FUKUSHIMA
Having developed as a gateway into Tohoku area from ancient times, Fukushima Prefecture has historical buildings such as Shingu-kumano Shrine and Ouchijuku. It is also known for its natural scenic spots such as Mt. Bandaisan, Oze and Lake Inawashiro.東北地方の玄関口として古代より発展した県で、新宮熊野神社の長床や大内宿など歴史を今に伝える建造物も多い。磐梯山や尾瀬、猪苗代湖など自然の宝庫としても知られる。
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1. Jododaira Fen 浄土平
Jododaira is a flat area which is 1,600 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains of the Azuma Mountain Range 2,000 meters high. It’s in the middle of the Bandai-Azuma Skyline, a tourist road which is closed in the winter, and visitors can easily enjoy the nature of a subalpine.
標高2000m近い吾妻連峰の山々に囲まれた標高1600mの平坦な土地。冬場は閉鎖される観光道路「磐梯吾妻スカイライン」の中間地点にあり、亜高山の自然を手軽に満喫できる。
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2. Natsui River Valley 夏井川渓谷
A popular spot in Fukushima where trains are known to run slowly in the autumn leaves season for viewing. Visitors can enjoy the brilliant autumn leaves from their windows through the valley which continues 15 kilometers. A waterfall called Kagobano-taki looks beautiful just like a Japanese painting.
紅葉シーズンには列車が徐行運転を行うことでも知られる福島県の名所。車窓からは約15kmも続く渓谷の鮮やかな紅葉を楽しめる。「籠場の滝」は日本画のような美しさ。
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3. Shingu-kumano Shrine 新宮熊野神社
The Nagatoko, a national cultural property, is a hall of worship built during the end of the Heian era with 44 pillars without any walls or doors. The 800 year-old large ginkgo tree inside the shrine beautifully turns yellow in late autumn.
国の重要文化財「長床」は44本の太い柱に壁も扉もない吹き抜け構造の拝殿で、平安時代末期に建てられたもの。境内の樹齢800年の大イチョウは晩秋には見事な黄葉を見せる。
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4. Goshiki-numa Swamps 五色沼
Goshiki-numa is a group of various-sized swamps on the north side of Mt. Bandai, and was named “Goshiki (five colors)” because of its changing colors depending on the time, location and angle. The dynamic variation of colors is like a gigantic natural work of art.
磐梯山の北側にある大小さまざまな湖沼群で、時間や場所、角度によって鮮やかに色を変えることから名付けられた。その大胆な色遣いは自然が生み出した巨大なアートのようだ。
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5. Sukagawa Taimatsu-akashi Fire Festival 須賀川松明あかし
Sukagawa Taimatsu-akashi is one of the three main fire festivals in Japan and has a history of 400 years. 150 young men carry a 10 meter long torch, which weighs 3 tons, around town. The sight of the fire burning under the late autumn sky is well worth seeing.
約400年の伝統を誇る、日本三大火祭りのひとつ。長さ10m、重さ3tの巨大な松明を150人の若者が担いで街を練り歩く。燃えさかる炎が晩秋の空を焦がす光景は一見の価値あり。
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6. Ouchijuku 大内宿
With over thirty houses with thatched roofs along the roadway, Ouchijuku preserves the atmosphere of a post town during the Edo era. Many Japanese people feel nostalgia seeing thatched roofs along with the autumn leaves. The negi-soba, which is a local cuisine, is also delicious.
30軒以上の茅葺屋根の民家が街道沿いに並び、江戸期の宿場町の風情を今に伝える。紅葉に照り映える茅葺屋根に郷愁を感じる日本人は多い。名物「ねぎそば」も食したい。
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