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 Onsen

(c) Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Boasting a history dating back 800 years, Bandai Atami Onsen is a famous hot spring resort, so famous that Prince William of the United Kingdom visited in 2015.
Known as the "backyard of Koriyama," it once thrived as a hot spring entertainment district, and many large inns remain to this day, with accommodations available around Bandai Atami Station and along the Gohyaku River.
Sports-related facilities such as the Bandai Atami Ice Arena and sports arenas are prominent, and many athletes and students from sports clubs visit on field trips.

Shikisai Ichiriki, a popular inn in Bandai Atami Onsen

Shikisai Ichiriki, a large inn representing Bandai Atami Onsen, boasts a vast Japanese garden spanning 6,600m2. In autumn, you can see the magnificent autumn leaves.
Emperor Showa once stayed here, and in recent years Prince William has used it for dinner parties. The inn's warm and caring staff are a great attraction. You
can enjoy the open-air garden bath and soak in the hot spring water directly from the source in the "nuruyu" bath.

INFORMATION

Iizaka Onsen

(c) Fukushima Prefecture Tourism and Products Association

Iizaka Onsen, which also 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" alongside Akiu and Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture. It is easily accessible from Fukushima Station, and many people travel from far away to visit.
There are facilities scattered around the area where you can pick peaches, pears, and other fruits, and it is a popular place for leisure visitors.

Iizaka Hotel Juraku, a popular inn in Iizaka Onsen

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Iizaka Hotel Juraku is a hot spring inn that uses three hot spring sources in its large public bath, allowing you to fully experience the benefits of the hot springs. This is the perfect inn for those who are particular about the quality of the hot springs. It is notable for not only having an open-air bath, but also a wide variety of indoor baths, including hot and lukewarm waters.
For dinner, you 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, one of Fukushima Prefecture's most famous tourist destinations, is the perfect base for sightseeing. Surrounded by magnificent nature, the four waterfalls of Amefuritaki, Harataki, Mukaitaki, and Fushimi-ga-taki are famous as the four great waterfalls of Higashiyama. The water quality of Higashiyama Onsen is a sulfate spring, which is said to be good for rheumatic diseases and chronic skin disorders.
Since its opening in the late 8th century, the hot spring has been loved by many people as the inner sanctum of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

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

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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 am a writer and former tour company conductor. My favorite places in Tohoku are Okama in Miyagi Prefecture and Oirase Gorge in Aomori Prefecture. I also like visiting hot springs and often use day trip hot springs.