Exploring Fukushima Town
A Two‑Day Journey Through Yokozuna Spirit
and Straitside Majesty
Japan’s Only Town That Produced Two Yokozuna — A Land of Unbreakable Spirit
Fukushima Town, reached via Hakodate after flying from Osaka’s Itami Airport, sits at the southern tip of Hokkaido overlooking the Tsugaru Strait. It is the only place in Japan that produced two Yokozuna from the same lineage—Chiyonoyama, the 41st Yokozuna, and his disciple Chiyonofuji, the 58th. The rugged life of fishermen who braved the rough northern seas, along with the monumental construction of the Seikan Tunnel, forged a spirit of resilience that still pulses through this land today.
As you explore the traditions of women’s sumo and the local sumo‑themed anime Ucchari!, you’ll encounter the authentic passion and cultural depth that make Fukushima Town a truly extraordinary destination.
FEATURE
The Sea and Unbreakable Spirit That Forged Yokozuna Strength
On a journey through Fukushima Town, you’ll encounter two powerful stories of resilience: the world of sumo and the monumental challenge of tunnel excavation. At the Yokozuna Memorial Hall, you can see the treasured artifacts of two legendary Yokozuna and stand before the very ring where they trained. At the Seikan Tunnel Museum, you’ll trace the footsteps of the century‑defining project that pierced the ocean floor.
Together, these experiences reveal the origins of Fukushima’s unyielding spirit—born from a land shaped by rough seas, harsh conditions, and the determination to rise above every obstacle.
You can also experience the fusion of tradition and modern culture through the long‑running Women‑Only Sumo Tournament held at the sacred ring of Fukushima Daijingu, and by visiting filming locations from Ucchari!, the anime that follows Fukushima’s high‑school girls who devote their youth to women’s sumo.
Your journey continues with the breathtaking Iwabe Cruise, which explores a hidden coastline accessible only by boat, along with nature experiences along the historic Tonosama Kaidō. Rich culinary moments—such as abalone curry and chanko hotpot passed down from local sumo wrestlers—add even more depth and delight to the trip.
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HIGHLIGHT
DAY 1 HIGHLIGHT
Sumo Heritage, Sumo Landmarks, and the Flavors Passed Down by Yokozuna
Travel from Itami Airport via Hakodate to Fukushima Town. Upon arrival, enjoy the town’s signature abalone curry at Restaurant Takao before immersing yourself in its deep sumo heritage at the Yokozuna Chiyonoyama & Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall and Fukushima Daijingu, where women’s sumo traditions continue today.
Stroll through town to visit filming locations from Ucchari!, the anime that follows Fukushima’s high‑school girls devoted to women’s sumo. In the evening, savor chanko hotpot prepared with recipes passed down from Kokonoe‑beya at Izakaya Ru.
Stay overnight at Shiriuchi Onsen, one of Hokkaido’s oldest hidden hot‑spring retreats.
DAY 2 HIGHLIGHT
Hidden‑Coast Cruises and Historic Trails — Discover the Land That Forged an Unbreakable Spirit
Begin your day at the Seikan Tunnel Museum, where you can experience the history of this century‑defining engineering challenge and the resilience behind it. Then embark on the Iwabe Cruise, exploring the beautiful yet rugged Tsugaru Strait that shaped Chiyonofuji’s strength.
After shopping for local specialties at Michi‑no‑Eki Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima, enjoy traditional Sengen Soba, made entirely from buckwheat. Continue with a trek along the historic Tonosama Kaidō, a nature‑rich ancient trail, before heading home with a deeper appreciation of Fukushima Town’s powerful natural spirit.
Into
Fukushima
Town
TOUR PLAN
11:00
Depart Itami Airport → 12:40 Arrive at Hakodate Airport
Fly directly from Itami Airport to Hakodate Airport. After landing, transfer to a car and head toward Fukushima Town, a coastal community overlooking the Tsugaru Strait.
Facility Information
Restaurant Takao
15‑3 Fukushima, Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1392
Tel: 0139-47-2253
14:15
Abalone Curry Lunch at Restaurant Takao
Enjoy Fukushima Town’s signature abalone curry at Restaurant Takao, made with fresh abalone sourced from the Tsugaru Strait.
