Ashinomaki Onsen

There is a hot spring in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, with a hot spring town centered around eight ryokan and hotels. It is also famous for the beauty of its natural scenery, such as fresh green foliage and autumn leaves.

Hot spring established about 1,200 years ago

Ashinomaki Onsen is said to have been discovered by Gyoki, who spread Buddhism to many people from the Asuka period to the Nara period. It opened about 1,200 years ago and has been loved by local people, and it developed into a hot spring resort after a road was opened in the Meiji period.

Although the number of bankruptcies and closures of accommodation facilities increased after the collapse of the economic bubble, the atrium lobby of the ryokan “Okawaso” became a hot topic because it resembles the Infinity Castle from “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba,” and the area has once again been attracting attention.

Okawaso in Ashinomaki Onsen / PIXTA

Spring quality and benefits

Sodium-calcium sulfate, chloride hot spring (weakly alkaline, hypotonic, high-temperature spring)

The water is gentle on the skin and has a high moisturizing effect, making it suitable for people who tend to have dry skin or have sensitive skin.

It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, chronic digestive diseases, sensitivity to cold, recovery from fatigue, and chronic gynecological diseases.

How to enjoy the Ashinomaki Onsen area

At “Ashinomaki Onsen Station,” there is a stationmaster cat, and rolling stock from the former Japanese National Railways era that Aizu Railway used for trolley trains is on display. There are also several footbaths in the area, allowing you to refresh yourself while taking a walk.

Many tours focusing on culture and traditional crafts are also held, and at the dojo of “Okawaso,” you can have a samurai experience through “Aizu Kenkido,” which combines skill and beauty. In winter, there are trekking tours and smelt fishing experience tours, allowing you to enjoy the nature and traditions of Fukushima.