Hinoemata Village in Fukushima Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s premier heavy snowfall areas. This nature-rich village is located in a high-altitude, cold region surrounded by 2,000-meter-class mountains, and an impressive 98% of its 390.46 square meters is covered by forests and wilderness.
In this guide, we introduce some of the popular tourist spots in Hinoemata Village. From Oze National Park, one of Japan’s 100 Scenic Views, to rural kabuki that has been performed since the Edo period, and even day-trip hot springs, Hinoemata Village offers a diverse range of attractions that will make you want to plan a day trip to experience its abundant natural beauty!
1. Tourist Spots to Experience Traditional Culture
◆ Hinoemata Kabuki
An unmissable attraction in Hinoemata Village is the “Hinoemata Kabuki” performed on the local stage. This rural kabuki, which has been carried on since the Edo period, is currently designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property by the government. The stage sets, production, and actors are all provided by local residents, and the high quality of the performances is truly extraordinary.
Hinoemata Kabuki has many fans, and during its performance seasons in April, May, August, and September, tourists from all over the country come to see it.
Be sure to attend a performance of Hinoemata Kabuki held under thatched roofs in the lush natural surroundings of Hinoemata Village. Immerse yourself in the unique world of kabuki that only Hinoemata Village in Fukushima Prefecture can offer.
Name: Hinoemata Kabuki
Address: Aihei, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/festivals/detail_1765.html
◆ Kabuki Heritage Museum “Chiba no Ie”
Kabuki originated in Hinoemata about 270 years ago, during the Edo period. The Kabuki Heritage Museum “Chiba no Ie” is a facility that exhibits valuable materials related to Hinoemata Kabuki. It is filled with panels explaining kabuki plays, as well as costumes, scripts, and props such as fans, swords, and shamisen. Visiting “Chiba no Ie” after watching a kabuki performance allows for an even more enjoyable sightseeing experience.
It is open annually from early May to early November, so be sure to visit during your tour of Hinoemata Village.
Name: Kabuki Heritage Museum “Chiba no Ie”
Address: 664 Ihei, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: https://www.aizu-concierge.com/spot/679/
2. Tourist Spots Brimming with Nature
◆ Mini Oze Park
Mini Oze Park in Hinoemata Village is a spot where you can casually enjoy the four seasons of Oze National Park, one of Japan’s premier wetland areas. Within its 80,000 square meters, various flowers that adorn Oze are cultivated. Depending on the season, you can view plants such as mizubasho, nikkou kisuge, and watasuge.
With boardwalks, footpaths, rivers, waterfalls, and ponds in place, Mini Oze Park allows for leisurely sightseeing. The entire loop is about 2 km and takes approximately 40 minutes to walk, making it an ideal destination for both small children and the elderly. It is especially recommended for those who want to experience Oze National Park but are concerned about their stamina.
Name: Mini Oze Park
Address: 124-6 Satodori, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: http://www.oze-info.jp/facility/mini-oze/
◆ Aizu Komagatake
For those who want to enjoy serious trekking, why not challenge yourself with Aizu Komagatake, which stands at 2,133 meters? Hinoemata Village is the only spot that serves as a trailhead for Aizu Komagatake. If you love mountain climbing, this is a must-visit!
There are several hiking courses on Aizu Komagatake. The duration varies by course, ranging from about 50 minutes to 4 hours, so we recommend choosing a course that suits your sightseeing or trekking plans in Hinoemata Village and Aizu Komagatake. No matter which route you take, you will be able to experience the natural beauty and history of Hinoemata Village.
Name: Aizu Komagatake
Address: Mito, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: https://www.tif.ne.jp/yamafuku/mt30/15.html
3. Tourist Spots for Onsen Enjoyment
Natural hot springs are abundant in Hinoemata Village, as they well up from the gateway to Oze National Park. In Hinoemata, hot spring water is supplied not only to hotels but also to private households. Here are some onsen facilities that you can enjoy on a day trip or while touring Hinoemata Village.
Immerse yourself in Hinoemata’s onsen to soothe your travel fatigue.
