Higashiyama Onsen
onsen
Higashiyama Onsen
東山温泉
Overview
1,300-year-old hot spring town in Aizu mountains where samurai bathed, now offering nostalgic ryokan along a river.
Higashiyama Onsen sits in a scenic valley along the Yukawa River about 10 minutes by car from central Aizu-Wakamatsu. The village reportedly dates back more than 1,300 years and was historically a retreat for local samurai. Today the ryokan and hotels lining the valley offer both overnight stays, typically including dinner and breakfast, and day-visit baths. Most properties have rotenburo outdoor baths, and many offer private baths, which is a Kumamoto and Tohoku tradition. Before entering any bath, wash your full body at the provided stations, and check the tattoo policy before arrival.
Local tips
A hot spring town 3km from central Aizuwakamatsu along a forested river valley, with documented use since the 8th century. The Higashiyama Onsen Yumori no Yado public bath is open to day visitors. The geisha entertainment district along the main street (Yumori Alley) is one of the few surviving geisha districts in Tohoku. Local buses run from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station every 30 minutes.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 東山温泉
- Nearest station
- Aizuwakamatsu Station (15 min bus)
- Reservations
- not required
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