Higashiyama Onsen and Aizu: Aizu's Inner Retreat Beloved by Natsume Soseki

Higashiyama Onsen

Higashiyama Onsen on the outskirts of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, is a historic hot spring said to have been discovered by the monk Gyoki in the Nara period. Beloved by many cultural figures including novelist Natsume Soseki and painter Takeuchi Yumeji, it is also called "Aizu's inner retreat."

Hot Spring Characteristics

- Spring Type: Alkaline simple spring - Benefits: Neuralgia and fatigue recovery - Source Temperature: Approx. 60°C

Highlights

- Nanatsubori Falls: Famous waterfall flowing through the mountain gorge beside the hot spring town - Inn Street Stroll: Night scenery of inns lining the riverside - Foot Baths: Free foot baths dotted throughout the area - Distance to Aizuwakamatsu: About 15 minutes by car to Tsurugajo and Iimoriyama

Accommodation

- Diverse accommodations from large inns to small ryokan - Many facilities offering day-trip bathing

Getting There

- From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station by bus: about 20 minutes - From Aizuwakamatsu city center by car: about 15 minutes

Tips

Staying at Higashiyama Onsen as a base for Aizu Wakamatsu sightseeing is the classic plan. An evening stroll through the hot spring town followed by a morning visit to Tsurugajo is recommended.