[Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture] Iizaka Onsen is a famous hot spring that even Matsuo Basho loved! Introducing recommended public baths and inns

Iizaka Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture is one of the three famous hot springs in Oshu, along with Akiu in Miyagi Prefecture .

Iizaka Onsen nine public baths , which are popular among tourists as well as local residents as a daily bath.

It is known that historical figures enjoyed this hot spring, including Matsuo Basho, who wrote that he stayed at this hot spring on his way to Oku-no-Hosomichi, and other figures such as Akiko Yosano, Shiki Masaoka, and Helen Keller. are also visiting.

This time, we will introduce some of the most recommended bathhouses and inns in Iizaka Onsen.

You can basically enjoy a public bath for 200 to 300 yen!

There are many public baths, and you can enjoy the baths at any of them for basically 200 to 300 yen , so it won't put a strain on your wallet even if you go from one to the other. Why not enjoy the various public baths?

It's lined with quaint wooden buildings, so just walking around gives you a nostalgic feeling and is fun.

In the center of Iizaka Onsen, Sabako Shrine , there was originally Sabagoyu, and a monument was erected because it is said that Basho and Sora bathed in Sabagoyu on the way to Oku-no-Hosomichi.

In addition to the monument, there is also a footbath called ``Ah Shiawase no Yu''

If you get tired of walking for a while, it's a good idea to sit here and enjoy a footbath.

Iizaka Onsen's representative "Sabakoyu"

Sabakoyu is especially popular .

Iizaka Onsen is said to be where the monk Saigyo wrote, ``Is the home of those who have broken away, beyond the mountains that Sawako can see?'' and where Matsuo Basho soothed his fatigue while walking the narrow path in the back of the mountain? This is a representative public bath.

Tohoku Rokken trivia media: NEFT

Related article

[Serialization: Following the narrow path in the back part 1] Your trip to Tohoku begins with "crossing the Shirakawa barrier"

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/25118

In the Edo period, when there were no airplanes, bullet trains, or automobiles, traveling on foot was the norm, and it was a life-threatening journey that was fraught with great hardship. (Basho) Matsuo Basho not only traveled on foot in Tohoku during this period, but also left behind his travelogue along with his haiku poems for future generations. Even today, it is so highly regarded that it is included in school textbooks, and you have probably all come across famous prefaces and haiku at least once. Here, we will follow the footprints that Basho left in the Tohoku region, and introduce seven articles about the current state of the places he visited and the haiku poems published in "Oku no Hosomichi." The narrow road in the back...

Read related articles

It is currently located behind Sabako Shrine. The cypress building gives a sense of timeless beauty, and the granite bathtub is symbolic.

Best of all, you can experience the heat of the hot spring water, which is the biggest feature of Iizaka Onsen.

The sign posted says, ``Bathtub temperature is 47 degrees.'' The spring temperature is 51 degrees, so if water is not added for a long time, the water temperature will actually be around 50 degrees.

Many people can enjoy bathing at temperatures in the low 40s, but when it gets to around 50 degrees, it can feel extremely hot.

From the entrance of the building, the men's and women's baths are separated, and inside, the changing room and bathtub are in the same space. If you go down one step from the dressing room, you will find a space with a bathtub.

The changing shelves are separated one by one and can be locked, so you can rest assured.

No showers or drinks

There are no showers, so you have to draw hot water and pour it on. You will be shocked by the heat here.

Hot water is important not only to remove dirt, but also to help you get used to the heat. Many people do it carefully many times.

If it's hot, add water OK

When you actually enter the bathtub, you can still feel the heat. When I looked at the wall, I noticed that more and more tourists were enjoying visiting public baths. The general public does not like hot water, so please keep the water at an appropriate temperature (approximately 43 degrees Celsius).''

This is a cautionary note for locals. In other words, if it's hot, you can add water .

Don't forget to say something to other customers

Of course, there is a lack of consideration if you start filling up the water without asking someone else, even though there are other people inside. Just ask, ``Can I add water?'' before adding it.

However, this heat is part of the charm of Iizaka Onsen, so we recommend that you don't overdo it and limit it to what you can handle.

