Iizaka Onsen

Iizaka Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Japan, dating back to the 2nd century, and is mentioned in the legend of Yamatotakeru, a member of the ancient Japanese imperial family. It is so famous that it is called “Iizaka in the east and Beppu in the west.

Many hotels and inns line the 2-km stretch between the old and new Jyutsuna Bridge along the Surikami River, a tributary of the Abukuma River, along both banks of the river with beautiful scenery.

There are a variety of lodging facilities, including high-rise hotels, prestigious Japanese-style inns, and tranquil small ryokans. Traditional public bathhouses can also be found throughout the city.

In the center of Iizaka Onsen, there is a monument to haiku poet Basho at the site where he stayed during his “Oku no Hosomichi” journey. Also located on Tatenoyama are the ruins of Otori Castle, where the Sato clan, associated with Yoshitsune, resided and ruled over the whole of Fukushima Prefecture.

One of the attractions of Iizaka Onsen are the public bathhouses scattered throughout the town. Among them are nine public bathhouses, including Sabakoyu, the birthplace of Iizaka Onsen.

Sabako Yu is the oldest public bathhouse in Iizaka, and is said to have been visited by the Japanese warrior warrior Takemikazuchi. Around the bathtubs are buildings with a retro style karahafu (Chinese-style gable).

In addition, “Namaiyu” is located near the new and old Jyutsuna Bridge, and is said to have existed since the days when the Nobutatsu Plain was a lake. It is a wooden one-story bathhouse loved by the locals.

In addition, “Kiri-yu” is located on the opposite shore of Namoraiyu and is underground. As its name suggests, it is highly reputed for its effectiveness in treating cuts, attracting many bathers from far and wide.

Senki no Yu” is also said to be effective for eye diseases and is located near Atagoyama Park. It is the perfect place to take a stroll after taking a bath.

Tennoji Anaharayu is a public bathhouse located in Anahara, about 2 km up the Surikami River from the hot spring resort area, and has a refreshing appearance with white walls and a triangular roof. It is known as a medicinal hot spring that is effective for cuts, burns, and pimples.

Iizaka Onsen, a representative hot spring resort in Tohoku, is an old and beautiful hot spring that has been visited by writers such as Matsuo Basho, Masaoka Shiki, and Yosano Akiko.

Take the Iizaka train from Fukushima Station and arrive at Iizaka Onsen Station, the last stop, in about 25 minutes.

Hotels and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) line up around the Surigami River and its tributaries, providing a taste of the traditional onsen atmosphere.

Strolling along the “chanko-chanko,” or stone steps, of the slope, you will find public bathhouses and delicious restaurants everywhere, offering something new to discover no matter how many times you visit.

The pleasant interaction with the locals will also make your trip all the more fascinating.

Iizaka Onsen offers you the freedom to enjoy yourself. Welcome to Iizaka Onsen!

Please note that the water is very hot!

In Iizaka Onsen, there are public bathhouses that have been used by the townspeople for a long time.

It is fun to visit several bathhouses while enjoying the atmosphere of the hot spring resort and its slopes.

The hot water of Iizaka Onsen is mild and featureless, and it keeps you cool and makes your skin smooth.

Admission is free.

Strolling around, you will find the “Former Horikiri Residence,” a registered national tangible cultural property, in the center of the hot spring resort area.

This building contains historically valuable structures, including the oldest earthen storehouse in the prefecture, the “Jyumen-kura,” built in 1775, and the main building, which was rebuilt in 1881.

At this place, you can soak in the footbath and handbath with free-flowing Iizaka hot-spring water to fill your heart with contentment.

Hanamomo-no-Sato] Flowering season is from early to late April.

On an approximately 80-area site, approximately 300 flowering momos collected from all over the world are planted in 40 varieties.

From the beginning to the end of April, visitors can enjoy a peachy landscape of flowers in a variety of colors.

Iioji Temple] Both oi and tachi are decorated in May with paper banners

Iioji Temple is the family temple of Tsugunobu and Tadanobu Sato, who served under Minamoto no Yoshitsune and played an active role in the battle of Genpei.

It is said that Yoshitsune stopped by the temple when he fled to Hiraizumi in Oshu, and Matsuo Basho also visited the temple and composed a haiku in memory of the two men.

Lake Moniwa】Lake created by the Surigamigawa Dam

Around Lake Moniwa, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. There are also many scenic spots such as Name-daki Waterfall and Renge-daki Waterfall.

It is also known as the source of “Fukushima’s water,” which has won the Monde Selection gold award for three consecutive years, and a kayaking experience on the lake will soothe your body and soul.

Local Gourmet

In Iizaka Onsen, you can also enjoy delicious local foods such as disc dumplings, squid carrots, Iizaka ramen, radium eggs, and Iizaka granola.