Facility Information
Yokozuna Chiyonoyama & Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall
190 Fukushima
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1312
Tel: 0139-47-4527
15:15
Yokozuna Chiyonoyama & Chiyonofuji Memorial Hall + Fukushima Daijingu
Visit the memorial hall dedicated to the only town in Japan that produced two Yokozuna from the same lineage. Explore the full‑scale replica training ring modeled after Kokonoe‑beya and view ceremonial aprons and exclusive Yokozuna goods.
Then visit Fukushima Daijingu to see the Kagamiyama Ring, the historic stage of the Women‑Only Sumo Tournament.
16:45
Walk Through Ucchari! Anime Locations
Stroll through the quiet port town and visit locations featured in Ucchari!, including Yokozuna Beach along the Tsugaru Strait. Experience the charm of this serene community where the legacy of sumo still lives on.
Facility Information
Izakaya Ru
289 Fukushima
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1312
Tel: 0139-47-3457
18:30
Chanko Dinner at Izakaya Ru
Savor authentic chanko hotpot prepared using Kokonoe‑beya’s traditional recipe. Enjoy fresh seafood from the Tsugaru Strait and experience a warm, local evening unique to Fukushima Town.
Facility Information
Shiriuchi Onsen Ryokan
284 Yunori
Shiriuchi Town, Kamiiso District, Hokkaido
049‑1221
Tel: 01392-6-2341
20:30
Check‑in at Shiriuchi Onsen — Hokkaido’s Oldest Hidden Hot Spring
Travel to neighboring Shiriuchi Town and stay at Shiriuchi Onsen, a historic hot spring with over 800 years of history. Relax in naturally flowing waters from five self‑gushing sources and enjoy a restorative retreat.
Facility Information
Seikan Tunnel Museum
32‑2 Mitsutake
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1331
Tel: 0139-47-3020
09:00
Visit the Seikan Tunnel Museum
Explore exhibits featuring the actual tunnel‑boring machine and archival footage documenting the construction of the Seikan Tunnel. Learn about the unwavering determination of the people who accomplished this century‑defining engineering feat, and discover how this spirit connects to Fukushima Town—the birthplace of two legendary Yokozuna.
Facility Information
Iwabe Cruise
65‑1 Iwabe
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1392
Tel: 0139-46-7822
※ A guide is required for the Iwabe Cruise.
10:30
Discover the Sea That Forged Chiyonofuji’s Strength — Iwabe Coast Cruise
Take a glass‑bottom boat to the remote Iwabe Coast, a hidden shoreline accessible only by sea. Experience the adventure of entering the “Blue Cave,” which can only be reached by small boats.
Feel the powerful waves of the Tsugaru Strait that strengthened sumo wrestlers’ legs, along with crystal‑clear waters and dramatic cliffs.
Facility Information
Michi‑no‑Eki Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima
143‑1 Fukushima
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1392
Tel: 0139-47-4070
12:15
Shopping Time at Michi‑no‑Eki Yokozuna no Sato Fukushima
Browse local specialties such as dried squid products, regional goods, and soft‑serve ice cream. Enjoy shopping for items unique to Fukushima Town.
Facility Information
Sengen Soba
283 Sengen
Fukushima Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
049‑1332
Tel: 0139-47-2772
13:00
Lunch at Sengen Soba
Enjoy hand‑crafted soba made from 100% buckwheat grown at the foot of Mt. Daisengendake. Known for its rarity, Sengen Soba is often called “phantom soba.” Savor freshly made juwari soba with its rich aroma and deep flavor.
14:00
Tonosama Kaidō Walk
Take a nature trek along the historic Tonosama Kaidō, an old samurai‑era highway once used by the Matsumae Clan. Walk through pristine beech forests and alpine vegetation while experiencing the dynamic natural beauty of Fukushima Town.
16:30
Depart Fukushima Town → 18:00 Arrive at Hakodate Airport
Travel to Hakodate Airport and continue on to your next destination.
※ Pairing this itinerary with sightseeing in Hakodate is also recommended.
As Japan’s first international trading port, Hakodate offers numerous highlights, including the three‑star night view from Mt. Hakodate featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
[Contact the Concierge]
• Your itinerary can be customized to match your preferred number of days, activities, and budget.
• If you would like to discuss a tailor‑made Fukushima Town tour, feel free to contact the concierge using the form below.
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Concierge