Introducing recommended sightseeing spots in Aizuwakamatsu and Higashiyama Onsen!

Higashiyama Onsen, located just a 10-minute drive from the center of Aizuwakamatsu City, is a historic hot spring town loved by Takehisa Yumeji and Akiko Yosano. It is a popular tourist destination in Fukushima Prefecture, attracting visitors from all over the country. For sightseeing, we recommend a plan where you can immerse yourself in the soothing, silky hot springs while enjoying the historic streets and rich natural surroundings. There are also sightseeing spots such as Tsuruga Castle, famous as "Aizuwakamatsu Castle," and samurai residences, allowing you to explore the history of Higashiyama Onsen and Aizuwakamatsu or experience the changing scenery of each season.

1. Higashiyama Onsen

Higashiyama Onsen is a conveniently located hot spring town, just about a 10-minute drive from the center of Aizuwakamatsu City. Its history dates back 1,300 years to when it was discovered by the Nara-period monk Gyōki. Since then, it has flourished as a healing bath for Aizu samurai and was also favored by literary figures during the Meiji and Taisho eras. Today, it remains a historic and traditional tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Japan.

Higashiyama Onsen is known for its sulfate-rich hot spring water with a silky smooth texture and is surrounded by abundant nature. Of course, open-air baths are also available, allowing visitors to soak in the warm waters while enjoying the natural scenery of Higashiyama Onsen. Many inns line the hot spring town, and we have selected some of the best ones. Some of these inns also offer day-use bathing, making it possible to fully enjoy Higashiyama Onsen even on a day trip.

① Mukaitaki – A historic Ryokan with cultural significance from the Aizu Domain

Mukaitaki is a long-established ryokan that has been in operation since the Edo period. It features 100% natural free-flowing hot spring water with a highly regarded mineral composition, receiving recognition from hot spring experts. The official certification ceremonies for its "Natural Free-Flowing Spring Bath" and "Hot Spring Facility Structure Recognition" were even broadcast on television.

The ryokan has two indoor baths: Kitsune-yu, designed to reflect the atmosphere of an old hot spring healing site, and Saru-no-yu, which, despite being an indoor bath, gives the open-air bath experience due to its open structure.

There is also a private family bath, free of charge, making it ideal for those who are uncomfortable with large public baths or families with small children. Additionally, the ryokan is renowned for its seasonal cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients to create traditional Aizu dishes. No chemical seasonings are used, ensuring a healthy and natural taste. It has been featured in magazines as an inn with exceptional cuisine.

② Irori no Yado Ashina – A Ryokan with traditional Irori hearth dining

Ashina offers a 100% natural free-flowing indoor and open-air bath, as well as the unique experience of dining around a traditional irori hearth. Some days, the baths are available for private use, making it highly recommended to reserve in advance when visiting Higashiyama Onsen. As the name suggests, meals at this ryokan are enjoyed around an irori hearth. There are seven different irori setups to accommodate groups of various sizes, enhancing the traditional atmosphere of the experience.

Aizu Jidori (local free-range chicken) and JA Aizu brand beef are grilled over charcoal, allowing excess fat to drip away for a lighter, flavorful taste. Depending on the season, duck and wild game meats are also available, adding to the excitement of dining. Guests can choose from different room and accommodation plans based on their travel purpose and budget, but a meal-inclusive plan is highly recommended.

③ Onyado Toho – A hot spring inn with a scenic open-air bath

Onyado Toho features two types of panoramic open-air baths. For day-use visitors, women can access "Sora no Yu", while men can use "Tanagumo no Yu".

"Sora no Yu" consists of multiple tiered baths, with a standout bath that extends 11 meters above ground, giving the sensation of floating within the Higashiyama Onsen landscape.

"Tanagumo no Yu" offers baths of varying depths, including a half-body bath and a lying-down bath, allowing guests to soak in the onsen while enjoying a panoramic view of the surrounding nature. Free amenities, towels, and bath towel rentals are included.

A women-only powder room is available, making it convenient even for visitors stopping by during sightseeing. There are also lunch-inclusive and dinner-inclusive day-use plans, allowing guests to enjoy both the hot springs and delicious cuisine. The two baths alternate between men and women at different times, so overnight guests can experience both.

