2025 Aizuwakamatsu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

📍Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen Okawaso 984 Shimodaira, Ooto-cho, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 《Facilities》 A hot spring inn that became a hot topic on social media for its atrium from the basement to the first floor, which closely resembles the scene in the Infinity Castle where the battles in the popular anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" take place Guests are entertained by shamisen performances on the floating stage in the first floor lobby. Performance time is 16:00-18:00 The sound of the shamisen combined with the sound of the babbling river makes it even more charming... Going further in from the lobby, there is a relaxing space with a Japanese modern feel. You can drink your favorite drink at the tea lounge "Tonbo no Niwa". You can relax while looking at the large fireplace and the vast nature outside the window. There are seven types of rooms overlooking the natural beauty, including those with open-air baths and high-grade VIP rooms. You can see the valley from the window and enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons. Hot Springs The open-air baths here are rare nationwide, and are arranged in tiers facing the valley, known as "Shikibutai Tanada." The source temperature reaches 60°C, and there is an abundance of hot water. There are also hot springs with different themes, such as the "pink salt sauna" that uses rock salt, so you can enjoy them to the fullest. There is a large souvenir shop next to the lobby, where you can purchase a selection of Aizu products, from easy-to-buy souvenirs to luxury items, that can only be found here. Meals There are two types of dining areas: a "private room" separated by sliding doors and an open "semi-private room." The "semi-private room" is surrounded by lattices that exude the warmth of wood, and is a luxurious space where you can enjoy the seasonal flavors of Aizu while listening to the murmuring of the river. Breakfast is buffet style. Aizu Koshihikari rice Aizu specialties are plentiful. 《Access》 This hot spring inn has a free shuttle bus between Aizuwakamatsu Station and Okawaso. 30 minutes by car to Ouchijuku 20 minutes by car to Tonohetsuri 25 minutes by car to Tsuruga Castle #AccommodationTrip #Fukushima #HotSprings #TrendingSpots #DemonSlayer #AizuAshinomakiOnsenOkawaso #AizuAshinomakiOnsen #OpenAirBath

Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Tsurugajo Kaikan is near Tsuruga Castle. Many tourists visiting Tsuruga Castle often stop by for lunch. The restaurant offers traditional Aizu cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients paired with special sauces, and served in various Japanese-style dishes. The ground floor of the restaurant houses a specialty shop selling many famous folk crafts from Aizu, including Fukushima mascots, lacquerware, and locally produced sake. 🍽️ Restaurant: Tsurugajo Kaikan 📍 Address: 4-47 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

~Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture~ Okawaso is a ryokan that will surprise you the moment you enter the lobby 😳 When you check in, you will be greeted with a shamisen! It is said to be the model for the Mugen Castle in Demon Slayer. The lobby is a Japanese-style art space! It was the most impressive ryokan I have ever stayed at 😳 💡Point💡☑️Walking around the building There is a floating tatami room in the lobby, and water flows underneath it! There are many Aizu crafts on display in the building, and it was like an art museum 😳 Among them, the Aizu lacquerware that seems to be floating on the water is too beautiful 🥹 ☑️The mountains that can be seen from the large windows in the guest rooms are spectacular! There is a clear stream flowing below, and the sound of the water and the view of the mountains are soothing 🥹 ☑️The hot spring building has an open-air bath in the basement and a sky open-air bath on the roof. The sky open-air bath can be reserved for private use only at night for an additional fee (¥3,300)! We recommend that you make a reservation when you book your stay. ☑️DinnerYou can enjoy Aizu local cuisine and Japanese kaiseki cuisine. We recommend making a reservation for private rooms, semi-private rooms, and restaurant venues when you stay😊 ☑️BreakfastBreakfast is a buffet! Both Japanese and Western food are available, but if you want to enjoy local cuisine, we recommend the Japanese food😊 ➖Amenities➖Cleansing oil, face wash, lotion, and milky lotion are available in the large bath. Patterned yukatas are also available for rental for a fee. We recommend renting them when you check in! *The yukata worn is free. The building is very spacious, and you can enjoy a tea lounge, a bar, and Aizu sake! There are many photo spots, so it is a highly recommended inn for holidays♡🌟 Overall rating: ★★★★★ But it's not enough ➖Outing plan➖📍Spot name OkawasoAddress: 984 Shimodaira, Ootomachi, Ashinomaki, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 969-5147Check-in: 15:00 Check-out 10:00Cost: Varies depending on the season and room. Please check the official website. Recommendations: Japanese-style art space in the building, special meals⚠Note: It is recommended to make reservations for private rooms, semi-private rooms, and private open-air baths when making your reservation! ➖Access➖Free shuttle bus available! Aizuwakamatsu → Okawaso Okawaso → Aizuwakamatsu Station Departure 15:30 → Arrival 16:00 Departure 10:00 → Arrival 10:30 About 5 minutes from "Ashinomaki Onsen Station" About 30 minutes from "Aizuwakamatsu Station" 🚗 About 35 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC #Traveling around Japanese culture #Sightseeing in Fukushima #Hot spring inn #Fukushima trip #Demon Slayer #Fukushima #japantrip #Travel with me #japantravel #trip #Hot spring #fukushima #onsen

