Fukushima

Around JR Fukushima Station

Business hotels, the east-side bar and restaurant streets, and the underpass linking both sides.

Downtown arcade (Passeo Dori / Azuma Dori)

Izakayas, craft beer bars and shops; walkable from the station.

Iizaka Onsen

Riverside hot-spring town about 20 min by JR line; sleep here for a ryokan night.

Etiquette

• Greeting: A small bow; a handshake if the other person offers; avoid: Hugs, back slaps, loud greetings
• Names: Family name plus -san; avoid: First names unless invited; adding -san to your own name
• Paying: Put money in the tray at the register; avoid: Tipping, or leaving loose cash for staff
• Trains: Queue at the floor marks, phone on silent, ask before reclining on the Shinkansen; avoid: Phone calls, eating on crowded commuter trains, blocking doors with bags
• Escalators: Stand on the side locals use — left in Tokyo, right in Osaka; stations now ask people to stand still on both; avoid: Stopping at the top or bottom
• Shoes: Off at the step-up entrance; toilet slippers only inside the toilet; avoid: Stepping on tatami in shoes or slippers
• Shrines: Rinse hands at the basin; bow twice, clap twice, bow once; avoid: Walking down the centre of the approach, which is for the deity
• Gifts: Offer and receive with both hands; bring a small omiyage for hosts; avoid: Sets of four; cash outside an envelope

Scams and watch-outs

• The 2011 earthquake and the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant 60 km away dominate the news; the city itself is well outside the evacuation zone, which covers about 2.4% of the prefecture (as of 2024).
• Some travellers worry about radiation; levels in the city are low and a short stay is not considered harmful, but decide for yourself and check current official guidance.
• Many underground walkways are shortcuts, not through-routes; the long one under the station is the main one.
• Rural buses and some onsen trains are infrequent; check the last departure before you go.