Fukushima Prefecture is located in the southern part of the Tohoku region and is the third largest prefecture in Japan. It is an attractive area with rich nature, history, and culture.
Fukushima Prefecture's characteristics can be broadly divided into the following three.
The first is the rich nature. Fukushima Prefecture is a region facing the Pacific Ocean and is blessed with an abundance of seafood. Additionally, it is surrounded by mountains such as the Ou Mountains and the Abukuma Highlands, and is rich in mountain vegetables such as wild plants and mushrooms.
The second is history and culture. Historical buildings such as Fukushima Castle and Aizuwakamatsu Castle remain. Traditional events such as the Aizu Festival and Soma Nomaoi are also popular.
The third is food culture. Fukushima Prefecture is characterized by its many dishes that make use of rich ingredients such as seafood and mountain produce. Local dishes such as Kitakata ramen and Aizu chicken are also popular.
In addition, in the Tohoku region on the Pacific side, the remains of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred in 2011 have been maintained and remain. Many of them are scattered along the overseas coast.
A diverse food culture has taken root, influenced by the food customs of neighboring regions.
In the past, winter farming was difficult due to the snow-covered areas, and a culture of preserved food such as frozen mochi and frozen tofu was developed.
Additionally, the region's topography, far from the sea and surrounded by mountains, has created a unique local cuisine.
Namie Yakisoba
Fukushima Prefecture has many delicious local dishes. Here are some examples:
Namie Yakisoba: A local gourmet dish originating from Namie Town, Futaba District, it is a B-class gourmet dish representing Fukushima Prefecture that is known nationwide.
Disk Gyoza: Fukushima Prefecture is also known for its delicious gyoza. Disk gyoza is a dish of gyoza that is served in a disk-like manner, just as it was fried in a frying pan.
Kitakata Ramen: Kitakata Ramen is considered one of Japan's three major ramen⁶.
Aizu Wappameshi: This is one of the local gourmet foods of Aizuwakamatsu.
Shirakawa Ramen: Shirakawa Ramen is a popular local ramen that represents Fukushima⁶.
Adachi Tara Curry: This is a local gourmet dish mainly served at restaurants in Dake Onsen at the foot of Mt. Adachi Tara.
Disk Gyoza
Kitakata Rame
Aizu Wappameshi
Adachi Tara Curry