To Higashiyama Onsen in Aizuwakamatsu 🧚♂️Introducing the hot spring town where the "Mukaitaki" ryokan is famous 💁♀️Take a walk to the famous "Mukaitaki" in Higashiyama Onsen 🐈⬛ ͗ ͗〰︎︎❤︎The building, which is a designated important cultural property, has a very nice atmosphere🌿It's worth seeing even if you're not staying overnight🙆♀️The townscape full of Ghibli vibes is sure to be a photogenic spot🫶✨If you go further along the river, there is also a free "foot bath spot"🫧Why not enjoy the townscape while soaking your feet in a foot bath☺️Higashiyama Onsen Station is a bus stop🚌💨The retro appearance makes you feel like you've traveled back in time🦋The townscape is so nice, so be sure to check it out🍀📗If you're coming by car, there is a free parking lot near the entrance to Higashiyama Onsen🚗³₃-Schedule-11:00 | Mukaitaki photo session📸⬇️11:30 | Higashiyama Onsen Footbath Soak your feet in the footbath and relax while gazing at the mountain stream of Higashiyama Onsen♨️⬇️12:00｜Higashiyama Onsen StationPhoto session at the retro station building📸⬇️12:30｜Day trip hot springsThe day trip hot springs in Higashiyama Onsen are listed below, so choose your favorite one😆-Day trip hot springs list-✼Irori no Yado AshinaTime 18:00-20:50Price Adults: 1,000 yen *Night only✼Oyado HigashiyamaTime 11:00-16:00Price Adults: 500 yen Children: 250 yen✼Onsen TohoTime 13:30-20:00Price Adults: 1,000 yen (1,500 yen) Children: 500 yen (800 yen) (Prices on weekends and holidays)✼Shosuke no Yado Taki no YuTime Please inquire for prices Adults: 1,200 yen, Children: 600 yen✼Niko Ryokan Hours: Please inquirePrices: Adults: 400 yen, Children: Free✼Oedo Onsen Monogatari Higashiyama Grand Hotel Hours: 15:00-18:00Prices: Adults: 700 yen (1,000 yen), Children: 300 yen (400 yen) *Prices in parentheses are for weekends and holidays✼Higashiyama Park Hotel Shinfugetsu Hours: 15:00-17:00Prices: Adults: 864 yen, Children: 432 yen✼Harataki Hours: 13:00-20:00Prices: Adults: 1,080 yen, Children: 540 yen✼Hotel Fushimisou Hours: 7:00-22:00Prices: Adults: 600 yen, Children: 300 yen*Hot spring bath replacement and cleaning (8:00-11:00)✼Motoyu Arima-ya Hours 15:00-20:00 Price Adults: 700 yen Children: 490 yen ➸ Accommodation information 📍 Mukaitaki Address: 200 Yumoto Kawamuki, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima Prefecture Check-in: 15:00-18:00 Check-out: 10:00 Cost: From 21,050 yen Day trip hot spring: None ⚠ Important: This is a very popular accommodation, so make a reservation as soon as it is available ➸ Outing plan 📍 Higashiyama Onsen Footbath Address: 110 Yumoto Takinoyu, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima Prefecture Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (mid-April to late November) Cost: free Parking: Yes 4 spaces ⚠ Important: Must bring a towel ➸ Outing plan 📍 Higashiyama Onsen Station Route🚎・Haikara-san・AkabeeAddress: Takinoyu, Yumoto, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu, FukushimaOpening hours: Weekdays 7:00-19:28, Holidays 7:45-18:28Cost: 210 yen (to Wakamatsu Station)⚠Note: 1-2 buses per hour -----------------------------#Footbath #HotSpringTown #HigashiyamaOnsen #TohokuTrip #TohokuTrip #DayTripOnsen #Trip #Fukushima #TohokuTourism #TravelWithMe

