5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Dake Onsen! Exploring the Unique Acidic Hot Springs and the Tragic History of the Shonentai

Dake Onsen is a mountain hot spring town located on the slopes of Mount Adatara in the western part of Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. Its naturally rare simple acidic hot spring—said to have been discovered by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro—is a historic and famous hot spring. In addition to being selected as “Japan’s Best Natural Environment” by the Japan Onsen Association, it has also received the “4th Excellent Tourism Development Award,” making it a must-visit destination approved by experts. In this article, we introduce 5 recommended tourist spots in Dake Onsen.

1. What is Dake Onsen? Experience the “Milky Day”!

The source of Dake Onsen is located 8 km away from the town. This is because during the mid-Edo period, the area surrounding the spring source was buried by a debris flow. During the approximately 40-minute journey through the water pipes, the high-temperature acidic water is massaged into a milder quality that is gentle on the skin. Each inn or hotel offers a slightly different sensation of the water, so trying out a day-use bath is highly recommended.

Also, speaking of Dake Onsen, “Milky Day” is attracting attention. The hot water turns milky white because it is filled with abundant “yubana” (hot spring flowers) that adhere to the wooden channels. In summer, this occurs about once a week, and in winter roughly once every two weeks during the “Yubana Nagashi” ceremony conducted by the onsen attendants. Be sure to check the official social media for the schedule.

2. Kagami-gaike Park

Kagami-gaike Park is located at the end of the main street of Dake Onsen, which was developed on a sloping site on the side of Mount Adatara. This park is Dake Onsen’s premier walking and sightseeing spot.

Surrounded by quiet groves, the area around Kagami-gaike features well-maintained walking trails that provide the perfect course to cool down a body warmed by the scorching acidic hot springs of Dake Onsen. On clear days, the surface of the pond sparkles in a turquoise blue.

The road from the center of the hot spring town to Takaragaike is known as “Sakura-zaka,” where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom around Golden Week. There is also a foot bath along Sakura-zaka, so even those just passing by can enjoy a taste of Dake Onsen’s waters.

3. Kasumi Castle Park (Nihonmatsu Castle Ruins)

In Nihonmatsu at the foot of Dake Onsen, during the Edo period, the town served as the castle town of the Niwa clan of Nihonmatsu Domain. Nihonmatsu Castle—also known by its alternative name, Kasumi Castle—was a formidable stronghold that once withstood the fierce attacks of Date Masamune.

The castle area is divided into the mountain castle section used during wartime and the lower residence section used during peacetime. Although the climb can be challenging, from the stone walls of the reconstructed castle keep foundation at the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Mount Adatara with Dake Onsen, the city of Nihonmatsu, and the surrounding Abukuma River basin.

The residence section at the foot of the mountain is famous as the venue for the annual Chrysanthemum Doll Exhibition in autumn. Also, do not miss the “Nihonmatsu Shonentai Group Statue” located beside the restored Minowa Gate. The Nihonmatsu Shonentai was a unit of boy soldiers aged 12–17, organized during the Boshin War, similar to Aizu’s Byakkotai. Although not as well known as the Byakkotai, their tragic sacrifice during the war is still remembered today.

4. Mount Adatara

Rising majestically behind Dake Onsen is Mount Adatara, a celebrated peak selected as one of “Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains” and “100 Famous Flower Mountains.” With an elevation of about 1700 m, it is the vastness of its foothills that captivates visitors.

By taking the gondola lift at the “Adatara Kogen Ski Resort”—located a little above Dake Onsen—you can easily ascend to around 1300 m even outside the ski season. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the entire mountainside is painted in shades of red and yellow, offering a breathtaking view. The fresh greenery of spring is also highly recommended.

Please note that Mount Adatara is an active volcano. If you plan a serious climb, be very cautious of potential volcanic gas emissions near the summit.

5. Chieko Memorial Hall – The Birthplace of Chieko

Chieko, famed for her work "Chieko-sho" and the wife of sculptor Kōtarō Takamura, was born in present-day Nihonmatsu City.

In the eastern part of Nihonmatsu, the restored former residence of Chieko—once run as a sake brewery—has become a tourist attraction. The second floor recreates Chieko’s room, giving visitors a glimpse into her former life.

Behind the house is the Chieko Memorial Hall, built to resemble a sake brewery. Here, works by Chieko, who was also a painter like her husband Kōtarō, are displayed, including oil paintings—a rarity for women of her time.

The Takamura couple, who have played an indispensable role in the modern history of Nihonmatsu, left an enduring legacy. When visiting Dake Onsen, be sure to explore the world portrayed in "Chieko-sho."

◎ Summary of the 5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Dake Onsen

The hot spring water of Dake Onsen is notably strong in acidity, averaging a pH of 2.5, yet it is gentle on the skin and is said to be particularly effective for chronic skin conditions. As one of the standout hot spring areas in Fukushima—blessed by the bounty of Mount Adatara—Dake Onsen is one of the must-stay destinations if you are touring Fukushima.

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5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Dake Onsen! Exploring the Unique Acidic Hot Springs and the Tragic History of the Shonentai