Yunokami-Onsen Station

The hot springs were discovered as early as the Nara period (8th century)

Nearby Ryokans

Yunokami Onsen

Yunokami Onsen, located in Shimogō Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture, is a peaceful hot spring village along the Agakawa (Ōkawa) River gorge. Its exact origin is unclear, but some say the hot springs were discovered as early as the Nara period (8th century). In the past, locals used the naturally flowing springs from the rocks in the gorge for therapeutic bathing and daily life.

Until the Aizu-Nishi Kaidō (now Route 121) opened during the Meiji period, the area was secluded and difficult to access. Today, however, Yunokami Onsen benefits from eight abundant hot spring sources, supplying each inn with fresh, flowing spring water. The water is colorless, clear, and gentle on the skin, so plentiful that even local households tap into the hot springs.

hot springs.

It is said that a “hot spring deity” watches over Yunokami, reflecting the village’s deep connection to its thermal waters. The town’s inns and ryokan offer warm, nostalgic hospitality, making visitors feel at home.

The nearest station is Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway. Uniquely, this station features a traditional thatched roof and even has a foot bath next to it.

Located about three hours from Tokyo, Sendai, or Niigata, Yunokami Onsen is accessible for day trips, but its convenient access to numerous sightseeing spots makes staying overnight highly recommended.

In spring, cherry trees along the platform bloom beautifully, welcoming travelers with a colorful display. You can relax in the foot bath while enjoying hanami (cherry blossom viewing) — a truly special experience.

「塔のへつり」「大内宿」など観光名所へのアクセス良好

One of Yunokami Onsen’s biggest charms is its easy access to many tourist attractions, combined with its abundant hot spring water.

From Yunokami Onsen, you can easily reach To-no-Hetsuri, a gorge designated as a natural monument, the Ouchi-jukupost town that preserves its Edo-period streetscape, Nakayama Fūketsu Park with its rare plant colonies, and even Yunokami Onsen Station, the only thatched-roof station in Japan. Riding the Oza Toro observation train operated by the Aizu Railway is a great way to enjoy these sightseeing spots.

In spring, the sight of a train slowly arriving at Yunokami Onsen Station, surrounded by cherry blossoms, is breathtaking and perfect for photography. The station’s wooden building with its heavy thatched roof exudes nostalgic charm. Next to the platform is a free foot bath called Oyako Jizo-no-Yu, where visitors can relax while waiting for their train — a luxurious experience unique to this thatched-roof station.

About 15 minutes by car from Yunokami Onsen is Ouchi-juku, a historic village that has preserved the streetscape of the Edo period. Once a post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido connecting Aizu-Wakamatsu and Nikko Imaichi, the village still features rows of traditional thatched-roof houses. Its streetscape, rich in Edo-period atmosphere, is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and attracts many tourists.

Other nearby attractions include To-no-Hetsuri, about 5 minutes by car, and Nakayama Fūketsu Park, around 10 minutes away, making it easy to enjoy a full day of sightseeing.

Yunokami Onsen is blessed with abundant hot spring water, so much so that local homes are also connected to the springs. Many inns provide fresh flowing hot spring water directly from the source. The water is mildly alkaline, clear, and refreshing, and is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and chronic digestive disorders. With a high concentration of negative ions, the hot springs warm your body deeply and rejuvenate you from the inside out.

湯野上温泉と周辺の見どころ

Best Ways to Enjoy the Area

Spring: The best time to visit is mid to late April, during cherry blossom season. Arrive early at Yunokami Onsen Station on the first train of the morning, and start by relaxing your travel-weary feet in the station’s foot bath while enjoying the beautiful view of the thatched-roof station framed by blooming cherry trees. Then, take the shared bus “Saru-yu” from the station to Ouchi-juku. Visiting early in the morning means fewer tourists, allowing you to stroll leisurely through the streets lined with traditional thatched-roof houses. Don’t miss trying the local specialties, like “Negi Soba”, noodles eaten with green onions instead of chopsticks, and “Shingoro”, a regional delicacy.

Summer: The surrounding mountains turn a deep green, and you can feel the coolness while listening to the gentle flow of the river. With some luck, you might even see fireflies lighting up the night.

Winter: The area becomes a snowy wonderland. The thatched-roof station and old houses in Ouchi-juku are beautifully covered with snow, resembling a painting. At Yunokami Onsen Station, a fire in the irori (hearth) adds warmth as you enjoy the snowy view. Every February, the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival is held, where the village is illuminated by snow lanterns and candles. Visitors can watch soba noodle eating contests, traditional drum and yosakoi dance performances, and even fireworks at night, making it a magical scene popular with photographers.

Afternoon & Stay: Spend a relaxing afternoon in Yunokami Onsen town. After checking in, soak in the hot spring bath to soothe your tired body, and enjoy a glass of chilled local sake. One recommended inn is Magokoro no Yado Hoshinoi, known for its family-style hospitality, 24-hour open-air baths with fresh flowing hot spring water, and the innkeeper’s signature dish, simmered potatoes. Hoshinoi also offers a free Ouchi-juku Night Tour for guests, where you can stroll through the quiet village with the inn’s owner. Under the starry night, the thatched-roof village feels mystical, like stepping back 400 years in time.

Next Day: Take a trip to To-no-Hetsuri, where erosion over more than a million years has carved spectacular cliffs along the Okawa River.

Then, visit Nakayama Fuketsu Park, where cool air flows through gaps in the rocks. In May, alpine and wildflowers begin to bloom, and hiking trails are available for outdoor enthusiasts. This makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers to explore and enjoy.

Spot Information

Spot Name ：Yunokami Onsen 湯野上温泉（ゆのかみおんせん）

Opening Hours：

Foot bath: 8:00–19:00

Yunokami Onsen Town: open daily

Yunokami Onsen Station window: 8:00–17:30

Yunokami Onsen Tourism Association Official Website：town.shimogo.fukushima.jp

Access

Address：Yunokami, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan

Access：
電車：From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Limited Express Liberty Aizu to Aizu-Tajima Station, then transfer to Aizu Railway Aizu Line and get off at Yunokami Onsen Station (approximately 3.5 hours).
車 (Car)：About 50 minutes from Aizu-Wakamatsu IC via Banetsu Expressway、 about 60 minutes from Shirakawa IC via Tohoku Expressway.
*From Yunokami Onsen Station to Ouchi-juku: about 15 minutes by local bus or taxi.

The inn of sincerity -Hoshinoi-

The inn is renowned for its heartfelt hospitality, natural hot springs with free-flowing water from Yunokami Onsen available 24 hours a day, and homemade dishes featuring local ingredients, including the signature simmered potatoes. Guests can also enjoy the Ōuchi-juku Night Tour guided by the inn’s owner. With its warm, homey atmosphere, about 70% of visitors return, making it truly a place where “once you come, you’ll want to come back again.”

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