Introducing some mysterious spots you should definitely visit in Fukushima✍🏻 (All photos are from May 2023) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ This is Aizu Sazaedo in Fukushima Prefecture Built in 1796, this wooden hall is a rare building in the world where you never pass anyone on the way up or down👏 You can walk to the top on a double helix slope. It's also a designated national important cultural property! When you reach the top, there are lots of charms on the ceiling...!! ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ From the parking lot to where the shrine is, you just have to go up the stairs🫰🏻 If you're not confident in your legs or stamina, don't hesitate to take the slope🫶🏻 It's a paid ride, but it's only 250 yen, so it's great value for money🌟 It's a breeze to climb, so I highly recommend it for midsummer sightseeing💪🏻 ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ There are many paid parking lots nearby🚐 I parked in the closest one, but it came with a 500 yen voucher that could be used at a shop halfway up the mountain. I bought gelato at the shop 🫶 They also sold a lot of souvenirs ☺️ ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ ✍🏻 ɪɴғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ (As of December 2023) Aizu Sazaedo 📍Address | 1404 Yahata Bentenshita, Ichinomachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 🕰Opening hours | (December to March) 9:00 to 16:00 (April to November) 8:15 to sunset 🎫Admission fee | 400 yen for adults 🚐Parking | Available (paid) ＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿ #Domestic travel #Fukushima tourism #Photogenic spots #Fukushima trip #Aizu Sazaedo #TohokuTrip #besttrip2023

Aizu Wakamatsu is a place with its own characteristics, not commercialized by tourism, retaining a sense of history, I heard that this place also left many monuments, can deeply understand Japanese culture. The first stop at Aizu must be Aizu Wakamatsu Station. A step out of the station will see a stone statue, which is the "Statue of the White Tigers". In addition to the statue of the White Tigers, there is also Aizu's mascot - "Red Bull", which I heard has the meaning of exorcising diseases #Aizu Wakamatsu

Tsuruga Castle is located in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima. This castle has been built since 1384. The red colored roof tiles are the signature of this castle. The castle can be conveniently reached from Aizu-Wakamatsu station. We went here as a part of our 5-day Tohoku trip. We purchased the JR East Tohoku Pass that cost us 20,000. I recommend visiting here during winter. The castle garden filled with fluffy snow is a must a see. #tripblazers #japantrip #tohoku

Address - 122 Takizawa, Ikki-machi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Highlights - former farmer house Avg. Price per Person - 300 Japanese yen By Car: 15 min drive from the Aizuwakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway. By Bus: Take the Haikara-san or Akabe city loop bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line) to Iimoriyama-shita bus stop, then walk for 5 min. #japan #fukushima

Address - 8-1 Hanaharumachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Pref. 965-0804 Highlights - Japanese traditional park, macha ceramony Avg. Price per Person - 330 Japanese yen By Car: 15 min drive from the Aizu-Wakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway By Bus: Take the Haikara-san or Akabe sightseeing loop bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line) and get off at Oyakuen Bus Stop. From there, walk for 3 min. The gardens are a 15 min walk from Tsurugajo Castle #fukushima #japan