◆ Arza Oze no Sato
First, we introduce “Arza Oze no Sato,” a well-known comprehensive onsen sports facility in Hinoemata Village.
It offers an open-air bath, a bubble bath, a “utase-yu” bath, a 25-meter warm water pool, and an air slider, among other attractions. There is even a pool for toddlers, making it ideal for families with small children. As a comprehensive onsen sports facility, it is especially recommended for tourists seeking health and beauty benefits.
“Arza Oze no Sato” is a facility where people of all ages can enjoy a full onsen experience.
Name: Arza Oze no Sato
Address: 1156-1 Mito, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
◆ Public Bath “Hiuchi no Yu”
“Hiuchi no Yu” is a public bath located on a hill along the Funaki River in Hinoemata Village. Constructed using plenty of cypress wood, it gives you a slight feeling of forest bathing while you bathe.
The spring quality is a simple sulfur spring. Enjoy a plentiful supply of natural onsen water flowing from the source while admiring the ever-changing seasonal scenery of Hinoemata Village. It will gently soothe the fatigue from both sightseeing and daily life.
Name: Public Bath “Hiuchi no Yu”
Address: 208-1 Uenodai, Hinoemata Village, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
◆ Public Bath “Komano Yu”
“Komano Yu,” located near the trailhead of Aizu Komagatake, is popular as a base for trekking, sightseeing, and hiking.
Its open-air bath faces a river, allowing you to relax in the natural surroundings of Hinoemata Village. There are two types of baths: an indoor stone bath and an outdoor stone bath, both of which use onsen water directly from the source. With a fully equipped rest area, Komano Yu is an attractive onsen facility in Hinoemata where you can unwind at your own pace.
After hiking Aizu Komagatake, relax and discuss your experiences with your companions at “Komano Yu.”
Name: Public Bath “Komano Yu”
Address: 839-1 Shimonohara, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Name: Oze Hinoemata Onsen
Official Site: http://www.oze-info.jp/spa/
4. Scenic Tourist Spots
◆ Nakadoaipark Observation Deck
Nakadoaipark, a local recreational area in Hinoemata Village, features a rest area, a pond, and a statue of Oze Dainagon, among other attractions. The highlight is undoubtedly the observation deck! From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Hinoemata settlements and the famous mountain, Hiuchi (a representative mountain of Oze), offering a breathtaking scenic view of Hinoemata Village.
Once at the observation deck, enjoy the ever-changing scenery of Hinoemata Village throughout the day, depending on the season and time. This spot is highly recommended for those who want to take a leisurely stroll in Hinoemata and capture beautiful photos.
Name: Nakadoaipark
Address: Kuroiwa-yama, Nakamachi, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: http://www.oze-info.jp/facility/nakadoaipark/
5. Leisure Tourist Spots
◆ Oze Hinoemata Onsen Ski Resort
In Hinoemata Village, one of Japan’s most renowned heavy snowfall areas, “Oze Hinoemata Onsen Ski Resort” is highly recommended for those who not only want to sightsee but also fully enjoy playing in the snow.
There are two types of courses available: a deep powder course with a 30-degree slope and a gate-training course for alpine skiing, both of which are designed to please even advanced skiers.
There is also a sledding area where children can freely play, making it an attractive spot for families with kids!
Name: Oze Hinoemata Onsen Ski Resort
Address: 1150 Mito, Hinoemata Village, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
Official Site: http://www.oze-info.jp/facility/skiing/
◎ Summary
Hinoemata Village, one of Fukushima Prefecture’s premier heavy snowfall areas, is a village that has long cherished its natural environment and cultural heritage.
It is popular with visitors for its relaxing, nostalgic atmosphere. When you’re tired from work or household chores, consider spending time in the onsen or parks of Hinoemata to refresh your spirit amid nature. Additionally, in winter, the opportunity to fully enjoy snow activities at the ski resort is one of Hinoemata’s many charms.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back sightseeing trip or an adventure-packed tour, a visit to Hinoemata Village in Fukushima Prefecture will not disappoint. Be sure to visit and experience the unique blend of history, nature, and local charm that Hinoemata offers!