Aizu-Wakamatsu is known not only as a historic castle town but also as a popular hot spring destination surrounded by rich natural scenery. From day-use bathhouses to traditional inns offering overnight stays, as well as budget-friendly facilities, visitors have plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we introduce the best hot spring spots in Aizu-Wakamatsu—organized by category—to help you enjoy relaxing onsen experiences whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight stay.
Popular Ryokan in the Higashiyama Onsen Area
The Higashiyama Onsen area in Aizu-Wakamatsu is a beautiful hot spring district where history and nature come together. Here, you’ll find many unique ryokan to choose from. Kutsurogijuku Shintaki offers four different hot spring sources, while Oyado Tōhō lets you enjoy sweeping views of the city from its sky-high open-air baths. At Shōsuke no Yado Takinoyu, you can relax in a hot spring while looking out at a waterfall.
Other great choices include Mukaitaki, where you can admire elegant Meiji-era architecture, and Gensenyado Harataki, known for its open-air baths along the valley and its own private spring. Many of these ryokan also welcome day-use visitors, so you can enjoy the hot springs even without staying overnight.
Kutsurogijuku Shintaki｜Enjoy Four Different Hot Spring Sources
〈Reference：くつろぎ宿 新滝〉
Located in the Higashiyama Onsen area of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Kutsurogijuku Shintaki is a popular ryokan where guests can enjoy four different hot spring sources. One of the biggest highlights is the wide variety of hot springs. The ryokan offers large indoor baths, open-air baths, and even private baths, allowing visitors to choose the bathing style that best suits their preferences. The open-air baths surrounded by nature are especially recommended. Here, you can relax while taking in beautiful seasonal scenery, creating a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere for both body and mind.
Each of the four hot spring sources has different benefits. Also, the gentle, skin-friendly water quality makes the experience even more soothing. It’s the perfect place to unwind and melt away everyday fatigue. Guests can also enjoy delicious meals featuring local Aizu ingredients, making the stay even more memorable. With its combination of relaxing hot springs and flavorful cuisine, Kutsurogijuku Shintaki offers a truly healing experience.
The baths use fragrant hinoki (Japanese cypress) as a main material, which enhances relaxation.
Oyado Tōhō｜Sky-High Open-Air Baths with Stunning Views of Aizu
〈Referece：御宿 東鳳〉
Oyado Tōhō is a hot spring ryokan where you can enjoy both the natural beauty and historical atmosphere of Aizu-Wakamatsu. Its biggest highlight is the spectacular open-air bath located on the top floor. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the Aizu townscape and the surrounding mountains—an unforgettable panorama that changes beautifully with each season. It’s the perfect place to relax your body and mind.
The ryokan features natural, free-flowing hot spring water known for being gentle on the skin. Both overnight guests and day visitors can enjoy the baths, making it an easy stop even during a short trip. After soaking, you can savor delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, along with warm and welcoming hospitality.
With facilities suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends, this ryokan is ideal for special occasions or simply taking a break from everyday life. When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu、 be sure to experience the relaxing hot springs at Oyado Tōhō.
You can enjoy a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Aizu mountain ranges!
Shōsuke no Yado Takinoyu｜Open-Air Baths with Stunning Waterfall Views
〈Reference：庄助の宿 瀧の湯〉
Shōsuke no Yado Takinoyu is located in a quiet area surrounded by the natural beauty of Aizu-Wakamatsu, offering visitors a truly relaxing escape. Its biggest highlight is the stunning open-air bath where you can soak while looking out at a waterfall. The scenery changes with the seasons, and the fresh green leaves of spring and the colorful autumn foliage are especially breathtaking.
overnight guests and day visitors are welcome, so it’s easy to enjoy the baths even on a short trip. Inside the ryokan, you’ll find calm, comfortable guest rooms and a restaurant serving delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients—creating a soothing experience throughout your stay.
Overnight guests and day visitors are welcome, so it’s easy to enjoy the baths even on a short trip. Inside the ryokan, you’ll find calm, comfortable guest rooms and a restaurant serving delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients—creating a soothing experience throughout your stay, not just in the baths.
You can enjoy the soothing scent of hinoki while taking in the beauty of nature!
