About Okuma

Nature's Embrace in Fukushima's Heart

Introduction

Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Fukushima, Okuma Town invites visitors to immerse themselves in the cradle of nature’s serene embrace. From its lush greenery to the gentle whispers of the Okuma River, this town offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace and rejuvenation.

Brief History

Once renowned for its harmonious blend of traditional charm and modern dynamism, Okuma Town encountered challenges that reshaped its narrative. Undeterred by the trials, the town has emerged as a beacon of sustainable progress, fostering an environment where nature and humanity coexist in perfect harmony.

Things to do

Reconnect with nature at the kashiramori Park, bask in the ethereal beauty of the Oyamazumi Shrine, or dive into delicious summer strawberries at Okuma Nexus Farm.

Model Course

Off to Okuma!

This model course gives you the time required, a basic itinerary, a quick outline of the places you’ll visit and finally lists specific details regarding each place on the itinerary.

Itinerary at a Glance

Time Required : Approximately 4 hours

5 minutes by taxi / 20 minutes on foot

10 minutes by taxi/ 20 minutes by bus

2 minutes by foot

10 minutes by taxi/ 20 minutes by bus

Outline

After you arrive at Ono Station, take a bus to the Okuma Incubation Center. If you want to walk, it’ll probably take you around twenty minutes. This place will help you get an overview of Okuma town, and you’ll probably also get the chance to meet some really cool entrepreneurs! The center has some snacks to help you refuel too.

Take a bus to the yakuba or city hall, and head to kashiramori Park (about 5 minutes). There’s a short climb at the end of which you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of the ocean! This is a great place for a picnic lunch so we recommend you carry your food along with you (probably buy a bento box from the conbini !).

Head to the Oyamazumi Shrine, admire the 400-year old cedar trees and make sure you have your wishes ready because the mountain God enshrined here is fabled to grant them all!

Head to Linkkuru Okuma, a 15-minute walk, which is a facility featuring a training studio that has been used by Olympic athletes. Next to Linkkuru Okuma is Hotto Okuma, which would give you the perfect Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) experience to finish your trip!

Take a bus or taxi back to the station.

Let’s get to know the places on the route better!

Place: Okuma Incubation Center
Time/Reservation: Open Monday to Friday between 9AM-5PM
Remarks: Built in a former school building, the Okuma Incubation Center has become synonymous with entrepreneurship and innovation in post-disaster coastal Fukushima. It hosts variety of events and acts as an office space for many companies. This is a recommended visit for you to know how the future is taking shape in this part of Fukushima. Okuma Nexus Farm

Place: Okuma Nexus Farm
Time/Reservation: Depends on the season
Remarks: One of the first farms to be built post-2011, the Okuma Nexus Farm utilises computation and human passion to grow strawberries. Known for its Summer Strawberry variety, we highly recommend you to try their delectable strawberry products leaving you with the feeling of wanting more.

Place: Watanabe House and Ishida House
Remarks: Built as family residences in Meiji-era (1868-1912), these houses are designated officially as cultural properties. Travel back in time to the stables and storehouses within the housing complex and experience the intricate architecture from a bygone era which stands the test of time.

Place: kashiramori Park
Remarks: Located right next to the Okuma Town Hall, this park is located at the end of a short climb. Surrounded by scenic views of the town and the ocean, get a bird’s-eye view of the reconstruction efforts in the town.

Place: Oyamazumi Shrine
Remarks: Hidden in the mountains, it is said that visiting the shrine three years in a row will please the mountain God to grant your wishes. Surrounded by Japanese Cedar trees dating 400 years, it is listed as one of the top 50 promenades in Fukushima. We are sure the tranquility will give you a chance to disconnect temporarily from a fast-paced life.

Place: Okuma Linkkuru
Time/Reservation: Open everyday 9 AM-9 PM except 29 December-3 January.
Remarks: The name “Linkkuru Okuma” was chosen in the hope that everyone will be able to connect with each other as a circle, a place where they can come and go as they please. The facility includes a multipurpose hall, a training room (meeting room), a library, an exercise studio, a music studio, a cooking studio, and a challenge store. It is a facility where local residents and visitors can share information and deepen their connections.

Place: Hotto Okuma
Time/Reservation: Hot Spring Bath Open everyday 10AM – 9PM
Remarks: Hotto Okuma is an overnight hot spring facility located built to provide a place where visitors can feel healed and revitalized. The name “Hotto Okuma” was chosen in the hope that the town would regain its vitality and become a place where people can relax and feel at home. At the front desk, local sake and original products are available for purchase, such as “Kiboukyo,” which was produced in Okuma after the earthquake.