{"id":2238,"date":"2026-01-30T17:28:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T08:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/?post_type=r-journal&#038;p=2238"},"modified":"2026-04-21T20:13:41","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T11:13:41","slug":"recommended-plans-01","status":"publish","type":"r-journal","link":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/r-journal\/recommended-plans-01\/","title":{"rendered":"[Multi-Day Journey]A 3-Day Journey Through Aizu: Trains, Timeless Landscapes, and Japanese Hospitality"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2336\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-2x1.webp 2w, https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/3_\u90e1\u5c71_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"destinations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Destinations\"><\/span>Destinations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/MG_8695-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1065\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fukushima-where-japans-timeless-landscapes-live\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fukushima_Where_Japans_Timeless_Landscapes_Live\"><\/span><strong>Fukushima: Where Japan\u2019s Timeless Landscapes Live<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a few hours from Tokyo, Aizu in Fukushima feels like a different world, where time moves slowly, far from crowds and efficiency. Here, historic post towns from the Edo period remain, and the spirit of magokoro\u2014a quiet, heartfelt care for others\u2014still lives on in everyday life. Rather than simply visiting famous sights, this journey invites you to connect with the people and the place itself, surrounded by warmth that leaves a deep and lasting impression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:38% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"375\" height=\"616\" src=\"http:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Frame-67-1.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1944 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Destinations<\/td><td>Fukushima: Minamiaizu, Aizuwakamatsu, and Oku-Aizu<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Duration<\/td><td>3 Days<br><br>Day 1:&nbsp;Minamiaizu&nbsp;Area<br><br>Day 2:&nbsp;Aizuwakamatsu&nbsp;City &amp;&nbsp;Higashiyama Onsen<br><br>Day 3:&nbsp;Oku-Aizu&nbsp;&amp; Sake Brewery Area<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Recommended for<\/td><td>\u30fbFor lovers of history and traditional Japan<br>\u30fbFor food and sake enthusiasts<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fbTokyo \u2192 Koriyama \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu\u3000About 2hours 27 minutes (Train)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fbKyoto \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu\u3000About 5hours (Train) <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u30fbHokkaido \u2192 Koriyama \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu  About 7hours 32minutes (Airplane)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"experience-themes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Experience_Themes\"><\/span>Experience Themes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Oza-toro Scenic Train<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wada_03photo_58978605_140428457093760_810657648593968828_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3204\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Tatami-style seating cars and open trolley cars with no windows. As you feel the breeze from the gorge, you travel through Aizu\u2019s nature in a truly luxurious and relaxing way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">A Stay Filled with&nbsp;Magokoro<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MG_8934-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3203\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Magokoro&nbsp;means heartfelt hospitality that goes beyond simple service. Local dishes made with regional ingredients, along with a night tour under the stars, create a truly special evening.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Discovering History<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC08824-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1110\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">The symbol of Aizu,&nbsp;Tsuruga Castle.  Seeing the castle helps you understand the region\u2019s history and the pride of its people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"journey-outline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Journey_Outline\"><\/span>Journey Outline<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-1-exploring-edo-era-minamiaizu\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1_Exploring_Edo-Era_Minamiaizu\"><\/span>Day 1: Exploring Edo-Era Minamiaizu<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experiences:<\/strong><br>Travel from Koriyama Station to Aizu. Enjoy beautiful gorge views on the Oza-Toro scenic train, then stroll through&nbsp;Ouchi-juku, a village lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. Try the local specialty, negi soba, and in the evening, join a stargazing tour at a&nbsp;magokoro&nbsp;inn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong><br>The inn of sincerity -Hoshinoi-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-2-the-castle-town-and-a-walk-through-history\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2_The_Castle_Town_and_a_Walk_Through_History\"><\/span>Day 2: The Castle Town and a Walk Through History<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experiences:<\/strong><br>After a mysterious morning tour, travel to&nbsp;Aizuwakamatsu. Stroll along the retro&nbsp;Nanokamachi Street, exploring antique shops and local crafts. Enjoy Kitakata ramen for lunch, then spend the afternoon admiring the impressive&nbsp;Tsuruga Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong><br>The Irori lodge -Ashina-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-3-morning-mist-and-farewell\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_3_Morning_Mist_and_Farewell\"><\/span>Day 3: Morning Mist and Farewell<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Experiences:<\/strong><br>Aizu is covered in gentle morning mist. Enjoy a quiet final morning, thinking back on your trip before saying goodbye to the beautiful nature and warm people of the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"curated-cultural-journey\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Curated_Cultural_Journey\"><\/span>Curated Cultural Journey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-1-edo-era-charm-and-heartfelt-hospitality\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1_Edo-Era_Charm_and_Heartfelt_Hospitality\"><\/span>Day 1: Edo-Era Charm and Heartfelt Hospitality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wada_03photo_58978605_140428457093760_810657648593968828_n-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3204 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Oza-Toro Scenic Train:<\/strong> The view of the gorge from the open trolley car with no windows is breathtaking.