Mukaitaki｜Enjoy Meiji-Era Architecture and a Famous Hot Spring
〈Reference：向瀧〉
Mukaitaki is one of the most historically charming ryokan in the Aizu-Wakamatsu hot spring area. Built in the Meiji era, the ryokan preserves the architectural style of the time, giving visitors a warm and nostalgic feeling the moment they arrive. Its wooden exterior is beautifully crafted, creating the sense of stepping back in time.
The hot spring uses the well-known Mukaitaki Onsen, praised for its gentle, skin-friendly water. From the large indoor bath and open-air baths, you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year—especially the stunning autumn colors during the fall foliage season. Soaking in the spacious baths offers a deeply relaxing experience that refreshes both body and mind.
Inside the ryokan, guests can savor delicious dishes made with fresh local ingredients, allowing them to enjoy the flavors of Aizu along with the soothing hot springs. At Mukaitaki, where history, nature, and cuisine come together, you can spend a truly special and healing time.
The ryokan features two types of baths—Kitsune(fox)-yu and Saru(monkey)-no-yu—so you can enjoy different hot spring experiences.
Gensenyado Harataki｜Open-Air Baths and Private Hot Springs Along the Valley
〈Reference：自家源泉の宿 原瀧〉
Gensenyado Harataki is located along a quiet valley surrounded by the natural beauty of Aizu-Wakamatsu, offering guests a deeply relaxing stay. The ryokan’s greatest highlight is its open-air baths, where you can soak while enjoying the rich scenery of each season. It’s a soothing space where you can refresh both body and mind while feeling close to nature.
Harataki also offers private baths, allowing guests to enjoy a calm, personal hot spring experience. These are especially popular to couples and families, as the peaceful surroundings make the experience feel even more special. The hot spring water is gentle on the skin and helps ease tired muscles.
The ryokan also features a variety of accommodation plans, including delicious meals made with fresh local ingredients—another reason guests love staying here. Enjoying both the hot springs and the local cuisine makes for a truly luxurious and memorable visit. A stay at Harataki will make your onsen trip to Aizu-Wakamatsu even more special.
You can relax while watching the waterfall and feel the lush greenery.
Ashinomaki Onsen and Nearby Ryokans
Ashinomaki Onsen in Aizu-Wakamatsu is a popular hot spring area surrounded by rich nature, making it an ideal place to refresh both body and mind. The area is home to several ryokan where visitors can fully enjoy the charm of hot springs.
One standout is Ōkawaso, famous for its dramatic open-air baths built in a traditional stage-style design, where you can soak while taking in beautiful seasonal scenery. Another highlight is Ryori Ryokan Konjakutei, known for its rustic open-air baths that extend over the river, offering a luxurious and immersive experience in nature.
These ryokan are worth visiting not only for their hot springs but also for their excellent cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, allowing guests to enjoy both relaxation and the flavors of the region.
Okawaso | A Ryokan Famous for Its Stage-Style Open-Air Bath
〈Reference：大川荘〉
Okawaso is an appealing ryokan located in the Ashinomaki Onsen area. The inn is best known for its stage-style open-air bath, which is its most distinctive feature. Set in an open space surrounded by nature, guests can relax while enjoying beautiful seasonal views throughout the year. Bathing at night, especially while looking up at the stars, is a memorable experience that helps visitors forget the noise and stress of everyday life.
At Okawaso, guests can also enjoy meals prepared with fresh local ingredients. The Japanese course meals feature many specialties from the Aizu region and are carefully crafted to be both visually beautiful and full of flavor. Along with the hot springs, these dishes offer guests a luxurious opportunity to enjoy the tastes of the local area.
The staff welcome guests with warm and thoughtful hospitality, creating a comfortable and pleasant stay. With its combination of hot springs, fine local cuisine, and heartfelt service, Okawaso truly lives up to its reputation as a relaxing and healing retreat. When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, it is a ryokan well worth stopping by.
This atmospheric ryokan is often said to resemble the setting of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and is popular with visitors who enjoy its dramatic and traditional ambiance.
