Fukushima

<p>A look at both the pagoda and Kannon. Can you imagine this scene in the peak of autumn when the leaves are ablaze with colors, or in spring when the trees are laden with flowers? How magnificent it must look!</p>

A look at both the pagoda and Kannon. Can you imagine this scene in the peak of autumn when the leaves are ablaze with colors, or in spring when the trees are laden with flowers? How magnificent it must look! (Photo: Radica Sooknarine)

Fukushima

An Outing to Fukushima

There's more than meets the eye in Fukushima

Radica Sooknarine Sep 14, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A look at both the pagoda and Kannon. Can you imagine this scene in the peak of autumn when the leaves are ablaze with colors, or in spring when the trees are laden with flowers? How magnificent it must look!</p>

<p>The Kannon stands atop a hill and this is a view of the surrounding area.</p>

<p>This 57m Aizu Jibo Dai Kannon statue was built in 1987.</p>

<p>Like the Dai Kannon statue in Kita-Sendai, the inside of the statue is hollow, and has a staircase that goes up to the shoulders.</p>

<p>A purification fountain at the entrance to the Kannon statue.</p>

<p>On the way to the top of the staircase inside the statue, this is one of the majestic views that is worth seeing. There's also a wonderful view of the pagoda on the premises.</p>

<p>This beautiful red bridge allows you to enjoy watching the koi as they swim peacefully in the water.  </p>

<p>A glimpse of the Kannon above this smaller statue.</p>

<p>We were lucky to be there when the lotus flowers were in bloom. The blooms added an extra touch of exuberance to the pond.</p>

<p>This road takes you to the pagoda. It's a very relaxing walk.</p>

<p>A look at the Kannon as you approach it from the entrance to the park.</p>

<p>The "Colossal Recubent" statue found near the pagoda.</p>

<p>This glimpse of the pagoda also shows the natural beauty of Fukushima.</p>

<p>A manhole cover on the premises of the castle grounds.</p>

<p>The Aizuwakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsuruga-jo is an imposing structure that must be included in your list.</p>

<p>Another view of Tsuruga-jo through the nearby trees.</p>

<p>For a small fee you can enter the castle and enjoy the museum inside, and better yet, walk to the top verandah and get a spectacular view of the surrounding samurai village.  </p>

On a recent day trip to Fukushima, I had the opportunity to visit the city of Aizuwakamatsu.

As we were driving by, the towering statue of the Aizu Jibo Dai Kannon came into view. Although it wasn't on our list of places to visit, we simply could not pass it by. For a mere 500 yen, we were able to enjoy the grounds and climb the Kannon.

Tsuruga-jo was our next stop. The castle grounds are huge and definitely worth a visit as it also provides you with an amazing view of its samurai town.

Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine @radica.sooknarine

I currently teach English in Sendai City. Whenever possible, I seek out adventures in this enchanting country.