Ishikawa, town in Ishikawa district, Fukushima prefecture, Japan
Ishikawa is a small town in Fukushima Prefecture characterized by flat fields and quiet streets lined with simple houses. The area sits near the Abukuma River and features traditional shrines, old trees, and small farms where rice and vegetables are grown.
Ishikawa was a quiet village under shogunate control during the Edo period. The town officially formed in 1894, and during World War II it housed a secret uranium mine as part of Japan's nuclear weapons development efforts.
The name Ishikawa refers to the nearby Abukuma River, which shapes daily life in the town. Residents celebrate local festivals where they wear colorful clothing and carry portable shrines through the streets, keeping traditions alive through these communal gatherings.
To visit Ishikawa, take the JR East Suigun Line train to Iwaki-Ishikawa station and walk into town from there. The town is best explored on foot or by bicycle, especially during spring cherry blossom season when families gather under the flowering trees.
The area is known for its elite long-distance runners whose training programs attract young athletes from across Japan. Ishikawa High School's relay team won national championships, establishing the town as a center for running excellence.
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