Fukushima Prefecture lies between 139 and 141 degrees east longitude and 37 to 38 degrees north latitude - the same latitude as southern Greece and San Francisco,California in the United States. The prefecture is located in the southern part of Japan's Tohoku region,on the main island of Honshu. It faces the Pacific Ocean to the east and shares borders with six other prefectures.
Fukushima also lies within 200 kilometers of Japan's capital of Tokyo. Of all the prefectures in the Tohoku region,it is closest to the capital,linking Tokyo with Tohoku.
The Japan Railway Tohoku Shinkansen(super-express train) puts the major cities of Fukushima,Koriyama and Shirakawa within 60 to 90 minutes of Tokyo. Shirakawa,located in the southern part of the prefecture and closest to Tokyo,is home to many workers who commute to the nation's capital. More and more people who work in Tokyo live in Shirakawa.
The Hama-dori district, located in eastern Fukushima facing the Pacific Ocean, enjoys a mild climate, making it a comfortable place to live. The Naka-dori district is a commercial and industrial area with modern transportation systems that include the Shinkansen Line running north and south through its center, as well as highways and Fukushima Airport. Hot springs can be enjoyed there as well, with many to be found in the suburban areas.
The Aizu district in the west is a basin surrounded by mountains. In Aizuwakamatsu, the main city in the district, many historical buildings still remain, and they continue to pass on local traditions and the spirit of the samurai
Fukushima has more than 130 hot springs, Iizaka-onsen, Iwaki Yumoto-onsen and Higashiyama-onsen, just to name a few. What is more, the area offers an abundance of seasonal tourist attractions including fresh greenery and wild birds in spring, summertime camping, trekking, marine sports, autumnal tints, skiing, playing in the snow and swan watching in winter. You can see some of Japan's most primal scenery nearest Tokyo.
A rice-producing prefecture rich in good quality water, Fukushima boasts of a thriving sake (rice wine) brewing industry. Seasonal fruits such as peaches and apples, and various other kinds of fruit as well are harvested there throughout the year. You can also taste all sorts of fresh foods from the ocean and local farms, such as ramen noodles, soba noodles, miso (soy bean paste), Japanese black beef and fresh seafood.
