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Points
The angle featured in the work shows the main tower from a front, upward-looking perspective. Especially during cherry blossom season, you can photograph scenery similar to the work. The view from the main tower is also wonderful, offering a panoramic view of the Aizu Basin.
Nanokamachi Street
A charming retro streetscape with Taisho-era romance. Buildings with traditional storehouse architecture line the street, with cafes, gift shops, and souvenir stores clustered together.
Highlights
- Shiroki-ya Lacquerware Shop: A long-established store specializing in traditional Aizu lacquerware
- Station Cafe: A cafe utilizing the Nanokamachi Station building
- Antique shops and old folk house cafes scattered throughout
In the work, scenes of the protagonist strolling through the streetscape are depicted, allowing you to leisurely walk and savor the Taisho-era atmosphere.
Iiyama
Known as the site of the Byakko Squadron’s ritual suicide, Iiyama is introduced in the work along with its historical background.
Access
- Approximately 15 minutes by bus from Aizu Wakamatsu Station, get off at “Iiyama-shita”
- About 5 minutes walk to the trailhead
Highlights
- Graves of the Nineteen Byakko Squadron Members
- Sazae-do (a National Important Cultural Property)
- View of Tsuruga Castle from the mountain top
There are 183 stairs, but a paid escalator (250 yen) is also available. In the work, the protagonist’s experience of climbing while feeling the weight of history is depicted.
Sacred Sites in the Kitakata Area
Kitakata Ramen Restaurant Tour
In “Zatsu Tabi,” Kitakata ramen appears as Fukushima Prefecture’s gourmet offering. Within Kitakata City, there are over 100 ramen restaurants, each competing with their unique flavors.
Representative Ramen Restaurants
- Sakauchi Shokudo: Representative of Kitakata ramen, featuring pork bone-based soy sauce soup
- Makoto Shokudo: A long-established shop loved by locals
- Genraisoken: Said to be the birthplace of Kitakata ramen
Characteristics of Kitakata Ramen
- Flat, aged, high-water-content noodles
- Light soy sauce-based soup
- Simple toppings of chashu and menma
“Asa-ramen” (eating ramen from early morning) is also a Kitakata specialty, with many restaurants operating early in the morning.
Streetscape of Storehouses
Kitakata City is known as a “town of storehouses,” with over 4,000 storehouses remaining. Various storehouses such as miso storehouses, sake breweries, and soy sauce storehouses are scattered throughout.
Recommended Spots
- Yamato River Sake Brewery: Sake brewery offering tastings
- Wakaki Shoten: Beautiful brick storehouse
- Kai Honke Kura-zashiki: A merchant’s storehouse estate open to the public
In the work, the protagonist’s scenes of strolling through the storehouse streetscape while rediscovering the charm of local cities are depicted.
Sacred Sites in the Koriyama and Other Areas
Koriyama Station Vicinity
Koriyama Station, a key transportation hub in Fukushima Prefecture, appears in the work as a transfer station, with station lunch boxes and in-station gourmet options featured.
Station Lunch Box Information
- Nori no Riben: A specialty station lunch box of Koriyama
- Fukushima Beef Rice Bowl: Using locally-produced beef
Bandai Mountain Vicinity
In the work, the majestic appearance of Bandai Mountain as seen from the train window is depicted impressively. The train windows of the Banetsu West Line are one of the attractions of “Zatsu Tabi.”
Recommended Viewpoints
- Lake Inawashiro: Stunning scenery with Bandai Mountain in the background
- Goshikinuma: A mysterious group of lakes with various hues
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
1 Night 2 Days Aizu Immersion Course
Day 1
- 9:00 Arrive at Koriyama Station
- 10:30 Arrive at Aizu Wakamatsu Station
- 11:00 Tsuruga Castle viewing
- 13:00 Sauce katsudon lunch in Aizu Wakamatsu
- 14:30 Nanokamachi Street strolling
- 16:00 Iiyama pilgrimage
- 18:00 Stay at Higashiyama Hot Spring
Day 2
- 9:00 Move to Kitakata
- 10:00 Experience morning ramen
- 11:00 Stroll through the storehouse streetscape
- 13:00 Sake brewery viewing and tasting
- 15:00 Depart from Kitakata Station
- 17:00 Arrive at Koriyama Station
Day Trip Seishun 18 Ticket Course
Like the protagonist in the work, a day trip using the Seishun 18 Ticket is also possible.
