Fukushima/Yamadera in winter

My bf and I have the next four days free, and were thinking of taking a small road trip somewhere. Since we have been all over the Kanto region and to all the popular spots multiple times, we were thinking of branching out and maybe heading to Fukushima and Yamadera.

Winter doesn't seem like the best time to visit anywhere not a ski resort, but we are kinda out of ideas for quick trips we haven't done. So does anyone have any experience going to the famous sites in Fukushima, or to Yamadera, in winter? Is there someplace else we should check out instead? Anything we should know/hidden gems/advice?

We will be driving, and will put on snow tires tomorrow (hopefully) giving us the afternoon/evening plus around 3 days.

Any commentary is welcome. Thanks in advance!

On your way up north to Yamadera, stop by lovely Ouchijuku. We went for its winter illumination early Feb and it was beautiful under snow.
http://ouchi-juku.com/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7710.html

Winter is also a good time for Inawashiro-ko to see swans gathering by the lake shore.
http://www.bandaisan.or.jp/video/?p=69
While in Inawashiro-ko, pay your respect and visit Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall.
http://www.noguchihideyo.or.jp/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7711.html

Time allowed Aizu-Wakamatsu is worth a stop for its castle and its samurai history.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7700.html
http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~byakko/

For food go for ramen in Kitakata.
http://www.kitakata-kanko.jp/meal/ramen.php
http://www.ramenkai.com/
The following place offers ramen hands-on experience.
http://www.ramenkan.com/ramenkan2/index.html#a4

Between Kitakata and Yamadera is Yonezawa whose beef is said to be the best in the Tohoku region. Again we enjoyed its beautiful light up winter event during early Feb.
http://www.yonezawa-kankou-navi.com/souvenir/beef.html
http://www.yonezawa-kankou-navi.com/event.html

End of Dec maybe a bit too early for the snow monsters in Mt. Zao but nevertheless it is worth a look as it is a popular winter destination. During the first week of Jan there is also an evening light-up event.
http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/jyuhyo/lightup

After Yamadera, go further up north for an onsen experience under snow in beautiful Ginzan Onsen or Naruko Onsen.
http://www.ginzanonsen.jp/ (Ginzan Onsen)
http://www.naruko.gr.jp/ (Naruko Onsen)

If you still have extra time go for a scenic river cruise on Mogamigawa.
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/torukin7/e/aec8bb79a237b6a2dfb0bf843978cd8c
http://www.blf.co.jp/menu_4.html