Hot Springs in Fukushima

Hot Spring? Onsen??

Japan is well-known for its many natural hot springs, or onsen spas. Japanese people like to spend their holidays in hot spring resorts, as onsens have a relaxing effect on your body and mind. There are many different types of hot springs depending on the minerals dissolved in the water.

Hot spring baths come in many different varieties, indoor, outdoor, gender separated and mixed, private, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths are in a ryokan (Japanese-style hotel) while others are in public bath houses.

Here is a brief list of some of Fukushima's most well-known Onsen sites.

1. Takayu Onsen (Fukushima city)

Considered to be one of the 3 most popular onsens in Tohoku Japan, together with Zao and Shrabu. The strong scent of sulfur and extremely high healing potential makes any visit to Takayu an unforgettable experience.

Access: 40 minutes bus by Takayu onsen-bound bus from JR Fukushima Station.
Reference: Azuma Takayu Tourism Promotional Association
Tel: 024-591-1125

2. Tsuchiyu Onsen (Fukushima City)

Known as a base for pilgrims visiting the Azumakougen and inns on the Aizu Kaido road in Edo period, Tsuchiyu has a variety of ryokans, and is famous for its foot baths, free public baths available for soaking your feet.

Access: 45 minutes bus by Tsuchiyu onsen-bound bus from JR Fukushima Station.
Reference: Tsuchiyu Onsen Tourism Promotional Association
Tel: 024-595-2217

3. Dake Onsen (Nihonmatsu City)

Surrounded by nature, hiking, outdoor sports, and skiing can all be enjoyed around this Onsen resort throughout the year.

Access: 25 minutes bus by Dake onsen-bound bus from the JR Nihonmatsu Station on the JR Tohoku Line.
Reference: Dake Onsen Inns Association
Tel: 0243-24-2310

4. Iizaka Onsen (Fukushima City)

The largest hot spring resort in the Tohoku region, Matsuobasho, who was a famous haiku poet, once visited here and remarked on its beauty. Many hotels and ryokans are built on the edge of the Surikami River.

Access: 20 minutes by train on the Iizaka Line from Fukushima Station.
Reference: Iizaka Onsen Tourism Promotional Association
Tel: 024-542-4241

5. Bandai Inawashiro Hayama Onsen (Inawashiro Town)

This onsen is located on the mountainside of Mt. Aizubandai, and is very convenient for sightseeing in the ura bandai area.

Access: 10 minutes by car from the JR Banetsu West Line Inawashiro Station.
Reference: Hotel New Bandai
Tel: 0242-62-3200

6. Bandai Atami Onsen (Koriyama City)

Bandai Atami is known for its water which is allegedly good for the female body. It is conveniently located near the Bandai Atami Station on the JR Banetsu West Line.

Access: Right after getting off at Bandai Atami Station on the JR Banetsu West Line.
Reference: Bandai Atami Onsen Inns Association
Tel: 024-984-2182