power spot

Introducing 3 "special" power spots hidden in Bandai Atami Onsen [Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture]

Bandai Atami Onsen, located in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a hot spring resort that is widely known throughout the country. It is easily accessible from the city center and can be easily reached by car or train

However, it would be a waste to just enjoy the hot springs! There are also famous power spots near Bandai Atami Onsen. Here are three power spots you might want to visit while enjoying the hot springs


What is Bandai Atami Onsen?

Bandai Atami Hot Springs

Located in the northwest of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, Bandai Atami Onsen has long been known as one of the most famous hot springs in the Tohoku region. Its history began approximately 800 years ago. It is said that Ito Sukenaga, who ruled this area during the Kamakura period, named the area Atami out of his feelings for his hometown, Izu Province. This may be the reason why the place names Kamiizushima and Shimoizushima still remain within Atami Town

There is a legend about Princess Hagi at Bandai Atami Onsen is named Gohyakugawa

The waters of Bandai Atami Onsen are alkaline simple springs. They gently remove dead skin cells from the skin, leaving it smooth after bathing, earning them the nickname "beauty water." In addition to staying at a hot spring inn, you can also enjoy Bandai Atami Onsen's beauty waters by casually visiting the hot springs for a day trip, or by using the free foot baths that you can quickly use in your spare time

Well, since it's a hot spring town, of course you'll want to enjoy the baths, but that doesn't mean you should just enjoy the hot springs! Here are some power spots in Bandai Atami Onsen that you should definitely visit


Gensen Shrine, said to grant wishes

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine

It has long been rumored to be a power spot where wishes come true

Located in an area lined with hot spring inns, the red torii gate that suddenly appears at the back of the parking lot is the landmark. This shrine is dedicated to giving thanks for the hot springs that gush forth from underground. It is said that the shrine presides over both Oyamajiri and Anamori Inari shrines, which are branch shrines of Setouchi Haneda

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine

At the foot of the trail, you will find the famous Fukazawa water spot. Fukazawa is the Fukazawa River in the western part of Atami Town. The collected stream water is thoroughly purified by filtering it through fine sand. The water is rich in minerals and is one of the town's prides

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine

Although it is located in a corner of the hot spring town, once you pass through the torii gate, the air strangely becomes tense and the sounds seem to become quieter (this is the author's personal opinion)

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine

What kind of wishes have long been held by locals and visitors seeking therapeutic hot springs when they visit this shrine? It may be fascinating to visit the shrine while thinking about the long history of the hot springs and feeling as if you are traveling back in time

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine

There is also a free foot bath near Gensen Shrine

Bandai Atami Gensen Shrine <Information>

Google Map


Zelkova Forest, a row of giant trees over 300 years old

Zelkova Forest

The next power spot, Zelkova Forest, is located very close to the Gensen Shrine, which we introduced first. Along the back of the hot spring town, there is a cluster of gigantic Zelkova trees, each over 300 years old. The sight of lush leaves growing on branches extending from their massive trunks is a true example of natural beauty. It makes you feel the leisurely passage of time

Zelkova Forest

The lush forest is also home to a wide variety of birds. With a variety of wild birds to be seen in each season, it is also a popular spot for birdwatching. Wildflowers grow beneath the zelkova trees, so be sure to keep an eye on your feet

Zelkova Forest
Near the entrance to the walking trail in the Zelkova Forest, you can also see the Gohyaku River, which appears in the legend of Princess Hagi

Zelkova Forest <Information>

Google Map


Takatsukasa Shrine, which has been watching over people's lives since ancient times

Takatsukasa Shrine

Takatsukasa Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Takamimusubi-no-kami and Kamumusubi-no-kami. Famous as the god of matchmaking, it is said to help people connect with each other, and has a history of being visited by many people seeking good relationships

Takatsukasa Shrine

Takatsukasa Shrine is located after passing through Bandai Atami Onsen town and heading north on National Route 49. This small shrine suddenly appears in the midst of a tranquil landscape of expansive fields. The stone walls, the structure of the shrine building, and the splendor of the cedar trees give it a deep sense of history

Takatsukasa Shrine

Once you pass through the shrine's torii gate, you'll be greeted by a flower water basin. You can really feel the thoughtfulness behind it

This area, including Bandai Atami Onsen, was once Takatama Village, Adachi County . The shrine has respected its history as the village's administrator and watch over its people, and has preserved its history by keeping its name unchanged even after the merger of municipalities. Takatsukasa Shrine was a familiar shrine that was integrated into people's lives, where they prayed for bountiful harvests and gave thanks for the harvest, and it continues to be close to the hearts of the people to this day.

Takatsukasa Shrine

The air within the temple grounds is soft and clear, and seasonal flowers are displayed here and there, creating a simple yet solemn atmosphere

Takatsukasa Shrine

The cedar tree towering in front of the shrine has a forked trunk, creating an overwhelming presence when you look up at it. Its appearance, which has long watched over the history of this land, seems to convey the splendor of this local area, which should be passed down to future generations

Additionally, the goshuin stamps at Takatsukasa Shrine are also popular. They are elaborately designed with cute seasonal motifs and glittering foil. They are sure to become fond memories of your trip

Takatsukasa Shrine <Information>

  • Name: Takatsukasa Shrine
  • Address: 35-1 Takatama Minamitanaka, Atami-cho, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
  • URL: https://takatsukajj.org/

Google Map


Enjoy visiting power spots along with hot springs

This time we introduced power spots in Atami Town, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture

Bandai Atami Onsen, a famous hot spring resort both within and outside the prefecture, is an old hot spring town where the legend of Princess Hagi still remains. However, it would be a bit of a waste to visit just for the hot springs. Near the hot spring town, there is also a power spot that is famous among the locals. If you visit it along with a bath, you might find your heart warming even more. We hope you will check it out


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