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Let's follow Noguchi Hideyo's footsteps! 4 recommended spots scattered throughout Fukushima Prefecture!

Hideyo Noguchi is famous for being featured on the 1,000 yen bill, but did you know that he was born in Fukushima Prefecture?

Within the prefecture, there are buildings and museums from when Hideyo Noguchi actually lived. In this article, we will introduce four spots in Fukushima where you can feel the footprints of Hideyo Noguchi. Please use this as reference for your Fukushima sightseeing

What kind of person was Hideyo Noguchi?

Hideyo Noguchi was born in Sanjogata, Miwa Village, Fukushima Prefecture, and graduated from Inawashiro Elementary School with excellent grades. Even today, there are facilities and statues related to him around Inawashiro

When he was 18 months old, he suffered severe burns to his left hand, and after undergoing surgery at the age of 15, he decided to become a doctor

After obtaining his medical qualification, he pursued research as a bacteriologist, and in 1900 he succeeded in cultivating the syphilis pathogen spirochete at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. In 1928, he contracted yellow fever while researching the disease in West Africa, and died there

Four spots to follow in the footsteps of Hideyo Noguchi

From here, we will introduce four spots where you can learn more about the man known as Hideyo Noguchi

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall
Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall

The memorial museum in Inawashiro Town, where Hideyo Noguchi was born and raised, provides easy-to-understand explanations of his achievements and life

Stone monument at the birthplace of Hideyo Noguchi
Stone monument at the birthplace of Hideyo Noguchi

The materials, compiled by period, from his childhood in Inawashiro and Aizuwakamatsu to his time in the United States and Denmark, and his time conducting research in Central and South America and Africa, show that he was an extremely hard worker

There is also an experience booth where you can get up close and personal with the world that he researched as a bacteriologist, and enjoy playing games with invisible bacteria

Hideyo Noguchi's birthplace
Hideyo Noguchi's birthplace

Outside the memorial hall, the house where Noguchi Hideyo was born and raised remains, with highlights including the hearth where he was burned and the pillar on which his determination to become a doctor is engraved

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall <Information>

  • Name: Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall
  • Address: 81 Maeda, Mitsuwa, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Opening hours: April to October 9:00 to 17:30 / November to March 9:00 to 16:30
  • Phone number: 0242-85-7867
  • Official URL: Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall

Hideyo Noguchi Museum of Infectious Diseases

Hideyo Noguchi Museum of Infectious Diseases

The Infectious Disease Museum, which opened on July 2, 2022, is the first private museum specializing in infectious diseases. It explains basic knowledge about infectious diseases and the history of humanity's fight against infectious diseases

The basic knowledge booth introduces the pathogens that cause infectious diseases and the mechanisms that lead to disease from when they enter the human body until they develop. The history booth displays how infectious diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, malaria, and influenza have been confronted and solved

We recommend purchasing a combined ticket with the Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Museum, which costs 1,300 yen for adults and 600 yen for children

Hideyo Noguchi Museum of Infectious Diseases <Information>

  • Name: Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall
  • Address: 89 Mitsuwa Maeda, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Opening hours: April to October 9:00 to 17:30 / November to March 9:00 to 16:30
  • Phone number: 0242-65-2319
  • Official URL: Hideyo Noguchi Museum of Infectious Diseases

Noguchi Hideyo Youth Center

The Noguchi Hideyo Youth Hall is a building that was repurposed from the former Kaiyo Hospital, where Noguchi Hideyo underwent hand surgery. Currently, the first floor is a coffee shop and the second floor is a museum

The interior of the building, which was built in 1884 (Meiji 17), retains its retro atmosphere and is a relaxing space

At the cafe, you can enjoy freshly ground coffee and four kinds of homemade sweets, with the sake lees pudding being the recommended choice. Admission to the museum on the second floor is 100 yen, so it's a good idea to visit both the cafe and the museum

Noguchi Hideyo Youth Center <Information>

  • Name: Noguchi Hideyo Youth Hall
  • Address: 4-18 Nakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Business hours: 9:00-18:00
  • Phone number: 0242-27-3750
  • Official URL: Noguchi Hideyo Youth Center

Hideyo Noguchi Youth Street

The street where the Noguchi Hideyo Youth Hall is located is named "Youth Street" as it is the place where he spent his youth

The brick-paved street is lined with historic buildings, including Fukunishi Main Store, which utilizes a Taisho-era storehouse, and is recommended for those who enjoy walking around town

There is also a bronze statue of Noguchi Hideyo at Noguchi Hideyo Youth Square along the street, so it's worth stopping by

Hideyo Noguchi Youth Street <Information>

  • Name: Hideyo Noguchi Youth Street
  • Address: Nishieicho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • Official URL: Hideyo Noguchi Youth Street

Experience the life of Fukushima's great man, Hideyo Noguchi

This time we introduced four spots where you can follow in the footsteps of Hideyo Noguchi, who was born and raised in Inawashiro Town

Learning about his life and achievements based on these documents may help you understand the greatness of his achievements and his hardworking personality, and you may feel closer to him. Also, Aizuwakamatsu City, the place associated with him, is home to many historical buildings that still remain, so it's a great place to take a stroll

Why not take a trip themed around Hideyo Noguchi?

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