④ Harataki – A rare hot spring inn with its own private spring source

Harataki is a hot spring inn that allows day-use bathing and is known for its own private spring source with 100% natural free-flowing water. The large communal bath, known as the "Thousand-Person Bath," is spacious and offers a liberating atmosphere. The open-air bath provides views of the changing seasons and even overlooks a waterfall, which is the origin of the ryokan’s name.

Even for day-use visitors, private open-air baths are available, with four different types to choose from, including those made of Aomori cypress and Shigaraki pottery. Free towel rentals are available, allowing guests to visit without bringing anything. Soaking in the warm waters surrounded by nature provides deep relaxation and stress relief.

⑤ Shousuke no Yado Takinoyu – A Ryokan next to the famous power spot, Fushimi Falls

Takinoyu is the original hot spring of Higashiyama Onsen and offers day-use bathing. Large Communal Bath 1: "Fushimi no Yu" is located along the Yukawa stream, providing a close-up view of the flowing river. Other options include Shousuke Hinoki Bath and Shousuke Barrel Bath. Large Communal Bath 2: From Shousuke Bath, guests can gaze at the Fushimi Falls. Another option is Shousuke Hiba Bath.

Open-Air Bath 1: "Takimi no Yu" allows guests to bathe while viewing the waterfall up close. This is the most recommended bath. Open-Air Bath 2: "Inishie no Yu" features a Shousuke Sake Bath, made from a large sake barrel donated by Hanaharu Brewery. Day-use bathing times vary by season, so it is best to inquire in advance.

2. Haguroyama Yuage Shrine

Haguroyama Yuage Shrine, like Higashiyama Onsen, was founded by Gyōki. Its history dates back approximately 1,300 years, making it one of the oldest shrines in Aizu. According to legend, Gyōki was guided by Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged crow, to establish the shrine. This origin story closely resembles that of Haguro Shrine in Dewa Sanzan (Dewa Sanzan Shrine). The two shrines share a deep connection, as both enshrine Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto as their principal deity.

The shrine features 1,225 stone steps, which take about an hour round trip to climb. Visitors with the energy for the ascent are encouraged to climb to the main hall and offer prayers. Every year on New Year's Day, the Higashiyama Haguroyama Ganjō Mairi event is held, where locals and tourists brave the snow-covered steps to visit the shrine in a traditional New Year's pilgrimage.

3. Aizu Samurai Residences

The Aizu Samurai Residence is an open-air museum featuring a collection of historical buildings, including the residence of Saigō Tanomo, a senior retainer of the Aizu domain. This site offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Higashiyama Onsen, the surrounding region, and Japan itself.

Saigō Tanomo was a senior retainer who played a crucial role in supporting the Aizu domain during the late Edo period. The Saigō family had served as senior retainers for generations in the Aizu domain, holding a prestigious status with an annual stipend of 1,700 koku. Their residence was grand in both size and construction. Inside, the traditional lifestyle of that time has been faithfully recreated. With a total of 38 rooms and 328 tatami mats, the sheer scale of the estate is truly impressive.

Other historical buildings on the site include the Old Nakahata Jin’ya, which was relocated and reconstructed from Nakahata Village, the Reinan’an Rinkaku, a recreation of the tea house once used by Sen no Rikyū’s second son, Shōan, and the Hanmai Rice Milling Facility, a restored rice mill from the Shirakawa domain. These structures offer a glimpse into different aspects of life in the feudal era. Additionally, historical buildings serve as museum exhibition spaces, displaying a wealth of historical artifacts.

At the Handicraft Experience Center, visitors can take part in traditional craft-making, such as painting Akabeko (red cow figurines) and Okiagari Kobōshi (a traditional lucky charm for New Year’s celebrations in Aizu). These activities provide a unique experience specific to Aizuwakamatsu and Higashiyama Onsen—perfect for creating souvenirs and lasting memories. The site also features a restaurant and a shop selling local specialties from Higashiyama Onsen and Aizuwakamatsu, so be sure to check them out.

◎ Summary

Aizuwakamatsu is a popular tourist destination, and Higashiyama Onsen has long been cherished as the hidden retreat of Aizuwakamatsu. It is an excellent place to combine sightseeing with relaxation, offering opportunities to explore historical sites and soak in soothing hot springs. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in Higashiyama Onsen and explore the surrounding attractions in Aizuwakamatsu. Be sure to visit Higashiyama Onsen for a memorable experience.