Top 7 Tours & Experiences In Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture might be best known internationally for the 2011 nuclear disaster, but it’s also a place of resilience, natural beauty, and unique experiences. If you’re intrigued by history, science, or adventure, Fukushima offers some standout tours that bring the region’s stories and landscapes to life. We especially like the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant visit, which provides a rare inside look, and the Thrilling Drift Car Experience at Ebisu Circuit, for those craving adrenaline. Whether you’re interested in understanding the region’s recovery or seeking a high-speed thrill, Fukushima has something for you.

Below is a quick overview of the diverse tours we’ve selected. From somber historical explorations to family-friendly museums and outdoor adventures, each offers a distinct window into Fukushima’s past and present. Now, let’s dive into the details.

1. Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant visit 2 day tour

At number 1 is the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant visit 2 day tour. This guided experience is a rare chance to peek inside the nuclear plant involved in the 2011 disaster. For around $580, you’ll spend two days exploring Fukushima, with expert guides explaining the complex events of March 11, 2011, and how the area has recovered since. The tour includes meeting local residents who experienced the disaster firsthand, offering invaluable personal stories that you won’t find in textbooks. The highlight is access to the plant with a Geiger counter in hand, giving you a tangible sense of the ongoing safety measures and decontamination efforts.

The itinerary is well-structured to balance technical insights with community perspectives. Day 1 begins in Koriyama, where you’ll visit Fukushima coast areas and hear from locals. On Day 2, there’s an additional chance to explore the coast and end back at Koriyama Station. With excellent reviews (5.0/5 from 31 reviews), this tour appeals most to travelers interested in science, history, and environmental recovery.

Bottom line: If you want a profound understanding of Fukushima’s nuclear incident and its aftermath—plus a chance to meet residents—this tour ranks high for its depth and access.

2. Thrilling Drift Car Experience at the Famous Ebisu Circuit Japan

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Thrilling Drift Car Experience at Ebisu Circuit is hard to beat. At just about $215 for a 15-minute session, this experience puts you behind the wheel of a drift car on one of Japan’s premier race tracks. Drift racing originated here in Japan, and Ebisu Circuit is renowned for its challenging turns and spectacular setting.

Guided by an experienced driver, you’ll learn how to lose traction safely and control the car in a controlled slide—an exhilarating skill that will give you a new respect for precision driving. Reviews rave about the relaxed staff and the skill of the drivers, with one saying, “It felt like he could drive with his eyes shut.” No experience? No problem. The staff is trained to help beginners get comfortable while seasoned drivers can push their limits.

This tour is ideal for car enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and anyone looking for a memorable, high-energy experience. Keep in mind, safety gear and a good sense of adventure are essential.

Bottom line: If you’re after a quick hit of high-speed fun and a taste of Japan’s legendary drifting culture, this tour offers excellent value.

3. Coal & Fossil Museum Admission Ticket

The Coal & Fossil Museum offers a day of discovery about Fukushima’s industrial past. Priced at around $926, this all-day family-friendly attraction is perfect for anyone interested in paleontology, geology, or local history. Inside, you’ll find fossils from across the globe, including impressive dinosaur skeletons, along with exhibits detailing Iwaki’s coal mining legacy.

Pre-booked tickets help you bypass long lines, making it a hassle-free visit. The museum’s collection includes extensive fossils and displays that appeal to both kids and adults. It’s a good choice if you’re traveling with children or seeking an indoor activity in any weather.

The highlight here is the chance to see rare fossils and learn about Iwaki’s mining industry, which shaped much of the local economy. Reviewers note that it’s a comprehensive and engaging experience, especially for those interested in natural sciences.

Bottom line: For a mix of education and entertainment, especially if you’re traveling as a family or with fossil buffs, this museum is a solid, value-packed choice.

4. Fukushima Hope Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle from Iwaki

The Fukushima Hope Tour offers a meaningful day exploring the region’s recovery efforts. Priced at $929.50 for up to three people, this 8-hour tour takes you from Iwaki Station to key sites related to the 2011 disasters. You’ll visit the decommissioning archive managed by TEPCO, where dioramas and videos detail ongoing cleanup work, and see the revitalization of towns like Namie, which now hosts a roadside station symbolizing resilience.