From Tokyo
- 6:00 Depart from Tokyo Station (Tohoku Main Line)
- 11:30 Arrive at Koriyama Station
- 12:00 Purchase station lunch box at Koriyama Station
- 13:00 Arrive at Aizu Wakamatsu Station (Banetsu West Line)
- 13:30 Tsuruga Castle viewing
- 15:30 Nanokamachi Street strolling
- 17:00 Depart from Aizu Wakamatsu Station
- 23:00 Arrive at Tokyo Station
Gourmet Information
Aizu Gourmet
Sauce Katsudon
A specialty dish of Aizu Wakamatsu. Freshly fried cutlet is placed on top of cabbage and covered with special sauce.
- Nakajima: A long-established eatery popular with locals
- Tsuruga: A famous restaurant near Tsuruga Castle
Kozuyu
An Aizu regional dish. A refined broth made with scallop stock, vegetables, and bean fu.
Horse Meat Sashimi
Horse meat culture is deeply rooted in the Aizu region, where you can enjoy fresh horse meat sashimi.
Kitakata Gourmet
Kitakata Ramen (mentioned previously)
Dengaku
An Aizu regional dish from Kitakata. Tofu and taro with miso sauce grilled.
Souvenir Information
Aizu Souvenirs
Aizu Lacquerware
- A traditional craft with over 400 years of history
- Various products including chopsticks, bowls, and tiered food boxes
- Price range: 1,000 yen to tens of thousands of yen
Okiagari Koboshi
- A charm of Aizu symbolizing good fortune
- Represents the spirit of “fall seven times, stand up eight times”
- Price: Around 300 to 1,000 yen
Aizu Local Sake
- Breweries such as Suehiro and Haruharuo
- Sake made with underground water from Bandai Mountain
- Price range: 1,000 to 5,000 yen
Kitakata Souvenirs
Kitakata Ramen (for souvenirs)
- Fresh noodle or dried noodle types
- Sets with soup
- Price range: 500 to 1,500 yen
Miso and Soy Sauce
- Products from long-established breweries
- Additive-free and naturally fermented
- Price range: 500 to 2,000 yen
Precautions and Etiquette for Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Precautions When Taking Photos
- No trespassing on private property: Even if locations appear in the work, do not enter private property without permission
- Photography in shops: Always obtain permission from staff
- Consideration for other tourists: Avoid occupying locations for extended periods
Train Usage Etiquette
- Seishun 18 Ticket usage: Verify validity period and usable trains beforehand
- Attention on local lines: Note that service is infrequent and check schedules in advance
- Consideration during crowded times: Avoid commute and school hours during tourist seasons
Consideration for Local Communities
- Take all trash home: Never litter at tourist sites
- Mind noise levels: Remain quiet in residential areas
- Support local economy: Use local shops whenever possible
Accommodation Information
Aizu Wakamatsu Area
Higashiyama Hot Spring
- 10 minutes by car from Aizu Wakamatsu city center
- A hot spring with 1,300 years of history
- Price range: 1 night, 2 meals included: 10,000 to 30,000 yen
Hotels in Aizu Wakamatsu City Center
- Variety from business hotels to resort hotels
- Price range: Room only: 4,000 to 10,000 yen
Kitakata Area
Atsuoshio Hot Spring and Hinaka Hot Spring
- Hot springs in the outskirts of Kitakata City
- Price range: 1 night, 2 meals included: 8,000 to 15,000 yen
Hotels in Kitakata City Center
- Mainly business hotels
- Price range: Room only: 5,000 to 8,000 yen
Highlights by Season
Spring (March-May)
Famous Cherry Blossom Sites
- Tsuruga Castle: Mid to late April, approximately 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees
- Ishibe Sakura: One of the five cherry trees of Aizu, over 600 years old
- Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Blossom Rows: In Kitakata City, approximately 3 km of cherry blossom tunnel
Summer (June-August)
Festivals
- Aizu Festival (late September): The Aizu domain procession is a highlight
- Kitakata Summer Festival (early August): Fireworks display also held
Autumn (September-November)
Fall Foliage Spots
- Bandai Azuma Skyline: Peak foliage early to mid-October
- Goshikinuma: Contrast between fall colors and lake hues
- Tsuruga Castle Park: Peak foliage early November
Winter (December-February)
Snow Scenery
- Ouchi-juku: A thatched-roof village covered in snow
- Tsuruga Castle: Main tower adorned with snow
Winter Events
- Aizu Painted Candle Festival (February): Approximately 10,000 candles are lit
Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Ouchi-juku
About 40 minutes by car from Aizu Wakamatsu. A group of important traditionally constructed buildings preserving the appearance of an Edo-period inn town. Thatched-roof houses line the roadside.
