Cherry blossoms at Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu, a 20-minute drive from Santuario Villa Kitakata

Cherry blossoms in spring

The picture above is Tsuruga Castle, a 20-minute drive from our villa to Aizu Wakamatsu, where you can find many sightseeing spots.

Shingu Kumano Shrine in Kitakata with its 800-year-old ginkgo tree in autumn

Temple

There are many shrines and temples that you can visit.

such as The one in the picture above,In mid-November, where you can observe an 800-year-old ginkgo tree.

Fresh asparagus, bamboo shoots and mountain vegetables from a farmer's market (Michinoeki) near Santuario Villa Kitakata

Farmer’s market/Michinoeki

All vegetables are freshly picked in the morning and brought to Michinoeki.

There are many Michinoeki around, for you to explore.

We will give you more details at the villa.

Kitakata is known for Asparagus, mountain vegetables, strawberries, peaches, rice, and many more. There are many self-picking fruit stands in seasons

Inawashiro ski slope with snowy mountain views, a 30 to 40-minute drive from Santuario Villa Kitakata

SKI

In winter, if you are a snow sports lover, many of the ski slopes are a 30- to 40-minute drive away.

Yamatogawa sake brewery in Kitakata, within walking distance of Santuario Villa Kitakata

Sake brewery

The water in this area (Aizu) is mainly derived from meltwater from snow high in the mountains. The quality of this snow water is excellent and very tasty, making it an excellent base for sake. You can find many Sake breweries in walking distance from our villa where you can visit for tasting and purchase.

SL Banetsu steam train on the Ichinoto Bridge near Kitakata, Fukushima

SL BANETSU

On weekends, you can ride or see SL in scenic spots.

Here is the picture of SL Banetsu on the Ichinoto Bridge.

You can spot it at Kitakata station or in our neighbourhood as well.