Daikokuya

Daikokuya was a department store in Iwaki City with a very long history dating back to the Meiji era. It was loved not only as a place to shop but also as a popular meeting spot, and it served as a symbol of Iwaki City. In Fukushima Prefecture, there were other department stores as well, such as Usui in Koriyama and Nakago in Fukushima City, which helped bring vibrancy to their towns. They are treasured places filled with many memories.

Tsuruga Castle

In Fukushima Prefecture, it is better known as Tsuruga Castle than as Aizuwakamatsu Castle. Its distinctive features are the white walls and the reddish red-tile roof. It’s said to be the only castle in Japan with red tiles. Having withstood battles of the past, it still stands today as a cherished castle that conveys Fukushima’s history and pride. In spring, the cherry blossoms are beautiful, and many people come to see them.

Oujima

Okinoshima is a small island on the north side of Lake Inawashiro. When the water level is low, it connects to the shore and looks like a path, but when the water rises, it becomes an island surrounded by water. Its curious shape is popular. Nearby are the place where Hideyo Noguchi, a renowned physician, spent his childhood and a memorial museum, making it a spot where you can learn about both nature and history.

Kitakata Ramen

Kitakata ramen is a famous local ramen that originated in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture. The noodles are thick and wavy, and their chewy texture is especially popular. The soup is often a light soy sauce flavor, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. In Kitakata City, there’s even a custom of eating ramen in the morning called “asa-ra,” and many people come from all over the country to try it.

evening

Obankata is a dialectal expression used in places like Fukushima Prefecture, derived from the word “bankata” (evening). Bankata refers to the time from late afternoon into night. For that reason, obankata is used as a greeting when you meet someone in the evening or at night, and it means the same as “good evening.” It’s a regionally unique way of speaking that conveys a warm feeling.

Jangara

Jangara is a confection named after the traditional performing art “Jangara Nenbutsu Dance” from Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture. The Jangara Nenbutsu Dance is an event where participants dance while playing drums and hand gongs, and it has been carefully passed down since long ago. A distinctive feature of the sweet is that its shape resembles the gong used in the dance. With its gentle sweetness, it’s popular as a souvenir and is a confection that represents Iwaki City.

Japanese zelkova

The Japanese zelkova is a very sturdy tree that grows tall and straight. Its vigorous growth was seen as overlapping with the bright future of Fukushima Prefecture, and in 1966 it was chosen as the prefecture’s official tree. In summer it provides shade, and in autumn it shows beautiful leaves. It also carries the message of cherishing nature.