Specialty Gourmet
- Negi Soba: Buckwheat noodles eaten using green onions as chopsticks
Lake Inawashiro
Japan’s fourth-largest lake. You can enjoy stunning scenery with Bandai Mountain in the background.
Activities
- Sightseeing cruises
- Water sports
- Cycling
Goshikinuma
A group of more than 30 lakes of various sizes created by the eruption of Bandai Mountain. Characterized by mystical hues such as cobalt blue and emerald green.
Walking Course
- Goshikinuma Natural Exploration Path: Approximately 3.6 km, 1 to 1.5 hours
Practical Information
Tourist Information Centers
Aizu Wakamatsu Station Tourist Information Center
- Operating Hours: 8:30-17:30
- Phone: 0242-32-0688
- Services: Tourist map distribution, accommodation guidance, baggage storage
Kitakata Tourism and Products Association
- Operating Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Phone: 0241-24-5200
- Services: Tourism information, rental bicycles
Rental Bicycles
Aizu Wakamatsu
- Rental available around Tsuruga Castle
- Fee: Around 500 to 1,000 yen per day
Kitakata
- Rental available in front of Kitakata Station
- Fee: Around 300 to 500 yen per day
Wi-Fi Environment
Free Wi-Fi is available at major tourist attractions, stations, and cafes. Public wireless LAN services such as “FUKUSHIMA City Wi-Fi” are available.
Maximizing Enjoyment of “Zatsu Tabi”
Re-reading the Work Before Visiting
Re-reading relevant episodes before the pilgrimage allows you to immerse yourself more deeply in the work’s world. The enjoyment of comparing scenes from the work with actual scenery increases.
Slow-Paced Travel
The charm of “Zatsu Tabi” lies in enjoying travel slowly and unhurried. Avoid cramming too much, and cherish conversations with locals and chance encounters.
Savoring Local Cuisine
Since gourmet food is an important element in the work, actively taste Fukushima Prefecture’s regional dishes and specialties, which will deepen your understanding of the work.
Sharing on Social Media
To connect with other fans of the same work, sharing your experience using hashtags such as “#zatsu-tabi” and “#zatsu-tabi sacred site pilgrimage” is recommended.
Conclusion
The Fukushima Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage of “Zatsu Tabi – That’s Journey -” offers a charming journey to experience the world of the work while savoring Fukushima Prefecture’s rich history, culture, and gourmet offerings. Highlights include Aizu Wakamatsu’s historical buildings, Kitakata’s ramen and storehouse streetscape, and the majestic nature of Bandai Mountain.
Traveling on local trains using the Seishun 18 Ticket becomes a special experience of touring Fukushima Prefecture from the same perspective as the work’s protagonist. Slowly, unhurried, while enjoying interaction with locals, create your own unique “Zatsu Tabi.”
Fukushima Prefecture has beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, and there are always new discoveries with each visit. Using this article as reference, please plan a Fukushima Prefecture sacred site pilgrimage. Visiting places you learned about through the work will surely expand your enjoyment of travel.
