The Diamond Route Connecting Fukushima, Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures

This video, titled "【4K】Nature & Gastronomy : Diamond Route Japan 2019 - Fukushima, Tochigi, Ibaraki |" was released by Diamond Route Japan.

Nobu Matsuhisa runs many Japanese restaurants around the world.
In this video, Nobu Matsuhisa travels to Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures to review tourist attractions that are rich with local history and Japanese culture.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Fukushima Prefecture

Two of the best places to visit in Fukushima Prefecture are Ouchi-juku in the Minamiaizu District of Fukushima Prefecture and Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsurugajo) in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture.
These two sites, both of which preserve the landscape of Japan's Edo period, attract more than a million history buffs each year.

In Ouchi-juku, there are restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
Ouchijuku's specialty, "Takato Soba," is a unique dish in which "magari-negi" (a type of curved green onion) are used like chopsticks to eat handmade soba noodles.

Kitakata ramen is another local specialty of Fukushima Prefecture.
Kitakata ramen is a local dish that is loved all over Japan and is one of the three major ramen of Japan.
Kitakata Ramen is a shoyu (soy sauce) flavored pork-based ramen that originated in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, and is characterized by its light flavor.

Popular Sightseeing Spots in Tochigi Prefecture

The most famous tourist attraction in Tochigi Prefecture is the World Heritage Site "Nikko Toshogu Shrine."
Nikko Toshogu Shrine located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, is a shrine and temple dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The shrine is steeped in history and is said to have been built in 1617.
It's a famous place where visitors can enjoy historical Japanese traditions and culture.

Utsunomiya gyoza is the specialty of Tochigi Prefecture.
Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture is one of the largest consumers of gyoza (pot stickers) in Japan, and almost all gourmets visiting Utsunomiya City come in search of "Utsunomiya Gyoza."

Utsunomiya gyoza is characterized by its high vegetable and low meat and garlic content, which gives the gyoza a better texture and richer flavor.
As a result, even those who don't like the rich taste of gyoza and generally find it too heavy, can enjoy eating it.
Utsunomiya gyoza is generally sold at a low price throughout Utsunomiya City, and it's often eaten like fast food in the local area.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture

Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's premier leisure facilities for raising plants.
The 500 sq. acre park is home to seasonal plants, such as tulips in the spring and sunflowers in the summer, as well as attractions like a large Ferris wheel, making it a fun facility for the whole family!

Ibaraki Prefecture is home to many nationally famous local dishes, the most popular of which is natto (fermented soybeans).
Mito Natto, a specialty of Mito City, Ibaraki, is a historical dish loved by the locals.
Foreign tourists may have some reservations about it, but we definitely recommend trying it if you're visiting Mito, Ibaraki.

Summary of the Diamond Route Connecting Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki Prefectures

Fukushima, Tochigi, and Ibaraki prefectures are close to Tokyo, making them great places to visit even on a day trip.
They are especially popular with tourists looking to experience Japanese history and culture.
Be sure to check them out if you have the chance!