Fukushima Prefecture, Administrative prefecture in northeastern Honshu, Japan.
Fukushima Prefecture covers more than 13,000 square kilometers and stretches from Pacific coastlines through fertile plains to mountainous areas with Lake Inawashiro near the center. The landscape shifts between lowland rice paddies, dense forests on mountain slopes, and river valleys that cut through the entire territory.
The region transformed from ancient Mutsu Province into Fukushima Prefecture in 1876, marking a significant shift during the Meiji Restoration period. Local clans had governed the area for centuries before the new centralized administrative structure was introduced.
The Soma Nomaoi festival features mounted warriors performing traditional equestrian demonstrations while wearing complete samurai armor and carrying ancient weapons. Local artisans maintain centuries-old lacquerware techniques, and visitors can watch craftspeople shape bowls and decorative objects in small workshops.
The prefecture connects to Tokyo through high-speed rail services, with trains departing frequently from major stations in Fukushima City, Koriyama, and Iwaki. Many attractions are spread far apart, so planning several days and traveling between different regions makes sense.
Mount Bandai's 1888 eruption created numerous lakes and wetlands, transforming the landscape into a network of interconnected water features. Some of these lakes now display different color tones due to varying mineral concentrations caused by volcanic activity.
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