Bandai Atami Onsen is a hot spring town located on the way from Kōriyama City, in central Fukushima Prefecture, toward the Aizu region. The hot spring opened approximately 800 years ago. The town of Bandai Atami Onsen is lined with numerous inns and hotels, attracting many tourists throughout the year. However, what makes Bandai Atami Onsen truly noteworthy is not just the hot springs. In the surrounding area, there are healing spots such as foot baths and farms that rival the appeal of the onsen itself. In this article, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots that you should definitely visit when traveling to Bandai Atami Onsen.
1. Bandai Atami Sports Park
In fact, one of the appealing features of Bandai Atami Onsen is not just its hot spring facilities, but also the abundance of sports facilities. Among them, the popular spot is “Bandai Atami Sports Park.” Here, you’ll find grounds where you can enjoy baseball, softball, and soccer, as well as a gymnasium. In summer, there’s a roller skating rink, and in winter, you can enjoy ice skating.
During winter, try ice skating while gazing at the snow-covered scenery all around. Move your body to the fullest, and your mind and body will be warm and energized. After a good workout, soaking in a hot spring is a great way to relax and relieve the fatigue of the day. The reasonable admission fees also make it an easy place to stop by in between sightseeing.
Name: Bandai Atami Sports Park
Address: 2-7 Minaminuma-sawa, Atami-machi Takadama, Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.sportspark.jp/
2. Kōriyama Yulax Atami
Kōriyama Yulax Atami is a comprehensive multi-purpose facility in Bandai Atami Onsen, equipped with a heated pool, a toddler pool, a multi-purpose hall for badminton and table tennis, a large hall that can accommodate over 3,000 people, and even hot spring facilities. It can be used not only by individuals but also by groups as a training or retreat center.
Various seasonal events are held here, so even if you’re not planning to use the sports facilities, feel free to drop by. At the health onsen, there are special giveaways on the 6th, 16th, and 26th of every month, known as “Bath Days.” The hall also hosts local product sales and other events. It’s conveniently located about a 7-minute walk from JR Bandai Atami Station.
Name: Kōriyama Yulax Atami
Address: 2-148-2 Atami, Atami-machi, Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.yracs.jp/
3. Kōriyama Ishimushiro Fureai Ranch
A popular tourist spot in Bandai Atami Onsen is the “Kōriyama Ishimushiro Fureai Ranch.” Within its vast grounds, you’ll find not only a petting zoo where you can interact with animals, but also a rental cycle station for cycling, a target bird golf course, play equipment, a splash pond, barbecue area, and a dairy product store—truly a wide variety of attractions.
In the popular petting zoo for kids, you’ll find animals such as horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, rabbits, ducks, and guinea pigs, with experiences like feeding and horseback riding available. For those who want to get active outdoors, mountain biking is recommended. Try speeding through the adventurous trial course and awaken your sense of adventure!
When you get hungry, you can spread out your lunch on the grass or enjoy meat raised on the ranch at the barbecue area. Don’t miss the ice cream and soft-serve made from fresh milk. It’s also a great idea to buy sausages and dairy products as souvenirs from Bandai Atami Onsen.
Name: Kōriyama Ishimushiro Fureai Ranch
Address: 2-2 Hagioka, Ishimushiro, Atami-machi, Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.fureai-bokujo.jp/
4. Keyaki no Mori Foot Bath
Located in front of Gensen Shrine, “Keyaki no Mori Foot Bath” is the perfect healing spot to rest your tired feet after sightseeing. With changing rooms and storage spaces available, you can relax and enjoy the foot bath without worrying about your shoes or belongings.
Did you know that the soles of your feet have countless pressure points, and poor circulation can lead to fatigue throughout your entire body? Simply soaking your feet in a foot bath can relieve not only foot fatigue but also overall body fatigue. Best of all, it’s free to use! When visiting Bandai Atami Onsen, feel free to stop by and take a break.
Name: Keyaki no Mori Foot Bath
Address: 5-16 Atami, Atami-machi, Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.bandaiatami.or.jp/enjoy/kanko/keyakinomori_ashiyu.html
5. Gensen Shrine and Fukasawa’s Famous Water Spot
The area around Bandai Atami Onsen is well known for its delicious tap water. The secret lies in the Fukasawa River, renowned for its high-quality water. Rich in minerals and crisp in taste, it’s gained a reputation for being very delicious. “Fukasawa’s Famous Water Spot” is a sightseeing location where the source of this famed water springs forth. Right beside it stands “Gensen Shrine,” said to grant wishes—so be sure to pay your respects while you’re there.
Name: Gensen Shrine and Fukasawa’s Famous Water Spot
Address: Ankojima, Atami-machi, Kōriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official/Related Website URL: http://www.bandaiatami.or.jp/enjoy/temple/gensenjinjya_meisui.html
◎ Summary
As a long-established hot spring town, Bandai Atami Onsen is lined with many traditional inns and hotels. Of course, the main attraction is the onsen, but there are also many other types of tourist spots worth exploring. With so many sports facilities available, we recommend combining physical activity with a soak in the hot spring. After working up a sweat, relaxing in the onsen will surely give you an unbeatable sense of satisfaction.