Address - Takizawa-155 Itsukimachi Ōaza Yahata, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 965-0003, Japan Attractions - Buddha temple Entrance fee - 400 Japanese yen for adult From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo or Ueno Station to Koriyama and transfer to the JR Ban-Etsu West line bound for Aizuwakamatsu. The trip takes a bit more than two hours. From Sendai, get on the Tohoku Shinkansen towards Tokyo, transfer at Koriyama to the JR Ban-Etsu West line bound for Aizuwakamatsu. The trip takes a bit more than two hours. BY BUS From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, take the city loop bus to Iimoriyama Iriguchi (Mount Iimori Entrance). #japan #fukushima #sakae

Getting There - easy access with bus from Aizu wakamasu city, Fukushima prefecture Attractions - old castle Entrance fee - 600 Jp yen per person Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城, Tsurugajō) was built in 1384 and changed hands many times between the different rulers of the Aizu region. It was destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government, which had taken over control from the Tokugawa shogun and put an end to Japan's feudal era. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of samurai loyal to the shogunate. #fukushima #japan

Tsuruga Castle Tower will reopen on April 28, 2023✨ You can now go see the new Tsuruga Castle Tower🏯 In front of the castle, there is a big Akabeko (a papier-mâché local toy from the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture). "Beko" means "cow" in the Tohoku dialect🐮 Address 1-1 Oite-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Opening hours 8:30 ~ 17:00 Admission fee Adults 410 yen Children 150 yen #Tourist spot#Aizuwakamatsu #Tsuruga Castle #Akabeko

The E-Rosoku Festival, which I was looking forward to, was cancelled due to the effects of COVID-19, but I went there in early February hoping to see the red-tiled Tsuruga Castle being made up in white. The castle is beautiful from any angle. The day after it snows, it is especially beautiful when combined with the frost-covered trees, but the day before I went, the weather was warm and the snow had melted. But it is still this beautiful. You can buy some rice malt sweet sake at a shop near the main citadel, and sit on a bench while drinking it and looking at the castle, spending a luxurious time. I'm looking forward to seeing the cherry blossoms in spring. I also recommend seeing the autumn leaves. #Christmas #WinterTrip

The E-Rosoku Festival, which I was looking forward to, was canceled due to the effects of COVID-19, but I went there in early February to see the red-tiled Tsuruga Castle being made up in white. The castle is beautiful from any angle. The day after it snows, it is very beautiful when combined with the frost-covered trees, but the day before I went, the weather was warm and the snow had melted. But it is still this beautiful. You can buy some rice malt sweet sake at a shop near the main citadel, and sit on a bench while drinking it and looking at the castle, spending a luxurious time. I'm looking forward to the cherry blossoms in spring. The autumn leaves are also recommended. #Christmas #WinterTrip #HotSpring #AmazingView #Gourmet

Sazaedo is located near Mt. Imoriyama. The reason why it looks like a turban is because of its shape. It is a wooden building with a spiral staircase, and you walk a different route on the way there and back. I was surprised at how labyrinthine it is. There is also a shrine near Sazaedo, and the leaves have fallen. I wonder if the autumn leaves will be over soon. #Autumn leaves #Outdoors

I went to Mt. Imoriyama first thing in the morning. The autumn leaves were beautiful, but the stairs were tough! There is a paid slope next to the stairs so you can avoid them. Mt. Imoriyama is the place where the Byakkotai rushed in at the end, saw the smoke signals rising from Tsuruga Castle, and then committed seppuku. I went to see it, but Tsuruga Castle was farther away than I thought... #Autumn leaves #Outdoors

Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu. Many people visit this historical town for its Boshin War and Byakkotai events. There were also foreign tourists on the day, and it was moving to see that inbound tourism is gradually recovering. The castle is beautiful, but as you walk around the castle grounds, you'll see the autumn leaves in full bloom in places. Everyone was taking lots of photos. #autumnleaves #outdoors

Takinoyu, Higashiyama Onsen, located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. It is said that this hot spring was also used as a therapeutic spring for the famous Hijikata Toshizo. The hot spring is an alkaline spring, so it is smooth and silky. Due to the hotel's circumstances, the meal was canceled that day, so we were upgraded to a room. Even though I was staying alone, I got a very luxurious room! #AccommodationReview #HotSpring