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong>Exploring&nbsp;Ouchi-juku:<\/strong> Negi soba, eaten with a long green onion instead of chopsticks, is a unique cultural experience found only in this area.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/MG_8695-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1065 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/MG_8934-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3203 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Magokoro&nbsp;means sincere, heartfelt hospitality. Local dishes made with regional ingredients, together with a night tour under the stars, create a truly special evening.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/hoshinoi\/\">Learn more about The inn of sincerity -Hoshinoi-<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-2-the-samurai-spirit-and-the-warmth-of-an-irori-inn\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2_The_Samurai_Spirit_and_the_Warmth_of_an_Irori_Inn\"><\/span>Day 2: The Samurai Spirit and the Warmth of an Irori Inn<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC03826-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3205\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tsuruga Castle:<\/strong> The only castle in Japan with a red-tiled keep. We recommend visiting with a guide who explains the history of the late samurai era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nanokamachi Street:<\/strong> A street lined with Taisho-era buildings. Visit caf\u00e9s set in renovated storehouses and workshops of traditional Aizu lacquerware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Local Cuisine:<\/strong> Enjoy local specialties such as sauce katsudon, paired with locally brewed sake for a special dining experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mount Iimori:<\/strong> Follow the story of the Byakkotai and learn more about Aizu\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC03133-1-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2236 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>Magokoro&nbsp;means warm, heartfelt hospitality. Local dishes made with regional ingredients, along with a night tour under the stars, create a special evening.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta-btn\"><a class=\"btn-brand\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/en\/ryokan\/ashina\/\">Learn more about The Irori lodge -Ashina- <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"day-3-kirigengyos-mystical-river-mist-and-a-traditional-sake-brewery-visit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_3_Kirigengyos_Mystical_River_Mist_and_a_Traditional_Sake_Brewery_Visit\"><\/span>Day 3: Kirigengyo\u2019s Mystical River Mist and a Traditional Sake Brewery Visit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/DSC08758-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3062 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Crossing&nbsp;Kirigengyo Gorge:<\/strong> A magical boat ride across Kirigengyo, drifting through the gorge wrapped in soft river mist.<br><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p><strong>Suehiro Sake Brewery:<\/strong> Brewery tour and sake tasting<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ryokan-book.com\/jp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/MG_8695-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1065 size-full\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"things-to-know\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_know\"><\/span><strong>Things to know<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>About Reservations<\/td><td>Popular experiences such as Ouchi-juku\u2019s&nbsp;negi soba&nbsp;and the Oza-Toro scenic train can be busy depending on the season and day of the week.<br>We recommend contacting us in advance, including arranging a private guide if needed.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Best Season<\/td><td>The best seasons to visit are June to September for fresh greenery, late October for autumn leaves, and January to February for magical snowy scenery.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>What to Wear<\/td><td>Castle towns and post towns involve a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. <br>Even in summer, evenings in Aizu can be cool, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Destinations Fukushima: Where Japan\u2019s Timeless Landscapes Live Just a few hours from Tokyo, Aizu in Fukushima feels like a different world, where time moves slowly, far from crowds and efficiency. Here, historic post towns from the Edo period remain, and the spirit of magokoro\u2014a quiet, heartfelt care for others\u2014still lives on in everyday life. Rather than simply visiting famous sights, this journey invites you to connect with the people and the place itself, surrounded by warmth that leaves a deep and lasting impression. Destinations Fukushima: Minamiaizu, Aizuwakamatsu, and Oku-Aizu Duration 3 Days Day 1:&nbsp;Minamiaizu&nbsp;Area Day 2:&nbsp;Aizuwakamatsu&nbsp;City &amp;&nbsp;Higashiyama Onsen Day 3:&nbsp;Oku-Aizu&nbsp;&amp; Sake Brewery Area Recommended for \u30fbFor lovers of history and traditional Japan\u30fbFor food and sake enthusiasts \u30fbTokyo \u2192 Koriyama \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu\u3000About 2hours 27 minutes (Train) \u30fbKyoto \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu\u3000About 5hours (Train) \u30fbHokkaido \u2192 Koriyama \u2192 Aizuwakamatsu About <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3383,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"blog_author_id":1699},"area":[2,118],"r-journal-category":[],"r-journal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-2238","r-journal","type-r-journal","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","area-aizu","area-fukushima-prefecture"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal\/2238","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/r-journal"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3383"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2238"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"area","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/area?post=2238"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-category?post=2238"},{"taxonomy":"r-journal-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/r-journal-tag?post=2238"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}