Fukushima’s Onsen Towns

When traveling to Fukushima with the onsen experience in mind, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the onsen town in which to stay. Although all of the prefecture’s three regions, Hamadori, Nakadori, and Aizu are beautiful in their own terms and well deserving of a visit, when it comes to onsen, the latter is where the hot spring joy is found. Onsen towns around Japan are usually connected to major cities, and back in the day were frequented by salarymen looking to relax after a long work week. Nowadays this is less the case, but the major cities of Koriyama, Fukushima, and Aizuwakamatsu still remain true to their nearby onsen resorts. Here are some of our favourites, along with a gist of where you should spend the night.

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Bandai-Atami Onsen

Bandai-Atami is Koriyama’s onsen town. Located 35 km west of Koriyama Station, this old onsen town is famous for being the center of the Hagi-Hime legend. It is believed that an ill Princess Hagi recovered from an incurable disease after bathing in a hot spring in Bandai-Atami. Thanks to Hagi-Hime, the onsen town is visited often by women as it is said the water makes their skin soft. If you choose Bandai-Atami as your onsen destination, then why not go deep into the legend and stay at the Eirakukan. This ryokan holds the claim of being the hot spring where the princess herself bathed and also offers idyllic private baths. As a plus, Eirakukan also runs a gallery next to its main building where photos of the town’s heyday are on display, showing curious aspects of the local culture.

Bandai-Atami Onsen

Bandaiatami Onsen

: Fukushima Koriyama-shi Atamimachi Atami

: 0249842625

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Travel Guide

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Iizaka Onsen

When heading to Fukushima City, the onsen to hit is Iizaka Onsen. Set along the Surikami River, Iizaka Onsen offers ample Japanese-style accommodation options and several public baths only a 30-minute drive from Fukushima Station. One public bathhouse that stands out from the rest is Sabako-yu. This picturesque building is home to an ancient hot spring that has attracted the crowds ever since it was discovered. Although the current structure is not the original, having a bath here is sure to transport you back to another era.

Iizaka Onsen

During your visit to Iizaka Onsen, make sure to stop by Kyu Horikiri Tei. This is the former Horikiri residence, a family of farmers and merchants, and some of the buildings within the compound go as far back as the Edo Era. You can take a stroll around the gardens and check out the various exhibitions displaying historic artifacts linked to the Horikiri family. Before you leave, head to the back of the grounds and give your feet the pampering they deserve in the stone foot bath.

Iizakaonsen

: Fukushima Pref

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Higashiyama Onsen

Head over to the Aizu Region and up to Higashiyama Onsen, which is on the outskirts of Aizuwakamatsu City. One could say that this onsen town has seen its better days as the town’s infrastructure is a bit rundown, but still, there’s a charm to the place and the ryokan that remain here offer excellent service and incredible hot spring experiences. One of the highlighted accommodations is Kutsurogijuku. This is actually the combination of two old ryokan uniting to offer hot spring experiences on both sides of the river. At Kutsurogijuku Chiyotaki, head for the rotenburo or outdoor bath on the top floor to relax your body while looking out over the neighboring mountain and the city views on the horizon. To enjoy the hot spring baths overlooking the river, take a short walk across the river to Kutsurogijuku Shintaki. After dinner and back at Chiyotaki, round out the day with a tasting of Fukushima’s best sake.