Aizu-Wakamatsu, Ouchijuku & Urabandai
Based in Aizu-Wakamatsu, take day trips to Ouchijuku, Kitakata, and the Goshikinuma Ponds in Urabandai.
A short holiday itinerary starting from Tokyo. Staying in the same area saves you from moving luggage, relying on trains and buses for day trips. The itinerary covers the samurai history of Tsuruga Castle, the thatched-roof post town of Ouchijuku, Kitakata ramen, and volcanic lake trails. The relaxed pace is perfect for families and seniors. Since buses in Urabandai are infrequent, this visit is scheduled for the final day on the way back to Koriyama.
The Goshikinuma Ponds are snow-covered in winter; autumn foliage peaks around mid-to-late October.
Day by day
Day 1 · Tsuruga Castle & Nanomachi Street
Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku（Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle)、Oyakuen Garden、Nanokamachi Street）
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Koriyama, then transfer to the Banetsu West Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu (approx. 1 hour). Use the city loop bus.
Stay: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station / Nanokamachi
Day 2 · Ouchijuku & To-no-Hetsuri
Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku（Ouchi-juku、To-no-Hetsuri）
Take the Aizu Railway to Yunokami Onsen (approx. 40 minutes), transfer to a bus to Ouchijuku (approx. 20 minutes), and stop at To-no-Hetsuri on the return.
The Ouchijuku shuttle bus operates seasonally; check schedules before departing.
Stay: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station / Nanokamachi
Day 3 · Kitakata Ramen & Mount Iimori
Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku（Kitakata Kura Town & Ramen、Mount Iimori (Byakkotai Graves)、Sazaedo、Suehiro Sake Brewery (Kaei-gura)）
Take the Banetsu West Line to Kitakata (approx. 20 minutes). Return to Aizu in the afternoon and take the loop bus to Mount Iimori (Iimoriyama).
Stay: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station / Nanokamachi
Day 4 · Goshikinuma Trail & Return
Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku（Goshikinuma Ponds、Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum）
Take the Banetsu West Line to Inawashiro (approx. 40 minutes), transfer to a bus to Goshikinuma. After the hike, return to Inawashiro and take the train to Koriyama.
The Goshikinuma trail takes about an hour; check the return bus schedule in advance.