Goshikinuma Ponds in Fukushima feature vividly coloured volcanic lakes formed after Mount Bandai’s eruption, with an easy trail showcasing constantly changing hues.

Tsuruga Castle in Fukushima stands out with its rare red roof tiles and powerful samurai history, offering insight into the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Chasing viewpoints instead of trains, I explored the Tadami River’s most scenic spots—quiet villages, hidden lookouts, and one fleeting moment as the train crossed the valley.