Miharu(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Mikawashima, the top choice is Mikage Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn nestled beside the Mikage Falls. It features private outdoor baths with panoramic views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains, especially stunning in winter snowscapes. The inn serves authentic local cuisine, including Mikawashima beef tongue and Koshihikari rice, and offers tea ceremony experiences to immerse guests in regional culture. Early HopeGoo is recommended due to high demand from nature and cultural enthusiasts.

The ideal time to visit Mikawashima for cherry blossoms is late March to early April, when the sakura trees along the Mikage Falls trail bloom in soft pink hues, creating a breathtaking contrast against the cascading water. This period also coincides with the Mikawashima Spring Festival, featuring traditional dances, craft markets, and local food stalls. For those seeking cooler weather and fewer crowds, late spring or early summer (May–June) offers lush greenery and pleasant hiking conditions around the mountain trails.

The primary landmark in Mikawashima is the Mikage Falls, one of Japan’s "Three Great Waterfalls," with a dramatic 28-meter drop into a crystal-clear pool. Nearby, Mikage Shrine—dating back to the Edo period—boasts elegant wooden architecture and serene grounds. The scenic Ogawara Bridge offers the perfect vantage point for photographing the falls. Don’t miss the Mikawashima Municipal Museum, which houses exhibits on local pottery, farming tools, and historical documents, providing deep insight into the region’s heritage.

Guests in Mikawashima can participate in hands-on lacquerware workshops, guided by local artisans who teach traditional techniques using designs inspired by Mikage Falls. You’ll create personalized items like fans or tea boxes. Additionally, Fukushima-style cooking classes let you prepare Mikawashima beef tongue sushi and Koshihikari rice dumplings, paired with local sake. The annual Mountain Festival in October features processions in historic costumes, folk dances, and community rituals that highlight the town’s enduring traditions.

Yes, Mikawashima is an excellent destination for families. The Mikawashima Nature Education Center offers child-friendly ecological tours, where kids can explore stream life and native plants. The Mikage Falls walking path is safe and well-maintained, perfect for stroller-friendly hikes, with rest stops and educational signs along the way. Many inns provide children’s yukata, storybooks, and play areas. Some lodges even feature small farms where kids can feed goats and rabbits, making it a peaceful, enriching escape from city life.

While Mikawashima lies in a rural part of Fukushima Prefecture, access is convenient via public transit. Take a bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station—about 40 minutes—to reach the town center, with several daily departures. For travelers with a car, the Tōhoku Expressway leads directly to the Mikawashima Interchange, approximately 90 minutes from central Fukushima. Local tourist shuttle buses connect major attractions and accommodations, offering flexibility. Consider using the JR East Rail Pass or Fukushima Prefecture Tourist Card for cost-effective travel.

Mikawashima’s hot springs are renowned for their natural mineral-rich waters, with temperatures around 42°C and high levels of sodium bicarbonate and sulfur. The Mikage Onsen Ryokan uses these waters in private open-air baths, many of which offer views of the Mikage Falls and forested slopes. Facilities often include herbal steam rooms and forest meditation spaces, blending wellness and nature immersion. The therapeutic properties are especially beneficial for skin health and relaxation after a day of exploring.

The standout nighttime attraction in Mikawashima is the Mikage Falls Night Illumination, held during spring and autumn. The waterfall is lit with warm yellow lights, reflecting beautifully on the water surface, creating a magical ‘Starfall’ effect. Walking the illuminated paths at dusk offers a tranquil atmosphere with sounds of flowing water and crickets. Some ryokans offer 'Stargazing Dinner' packages, where guests dine on the veranda under clear mountain skies, enjoying local dishes and sake while gazing at constellations.

Must-try dishes in Mikawashima include Mikawashima beef tongue, grilled over charcoal to perfection and served with a signature sauce—rich, tender, and deeply flavorful. Try Koshihikari rice onigiri (rice balls), known for their chewy texture, often paired with umeboshi or nori. Kaki no Tane (a sweet rice cracker) is a popular souvenir. At the Mikawashima Market, sample fresh tofu pudding and mountain vegetable tempura, best enjoyed with locally brewed sake for a true taste of Fukushima’s countryside.

Visit the Mikawashima Craft Market, open every weekend, where local artisans sell handmade goods such as Mikage pattern lacquerware, washi paper lanterns, and bamboo baskets. The Municipal Museum Gift Shop offers exclusive regional items like notebooks and postcards featuring Mikage Falls imagery. For food lovers, Fukushima Specialty Stores stock vacuum-sealed packs of Mikawashima beef tongue and premium Koshihikari rice gift sets, ideal for bringing home a piece of this serene mountain town.