Fukushima, Fukushima

Fukushima (福島市, Fukushima-shi, [ɸu͍̥ku͍ꜜɕima]) is the capital city of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It is located in the northern part of Nakadōri, the central region of the prefecture.

The present-day city of Fukushima partially consists of most of the former Shinobu and Date Districts and a portion of the former Adachi District. The city is located in the Fukushima Basin's southwest area and nearby mountains.

There are many onsen on the outskirts of the city, including the resort areas of Iizaka Onsen, Takayu Onsen, and Tsuchiyu Onsen. Fukushima is also the location of the Fukushima Race Course, the only Japan Racing Association horse racing track in the Tōhoku region of Japan.

As of May 2011, the city has an estimated population of 290,064 and a population density of 390 persons per km². The total area is 746.43 km².

History

Jōmon period to 11th century AD

During the times of ancient Japan, the area now known as the city of Fukushima was called Minekoshi (岑越). The mountain in the middle of the city, present-day Mt. Shinobu, was also formerly called Mt. Minekoshi (岑越山).