Fukushima Prefecture is rich in nature and has an abundance of hot springs! 3 recommended hot springs and inns

Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature and is home to many famous hot spring resorts. If you stay at a hot spring inn located close to tourist attractions, you can use it as a base for sightseeing. This time, we will introduce some of the most recommended hot spring resorts in Fukushima Prefecture and popular inns in the area. This is a must-read for anyone planning a hot spring trip!

Bandai Atami Hot Springs

(c) Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Bandai-Atami Onsen boasts a history of 800 years and is a famous hot spring resort, even visited by Prince William of the UK in 2015.
Known as the "inner sanctuary of Koriyama," it once flourished as an entertainment district, and many large ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) remain today, making it easy to find accommodation around Bandai-Atami Station and along the Iogawa River.
Sports facilities such as the Bandai-Atami Ice Arena and other sports arenas are prominent, and it is a popular destination for athletes and student sports teams on away trips.

Shikisai Ichiriki, a popular inn in Bandai Atami Onsen

Shikisai Ichiriki, a large ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) representative of Bandai Atami Onsen, boasts a vast Japanese garden spanning 2,000 tsubo (approximately 6,600 square meters). In autumn, you can enjoy the magnificent autumn foliage. This
inn was once home to Emperor Showa and more recently used by Prince William for a dinner party, and is known for its heartfelt service from the staff.
You can enjoy a sense of liberation in the open-air garden bath, and savor the free-flowing hot spring water in the lukewarm bath.

INFORMATION

Iizaka Onsen

(c) Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Iizaka Onsen, which even appears in the legend of Yamato Takeru, is one of Japan's oldest hot springs, said to have existed since the 2nd century, and is counted as one of the "Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu," along with Akiu and Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture. It is easily accessible from Fukushima Station, and many people travel there from far away. There are
many facilities in the surrounding area where you can pick fruits such as peaches and pears, and many people visit for leisure.

Iizaka Hotel Juraku, a popular inn in Iizaka Onsen

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Iizaka Hotel Juraku is a hot spring inn that draws water from three different hot spring sources into its large public bath, allowing guests to fully experience the benefits of the hot springs. It's the perfect inn for those who are particular about the quality of the hot spring water! In addition to the open-air bath, it also features a variety of indoor baths, including hot and lukewarm baths.
For dinner, guests can enjoy a buffet while watching the chefs perform in the live kitchen.

INFORMATION

Higashiyama Onsen

(c) Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Higashiyama Onsen, located close to Tsuruga Castle, a representative tourist spot in Fukushima Prefecture, is the perfect base for sightseeing. Surrounded by magnificent nature, it is home to four famous waterfalls known as the Higashiyama Four Great Waterfalls: Amefuri Falls, Hara Falls, Mukai Falls, and Fushimi Falls. The hot spring water of Higashiyama Onsen is a sulfate spring, said to be beneficial for rheumatic diseases and chronic skin diseases.
Since its opening in the late 8th century, it has been a beloved hot spring resort for people from all walks of life, serving as a secluded retreat for those from Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Popular inn in Higashiyama Onsen "Shosuke no Yado Taki no Yu"

Shosuke no Yado Taki no Yu focuses on original services under the motto "Wonri-wan." The large public bath, which was renovated in 2012, offers a refreshing view of the magnificent waterfall. Unusually for a hot spring inn, it also has a Noh stage, so you can experience traditional performing arts in the evenings. The local cuisine, which is made with locally produced and seasonal ingredients, is sure to become a fond memory of your trip

INFORMATION

In addition to the hot springs introduced here, Fukushima Prefecture has many other hot springs, such as Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen and Tsuchiyu Onsen. Many hot springs offer day-trip baths and foot baths, so it might be a good idea to plan a hot spring tour during your trip

Harumaki

I'm a writer and former tour guide for a travel agency. My favorite places in Tohoku are Okama in Miyagi Prefecture and Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture. I also enjoy visiting hot springs, and often take day trips to them