Led by a licensed guide, you’ll hear personal accounts of the earthquakes, tsunamis, and nuclear accident, giving depth to the physical sites. Reviewers mention the intense and moving experience, though some note the tight schedule limits deeper exploration. This tour suits history and recovery enthusiasts eager to learn from firsthand stories and see the rebuilding process.

Ideal for travelers who want context beyond the headlines, this tour provides insight into what it takes to rebuild after a major disaster. It’s best suited for those comfortable with long days and emotionally impactful visits.

Bottom line: For a human-centered, educational look at Fukushima’s ongoing recovery, this tour offers a compelling and respectful experience.

5. Fukushima Font Tour

The Fukushima Font Tour is a shorter, more community-driven experience. At about $177 for 6 hours, it takes you into the FONT area (Futaba, Okuma, Namie, Tomioka), which was heavily affected by the 2011 disaster. Led by local residents, the tour visits Futaba Station for personal stories and the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum, where you’ll see exhibits on the evacuation, reconstruction, and ongoing challenges.

This tour is a heartfelt reflection of resilience, illustrating how communities are rebuilding while facing ongoing hurdles. It’s a good choice for those interested in personal narratives and grassroots recovery. The visit to the memorial museum provides a rundown, including a rooftop view of the Pacific.

While it has no reviews yet, the focus on local voices makes it an authentic and moving experience, especially for travelers wanting to understand Fukushima beyond headlines.

Bottom line: If you’re interested in grassroots stories and community resilience, this tour offers a sincere, educational experience.

6. Fukushima Canoeing Private Activity Tour

For a peaceful outdoor experience, the Fukushima Canoeing Private Activity Tour offers a relaxing river cruise on the Tadami River. Suitable for groups of up to four, this one-hour tour is seasonal, available in winter with snow-covered scenery and traditional foods like Yubeshi. You’ll enjoy a quiet, scenic cruise in one of Japan’s snowiest regions, complemented by local treats grilled over a shichirin and brewing Kaneyama coffee with natural water.

It’s a quiet, contemplative experience that emphasizes regional culinary traditions and natural beauty. Because it’s private, your group can enjoy personalized attention, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking serenity rather than adrenaline.

Though reviews are not available, this activity’s appeal lies in the combination of scenic scenery and culture. It suits travelers who want a gentle, scenic outdoor option with a focus on regional charm.

Bottom line: If you seek a tranquil outdoor activity with a focus on regional foods and scenery, this river cruise offers a peaceful retreat.

7. Kitashiobara-mura Private Winter Hiking in Kanjiki Tradition

Lastly, for active travelers, the Winter Hiking in Kanjiki Tradition is a two-hour guided trek on Mt. Bandai. Led by a certified local guide, you’ll explore traces of volcanic activity and traditional folk tools used throughout history. Snow boots, rainwear, and gloves are provided, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers.

Limited to small groups of five, this hike offers a personalized experience with insights into the region’s geology and folk traditions. The course is designed to showcase volcanic traces and local culture, making it ideal for outdoor lovers who want more than just a walk and are interested in the area’s natural history.

While no reviews are posted, the focus on geology, local tools, and personal guides makes this a good fit for curious, physically active travelers. It’s perfect for those seeking a short, informative outdoor adventure.

Bottom line: If you love hiking and local folk traditions, this guided winter trek offers a meaningful and active way to explore Fukushima’s volcanic landscape.

How to Choose the Right Tour

Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If understanding Fukushima’s recovery and nuclear history is your priority, the 2-day nuclear plant tour is unmatched. For thrill-seekers, the drift car experience delivers adrenaline and fun. Families or fossil enthusiasts should consider the Coal & Fossil Museum, while those interested in grassroots stories will appreciate the Fukushima Font Tour.

Outdoor lovers and active travelers can opt for the winter hiking or canoeing. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter, community-driven options like the FONT tour, whereas those seeking a deep dive into history and science will find the nuclear plant tour most rewarding.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons or for specialized experiences like the drift cars or guided hikes.

In summary, Fukushima offers a surprisingly diverse array of Tours & Experiences—from poignant historical visits and engaging museums to high-speed drifting and scenic outdoor activities. Two standout options are the profound Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant tour and the exhilarating Ebisu Circuit drift experience. Whatever your interests, planning ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable Fukushima adventures.