Step into a world of seasonal beauty just outside Tokyo
Just a little over two hours by train from Tokyo--or a little over three hours by car--is Nihonmatsu, a town where the four seasons offer so much to see and do. Come explore the undiscovered side of Japan.
<Learning>
Nihonmatsu Castle was a stronghold of the eastern forces of the old shogunate army during the Boshin War, a conflict that would ultimately destroy it in a fire. Today, the former site of the castle is preserved as a prefectural park (Kasumigajo Koen) and is counted among the top one hundred castles of Japan. The park offers cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and beautiful fall colors, as well as numerous historical sites and scenic views that span all four of Japan's distinct seasons. It is also the site of one of Japan's largest chrysanthemum festivals, the Nihonmatsu Chrysanthemum Doll Exhibit, held in October and November every year.
<Enjoying>
Nihonmatsu is famous for its many beautiful cherry trees, which inspire and delight springtime visitors as they clothe the city in shades of pink.
Mt. Adatara (elevation 1,700 meters) is counted amount the best hundred mountains in Japan, and has a ropeway running from the Okudake trailhead that makes it easy to enjoy the ascent in summer or take in the autumn colors. Skiing is available in wintertime.
At the foot of the mountain is Dake Hot Springs, which is one of the very few naturally acidic hot springs in Japan. It is easy on the skin, and known for its powerful beautifying effects.
The first Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of October brings the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, featuring seven gorgeously illuminated taiko drum floats that light up the city streets.
<Food / Shopping>
The roadside stations in Nihonmatsu (Adachi Chieko no Sato, Sakura-no-Go, and Fukushima Towa) offer all kinds of unique local dishes and souvenir products.
At Adachi Chieko no Sato, you can find zaku-zaku, a chunky vegetable soup that is a local homecooked favorite, as well as sake from four local breweries (Okunomatsu, Daishichi, Himonoya, and Ninki). All four make their sake using delicious rice and spring water originating at Mt. Adatara, and all are open for tours with advance reservations.
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