Sabakoyu＜Information＞

• Name: Sabakoyu
• Address: 32 Yuzawa, Iizaka-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone: 024-542-5223
• URL: https://www.iizaka-onsen.jp/sabakoyu

Google Map

Nakamuraya Ryokan, a long-established inn that has been around since the Edo period

If you are going to go to Iizaka Onsen, there are many people who want to enjoy it by staying overnight. Nakamuraya Ryokan recommended for such people .

This inn is located almost in the center of the hot spring area and is a registered tangible cultural property of the country

This is because it was built in the Edo period and uses an architectural style that is difficult to recreate in modern times. The exterior has a beautiful contrast between the reddish tiled roof and the white walls.

The guest rooms are spacious and have three rooms.

The building from the Edo period and the one that was added on during the Meiji period are connected within the building, and there are guest rooms in both, but the interiors of the rooms are almost the same.

The feature is a large space with three rooms. If you open the shoji partitions, you can get a better view and feel more spacious.

Each group uses such a large room, so only 4 groups can stay overnight. Once you have decided on your travel dates, you will need to make early reservations.

Everywhere in the building is photogenic!

It's fun just walking through the interior, which gives you a sense of Japanese beauty. No matter where you take a photo, it will look great on Instagram.

The stairs are made entirely of cypress and were carved by hand by craftsmen. The ``folded ceiling'', which is raised one step higher and made of boards arranged in a lattice pattern, gives off a sense of commitment.

2 private baths

The bath can be reserved for private use. Two are available.

relaxing bath

One is the ``relaxation bath,'' which looks like a bath in an ordinary Japanese inn. However, the hot springs are characteristic of Iizaka Onsen, and are alkaline and moisturize your skin.

Yoemon no Yu

The other is Yoemon no Yu, which is named after the first generation of this inn. This is exactly Iizaka Onsen itself. That's because there are no showers or showers.

"Sabakoyu", which I introduced earlier, was rebuilt in 1993, and the granite and kansui stone were taken over at that time. It is made using it.

It is very hot because it is fed directly from the source. However, since the water is reserved for private use, you can add water to the desired temperature without having to worry about local regulars.

Nakamuraya Ryokan＜Information＞

• Name: Nakamuraya Ryokan
• Address: 18 Yuzawa, Iizaka-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone: 024-542-4050
• URL: https://iizaka-nakamuraya.com/

Google Map

"Hagiyu" built along the river

I think there are many people who say, ``I want to enjoy Iizaka Onsen on a day trip, but I don't want to have to ask the regulars every time I add water like I do at Sabago-yu.'' Hakoyu , a new building with a distinctive tower .

Install a lukewarm bathtub

Hagiyu is located about a 3-minute walk from Sabagoyu, and has recently become popular with tourists. This is because there are two bathtubs, and one is preset to ``warm''.

It is popular because it is easy to use and does not require adding water. Even though it's lukewarm, it's because it's at Iizaka Onsen, so it's usually a good temperature or a little hot.

Good view of the inns along the river

Hagiyu is built along the Surikami River, and you can see the group of inns that are also built along the river. There are benches set up on the balcony, where people often take a leisurely break.

Due to these circumstances, the public bath at Iizaka Onsen is normally 200 yen, but here it is 300 yen

Haguyu ＜Information＞

• Name: Hakoyu
• Address: 30 Jutsunacho, Iizakacho, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone: 024-542-5223
• URL: https://www.iizaka-onsen.jp/hakoyu

Google Map

summary

This time, I've introduced Iizaka Onsen, a spot that hot spring lovers will want to visit over and over again.

In particular, Saboko-yu is a historically representative bathhouse in this area, so we recommend that you take the plunge and give it a try, even if the water is too hot and you have to add water.

It's well-loved by regulars, so there's a good chance you'll be hanging out with locals. However, tourists are well aware that the water is hot, so if you ask them, they will readily respond.

You can enjoy it in a short amount of time and at an extremely low price, so be sure to include it in your route when sightseeing in Fukushima. Of course, you can also stay at Nakamuraya Ryokan and fully enjoy the charm of Iizaka Onsen!