Tour of hot springs and local flavors! 4 must-see tourist spots around Fukuroda Onsen in Daigo Town!

Fukuroda Onsen, located in Daigo Town in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, is a popular tourist destination in the Kenpoku area. Its gentle and silky waters are expected to have beautifying effects on the skin. The area is also well equipped with day-use hot spring facilities, making it easily accessible. With the symbolic Fukuroda Falls spreading out below, this hot spring area attracts many tourists from both inside and outside the prefecture. Fukuroda Onsen offers a range of accommodations, from large to small, so it’s common to see tourists strolling the streets in yukata robes. Surrounded by nature, indulging in food-hopping is irresistible! So here are some must-visit tourist spots when you come to Fukuroda Onsen.

1. Fukuroda Falls

The first place many visitors head to when visiting Fukuroda Onsen is "Fukuroda Falls." Counted among Japan’s three great waterfalls, it's a classic tourist attraction. The waterfall is grand in scale, with a height of 120 meters and width of 73 meters. Flowing down a massive rock face in four tiers, it’s also known as the “Four-Times Falls.”

As the signature spot of Fukuroda Onsen, Fukuroda Falls offers seasonal beauty throughout the year. In spring, enjoy the fresh greenery and refreshing cascade; in autumn, vibrant foliage creates a stunning contrast with the falls; and in winter, you’ll be captivated by the mystical beauty of the frozen waterfall.

Another highlight is the nighttime illumination of Fukuroda Falls, which captivates tourists. The magnificent flow of water evokes the image of a sumi-e ink painting. With such a photogenic scene, visitors can’t help but keep their cameras ready. Fukuroda Falls is a famous attraction that bustles with tourists year-round. Be sure to visit if you're in the area.

2. Fukuroda Onsen - Sekisho no Yu

About a 10-minute drive from the heart of Fukuroda Onsen brings you to the riverside hot spring facility “Fukuroda Onsen - Sekisho no Yu,” where you can enjoy outdoor baths to the sound of the river. The baths are spacious and clean. Many day-trippers to Fukuroda Onsen stop here to soothe their travel fatigue. The open-air baths by the stream are the closest to the river of all the rooms, so you can hear the gentle murmuring of the water.

You can bathe while slowly taking in the natural scenery, making it a perfect spot to relax and recover from daily stress. The water is sodium sulfate-chloride cold mineral spring, known for promoting circulation and helping with fatigue, and rich in iron—beneficial for anemia and menopausal symptoms. The food here also has a great reputation, with local dishes like the regional Okukuji shamo chicken and Hitachi beef being popular among visitors returning from the hot springs.

3. Konnyaku Sekisho

The Okukuji area, including Fukuroda Onsen, has long been known for its konnyaku (konjac) as a specialty product. The tourist spot “Konnyaku Sekisho” offers a variety of konnyaku products for sale, true to its name. You can even sample many types on-site. Freshly made konnyaku is popular among tourists as a souvenir from Fukuroda Onsen.

The konnyaku products are crafted with premium Okukuji ingredients by skilled artisans who put great care into their work. Some items are exclusive to Konnyaku Sekisho, making them excellent souvenirs. The shop also has a dining area where you can try freshly prepared konnyaku. Its texture is vastly different from typical konnyaku—definitely worth a try. Handmade udon and regional dishes are also available.

4. Michi-no-Eki Oku-Kuji Daigo

Michi-no-Eki Oku-Kuji Daigo is a popular roadside station that features tourism info, gourmet foods, souvenirs, and farm produce from the Okukuji area, including Fukuroda Onsen. The vegetables at the farmers' market are harvested that same day by local farmers from their own fields—fresh and affordable. For souvenirs, “Okukuji Tea” is recommended. The Okukuji region is also known as the northernmost tea-growing area in Japan. Enjoy its deep aroma and rich flavor.

The attached restaurant offers local specialties, including dishes made with the famous shamo chicken. There is also a bathing facility, and the second-floor bath provides a stunning view of the Kuji River. In winter, you can enjoy the illuminated building during the light-up season. It’s a great place to pair with a visit to Fukuroda Falls.

◎ Summary

Being a mountain town, Daigo is home to many natural tourist spots. Fukuroda Onsen offers exclusive local cuisine, making it a true joy to plan what delicacies to try between hot spring soaks. Activities are also abundant, such as the prefecture’s only “Kanko Yana” (where you can catch ayu fish with your hands) and hiking up Mt. Nantai. The scenic beauty varies with the seasons, which is one of the charms of Fukuroda Onsen. Be sure to visit during all four seasons—spring, summer, fall, and winter!

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Tour of hot springs and local flavors! 4 must-see tourist spots around Fukuroda Onsen in Daigo Town!