Koriyama Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive travel guide to Koriyama, Japan to learn more about the cultural and natural attractions, hiking trails, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Koriyama

Koriyama is a city located in Fukushima Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. It is situated in the central part of Fukushima and is known for its rich culture and natural beauty. Koriyama has a population of around 326,000, and it is one of the biggest cities in the prefecture. The city is a popular travel destination for both domestic and international tourists.

List of Places to Visit in Koriyama

Koriyama offers a range of attractions for tourists to explore. Here’s a list of some of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Koriyama Castle: A Japanese castle that dates back to the Edo period. It is now a park that is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
  • Kaiseikan: A museum that showcases various aspects of Fukushima’s history and culture.
  • Koriyama City Fureai Science Museum: An interactive museum that features exhibits on science and technology.
  • Inariyama Battlefield: A historic battlefield where one of the largest battles in the Boshin War (1868-1869) took place. A monument and a park have been built to commemorate the event.

Natural Attractions of Koriyama: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Adatara: A popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
  • Asaka-Machi Asaka-no-Yu: A hot spring resort that is known for its therapeutic waters.
  • Koriyama Central Park: A large park that features a large pond, a Japanese-style garden, and various sports facilities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Koriyama

Koriyama offers some of the best hiking and biking trails in the region. Here are some of the best routes that you can take:

  • Mount Adatara Trail: This is a popular hiking trail that takes about 5-6 hours to complete. It offers stunning views of the city, the surrounding mountains and the valley below.
  • Koriyama-Tamahara Cycling Road: This is a 40 km route that takes you through rural areas, small towns, and forests. It is perfect for those who enjoy cycling and sightseeing.

Best Things to Do in Koriyama: Activities and Tours

Koriyama is a city that offers various activities and tours for tourists. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Cherry blossom viewing at Koriyama Castle Park
  • Hot spring bathing at Asaka-Machi Asaka-no-Yu
  • Hiking at Mount Adatara
  • Visiting historical sites like Inariyama Battlefield and Kaiseikan Museum
  • Cycling on the Koriyama-Tamahara Cycling Road

Week-Long Itinerary for Koriyama

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Koriyama:

Day Activity
Day 1 Arrive in Koriyama, check-in to your hotel, and explore the city
Day 2 Visit Kaiseikan Museum, Koriyama Castle Park, and Inariyama Battlefield
Day 3 Take a day trip to Aizu-Wakamatsu and visit Tsuruga Castle, Oyakuen Garden, and Aizu Bukeyashiki
Day 4 Relax at Asaka-Machi Asaka-no-Yu, a popular hot spring resort
Day 5 Hike at Mount Adatara and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains
Day 6 Visit Koriyama City Fureai Science Museum and Koriyama Central Park
Day 7 Depart from Koriyama

Food and Drink Scene of Koriyama

Koriyama is known for its delicious local cuisine and beverages. Here are some of the must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Katsudon: A bowl of rice topped with breaded pork cutlet, egg, and vegetables.
  • Kitakata Ramen: A type of ramen that is known for its clear soup and curly noodles.
  • Onigiri: Rice balls filled with various fillings such as salmon, pickled plum, and tuna.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Koriyama has a long history of sake production, and there are various types of sake that you can try.
  • Green Tea: Fukushima is famous for its high-quality green tea, and Koriyama has various tea shops where you can taste the best green tea in the region.

Where to Stay in Koriyama: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Koriyama offers a range of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Comfort Hotel Koriyama: A budget hotel located in the city center.
  • APA Hotel Koriyama: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
  • The Celecton Fukushima: A luxury hotel that features a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.

What to Buy in Koriyama: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Koriyama offers various souvenirs and local products that you can bring home. Here are some of the best things to buy:

  • Sake: Koriyama has various sake breweries where you can buy high-quality sake as a souvenir.
  • Green Tea: You can buy various types of green tea as a souvenir from Koriyama.
  • Local Crafts: You can buy traditional handicrafts such as pottery, woodcrafts, and textiles.

Local Culture and Customs of Koriyama

Koriyama has a rich culture that is deeply rooted in historical traditions. Here are some of the local customs and traditions that you should know:

  • Always remove your shoes before entering a Japanese-style room or house.
  • Bowing or nodding is a common way of greeting people in Japan.
  • It is considered impolite to speak loudly in public places.

Best Time to Visit Koriyama

The best time to visit Koriyama is during the spring and the autumn seasons, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its best. The cherry blossoms in Koriyama Castle Park usually bloom in early April, and the autumn foliage in Mount Adatara is at its best in mid-November.

Do’s and Don’ts of Koriyama

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Take off your shoes when you enter a Japanese-style room or house.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Talk loudly in public places.
  • Ignore public transport etiquette.

Safety and Health

Safety in Koriyama

Koriyama is a safe city, and the crime rate is low. However, tourists should take the standard precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other petty crimes.

Health in Koriyama

Koriyama has a well-developed healthcare system, and there are various hospitals and clinics available in case of any medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses before visiting Japan.

Getting to Koriyama: Transportation Options and Logistics

Koriyama can be easily accessed through different mode of transportation. Here are some of the options:

Airports Near Koriyama

The nearest airport to Koriyama is Fukushima Airport, which is located around 25 km away from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Koriyama

Koriyama has various bus stations that connect the city to other parts of Japan.

Other Options

Koriyama is also connected to other cities in Japan through the Shinkansen bullet train.

How to Get Around in Koriyama

Koriyama has a well-connected network of public transportation. Here are some of the options:

  • Bus: Koriyama has a bus network that connects the city to different parts of Fukushima and other cities in Japan.
  • Train: Koriyama has a train station that connects the city to other cities in Japan such as Tokyo and Sendai.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available in Koriyama, but they can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Koriyama: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Koriyama is located in Fukushima Prefecture, which has various beautiful destinations that you can explore. Here are some of the nearby destinations that you can visit:

  • Aizu-Wakamatsu: A historic castle town that is located around 60 km away from Koriyama.
  • Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses.
  • Nikko: A city that is known for its beautiful temples and shrines.

Conclusion

Koriyama is a beautiful city that offers a perfect blend of rich culture, natural beauty, and modern comforts. From hiking to hot springs to historical sites, Koriyama has something for everyone. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who is planning to visit Japan.

Ryokusuien Garden Ryokusuien Garden Kourakuen ramen Kourakuen ramen