Fukushima is known for its nature. The landscape full of mountains and ravines provide not only beautiful scenery throughout all four seasons, but also enriches the food. From savory ramen to unique uses for green onions, you’ll find Fukushima’s local cuisine satisfying and memorable.
One reason Fukushima’s delicacies are regarded for their uniqueness is the diverse history they originated from. Until the 19th century, Fukushima’s three major regions, Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu were governed by separate clans. Today the cultures mesh together to create a taste you can’t get outside the prefecture. Let’s dig into what exactly Fukushima has to offer.
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01
Ramen
When in Kitakata you must get a bowl of the hot stuff. Designated as the “ramen town”, ramen here is known for the noodles. The thickness was engineered into the noodles for preservation when they used to be transported over long distances in the past. The softness is due to the higher percentage of water added to the flour than the average ramen noodle. Known as one of the top three most famous types of ramen, Kitakata’s soy-flavored ramen is even consumed for breakfast by the locals.
The city loves and honors ramen. This love is on display at their own ramen shrine. Out of the countless ramen shops, one of the top ones is Kuru Kuru Ramen. Their miso ramen was our favorite.- Kurukuru Ken (Kitakata)
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02
Sauce Katsu Don
![Sauce Katsu Don]()
Sauce Katsu Don
We dropped by Yoshinoya Izakaya near Aizuwakamatsu to try out their pork cutlet offering. Usually served on a bed of cabbage and rice, this savory meat is covered in a sweet soy sauce based sauce. Their cutlet is a thinner tonkatsu, but still maintains the juiciness you’ve come to expect from a pork cutlet.
We recommend getting the set, as the miso soup side is made with the same broth as their ramen. A righteous chicken broth topped with bonito flakes will have you not regretting a thing about this soup. -
03
Persimmon Softcream
![Persimmon Softcream]()
Persimmon Softcream
The persimmons of Aizu region are known for their delicious taste and the number of fruit that grow on the trees. Usually picked in the fall, these delicious “Shibugaki” persimmons spawn from a dangerous combination of hot summers and cold fall waters. The variety of “Aizu Mishirazu-gaki” are known throughout the world. In Ouchijuku, you can indulge yourself with persimmon softcream, even in the winter.
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04
Negisoba
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Negisoba
After a few dishes that might be available elsewhere in Japan with a different flair, you won’t find negisoba done like it is in Fukushima. Especially in Aizuwakamatsu, negisoba is a traditional dish in Fukushima that serves to comfort the locals throughout the seasons.
With a long green onion serving as the chopsticks, you’ll enjoy noodles like never before. Why would you eat something with a vegetable? Because it provides a wonderful fragrance during your meal. And once you’re done you can consume the crispy onion as a nice finisher. We recommend trying a bowl at Takino. You’ll be glad you did. Nothing better than scooping noodles with a slight “J” shaped long green onion. -
05
Disc Gyoza
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Disc Gyoza
Besides noodles, another popular dish in Fukushima is Disc Gyoza. Some of the restaurants in the area have been in the gyoza game for close to 50 years! With a focus on crispy, the gyoza are lined up on the plate in the exact order they were cooked. Full of vegetables and pork, you’ll end up fuller than expected.
You’ll find the magnificent spiral of crispy goodness above at Banrai Izakaya close by Fukushima City station. These dishes are also available at Iizaka Onsen and at a few restaurants in the area. -
06
Awa Manjyu
![Awa Manjyu]()
Awa Manjyu
Why not end your trip with a heavenly tap from the gods of sweets that reside in Yanaizu? With a history of 170 years, this manjyu with soft skin on the outside and red bean paste on the inside will bring you floating on a cloud back in time. It’s recommended to briefly steam the manjyu if the skin gets hard, as there is mochi rice mixed in to help give the food shape. Either way, you’ll have a hard time not eating the entire package you buy.
Just like its nature, Fukushima has a wide palette of foods to offer its visitors. From crispy gyoza to slurping soba noodles with a green onion, you’ll find a meal that will not only fill you, but entertain you. Jump inside Fukushima’s culture clash of food when the opportunity presents itself.
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