Capital: Fukushima City.
Largest city: Iwaki.
Other major cities: Kōriyama, Aizuwakamatsu, and Sukagawa.
The prefecture is divided by mountain ranges into three regions: Aizu (west): mountainous, with abundant nature, historical sites, and castles.
Nakadōri (center): agricultural area with fruit, rice, and flowers.
Hamadōri (east, coast): on the Pacific coast, with fishing and industry.
Fukushima is known for its beautiful nature: Lake Inawashiro (Japan's fourth-largest lake), volcanic landscapes (such as Mount Bandai), hot springs (onsen), ski resorts, cherry blossoms, and autumn colors.
It is an important agricultural region with rice, fruit, and vegetables, and also produces sake, silk, and artisanal products such as kokeshi dolls.
Tourism is popular due to historical villages (such as Ouchi-juku) and theme parks.
The 2011 Disaster.
On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake (magnitude 9.0) and a massive tsunami struck the region.
This led to the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant (in Ōkuma), where reactors overheated, explosions occurred, and radioactive substances were released.
Thousands of people were evacuated, and there were casualties due to the tsunami and indirect consequences (stress, evacuation).
The disaster was the most severe nuclear accident since Chernobyl (Level 7 on the INES scale).
Today, most of the prefecture is safe for tourists and residents.
Radiation levels in most areas have returned to pre-2011 levels due to natural decline and remediation.
Only a small area around the plant remains accessible with restrictions.
Fukushima is focusing heavily on recovery, revitalization, and tourism.
In short: a vast, nature-rich prefecture with a rich history and culture, close to Tokyo, which is fully rebuilding despite the 2011 disaster.
Ideal for those who love mountains, hot springs, and authentic Japan!
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