The Showa Nostalgia Museum in Fukushima was created by renovating a storehouse. The first floor is a shop selling nostalgic goods, and the second floor is a recreation of a Showa-era streetscape. Admission is 200 yen. If you climb the steep wooden stairs to the second floor, you'll find a nostalgic Showa-era street corner! There are also back alleys, a bus stop, a shopping street, a pharmacy, and a tobacco shop. It was a wonderful space where you could travel back in time to the Showa era✨ #museum #photogenic spot

I stayed at Onyado Toho in Aizu Higashiyama Onsen ♨️ The hotel is located on a hilltop, and the hot springs with their spectacular views are amazing ✨ It's a shame that I can't post photos of the hot springs, but it was stylish and the views were great 😆👍 In addition, the two types of open-air observation baths, "Sora no Yu" and "Tanagumo no Yu," are switched between men and women at night and in the morning, so you can enjoy both. It's hard to express how good they are in words, so I hope you'll look up images online...! It's a fairly large facility, and it has all the facilities you'd expect from a hot spring, including a table tennis table and a game center. The meals are served in buffet style, with a wide variety of options, and there are local delicacies, so they're delicious, and I had nothing to say! 📍 706 Innai, Ishiyama, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima 965-0813 #hotspringryokan #spectacularview #aizuwakamatsu #trip2022

Nanukamachi Station, where the JR Tadami Line departs and arrives. It is the closest station to Nanukamachi Street, which is popular among tourists in the center of Aizuwakamatsu, but it is an unmanned station! There are no station staff and no ticket vending machines, so you have to get a boarding station certificate and pay later. It's kind of like a bus ticket! However, even though the station is unmanned, the "Aizu Furusato Antenna Shop Station Cafe" is located inside the station building, and there are staff members, so it was bustling😆 The shop has lots of souvenirs that tourists will love, such as local specialties and miscellaneous goods! The station building is also Western-style and retro, so it's worth stopping by even if you're not taking the train🌟 📍5-1 Nanukamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture #retro #unmannedstation #aizuwakamatsu #trip2022

Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaei-gura is a long-established sake brewery located in the Naka-ku area of ​​Aizuwakamatsu Nanukamachi Street. It is a very historic sake shop that was founded in 1850 (Kaei 3) 🍶 Not only can you purchase sake made here directly, but you can also tour the brewery for free at set times every day! The brewery, built over 100 years ago, is still in operation, and both the exterior and the interior of the building have a quaint and nice atmosphere ♫ If you're strolling around Nanukamachi, be sure to stop by ☺️ 📍12-38 Nisshin-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture #Aizuwakamatsu #Sake #trip2022

Tsuruga Castle (Wakamatsu Castle), the symbol of Aizuwakamatsu It is also famous for having endured about a month of fierce fighting during the Boshin War. The building itself has been rebuilt, but some of the stone walls remain as they were in the past, allowing you to feel the history. We had matcha tea and sweets at the Rinkaku teahouse 🍵 Please note that admission is a little early, ending at 4:30 p.m. ⚠️ By the way, admission is 410 yen for adults, but it's free to just see the exterior! 📍1-1 Oitemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture #Aizuwakamatsu #TsurugaCastle #Matcha #trip2022

I went to a sake brewery called Suehiro Sake Brewery in Aizuwakamatsu. I sampled some sake and bought a 480ml bottle.

It is a fine wooden station sign.

❄️☃️ 芦ノノ牧温泉スノーパーク·SNOW PARK ☃️❄️ Location: Otomachi Oaza Ashinomaki, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 969-5147 Japan Time: Open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Kids love this place 10000/10. Not many people. There are many things to play. Not long to wait. Take beautiful pictures. No people in the picture. Snow is fresh, white, fluffy. The mountain is very beautiful. The view is amazing. I feel very satisfied. Directions: Drive only. Follow the map. https://maps.app.goo.gl/c3NhPBGny8TvCwvq7 #JapaneseSnow #TravelJapan #Fukushima #Aizuwakamatsu #Japantravel2025

The front desk staff was very friendly, the dinner and breakfast were also very delicious, and the whole scenery was even more beautiful when it snowed