料理旅館 今昔亭｜川床にせり出す野趣あふれる露天風呂
〈Reference：料理旅館 今昔亭〉
Konjakutei is a traditional culinary ryokan located in a quiet, nature-rich area of Aizuwakamatsu, where guests are welcomed with warm and heartfelt hospitality. The inn’s greatest highlight is its open-air bath built directly over the river, extending out toward the riverbed. Soaking in the hot spring while taking in the surrounding seasonal scenery offers a truly soothing and relaxing experience. From the open-air bath, guests can hear the gentle sound of the flowing stream and the calls of birds, creating a strong sense of connection with nature. The hot spring water is rich in skin-friendly minerals and is known for its deeply relaxing effects. Guests can also enjoy carefully prepared meals made with fresh local ingredients, allowing them to savor the flavors of Aizu alongside the hot springs. Konjakutei also offers day-use bathing, making it easy to stop by even without an overnight stay. This ryokan is an ideal choice for those who wish to escape the city, unwind in nature, and refresh both body and mind.
The hot springs are popular for their healing qualities and are said to promote beautiful skin and restful sleep.
Relax at Unique Hot Spring Ryokan
Aizuwakamatsu is home to a variety of distinctive hot spring ryokan, each offering visitors a special and memorable experience. At Irori no Yado Ashina, guests can enjoy hot springs along with meals served around a traditional irori hearth, immersing themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere of old Aizu. At Chiyotaki, the highlight is the open-air observation bath located on the top floor, where guests can take in sweeping views of the historic castle town while refreshing both body and mind. Meanwhile, Hanare Matsushimakan offers suites with private open-air baths attached to each guest room, allowing visitors to spend a quiet and luxurious stay in complete privacy. These ryokan offer more than just hot springs—they each provide a unique experience shaped by their individual character and setting, making them well worth a visit when traveling to Aizuwakamatsu.
Irori no Yado Ashina | Experience the Nostalgic Charm of Old Aizu Through Irori and Hot Springs
〈出典：会津若松観光ナビ〉
Irori no Yado Ashina is a hot spring ryokan that carefully preserves the traditional atmosphere of Aizu. One of its defining features is the irori hearth installed in the guest rooms, where guests can enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Sitting around the hearth creates a warm and intimate atmosphere, offering a feeling as if one were experiencing daily life in old Aizu.
The hot springs are supplied directly from the inn’s own natural source and are known for their gentle, skin-friendly water. From both the large communal bath and the open-air bath, guests can enjoy beautiful views of nature that change with the seasons, allowing them to fully relax and refresh. In particular, bathing under the starry sky in the open-air bath makes the evening hours especially memorable. Irori no Yado Ashina offers visitors a soothing and peaceful stay, where the timeless charm of Aizu can be deeply felt. By enjoying both the hot springs and traditional irori dining, guests can gain a richer understanding of Aizu’s culture and heritage.
Why not soothe your travel fatigue in the inn’s free-flowing open-air hot spring bath?
Kutsurogi Yado Chiyotaki | Enjoy Panoramic Views of the Castle Town from a Top-Floor Open-Air Bath
〈出典：くつろぎ宿 千代滝〉
especially known for its open-air observation bath on the top floor. From here, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the historic castle town and appreciate the changing scenery throughout the seasons. At dusk in particular, the townscape bathed in warm orange light creates a breathtaking view that leaves a lasting impression.
Guests can fully relax in the free-flowing hot spring water sourced directly from the natural spring, and for those who value privacy, private bathing rooms are also available. The hot spring water is rich in skin-friendly minerals and is known for its deeply relaxing effects. The inn’s cuisine is another highlight, featuring local Aizu dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients, offering a satisfying experience for both body and soul. Chiyotaki is not only a place to enjoy hot springs, but also a base for experiencing the culture and history of Aizuwakamatsu. With convenient access to nearby sightseeing spots, guests can enjoy strolling through the castle town after a soothing bath. This ryokan offers a memorable stay filled with relaxation and special moments.
On clear nights, guests may be able to enjoy views of Aizuwakamatsu’s city lights and a star-filled sky.
Hanare Matsushimakan | Indulge in a Luxury Suite with a Private Open-Air Bath
〈出典：はなれ 松島閣〉
Hanare Matsushimakan offers one of the most luxurious ryokan experiences in Aizuwakamatsu. Each guest room is equipped with its own private open-air bath, allowing guests to enjoy the hot springs in complete privacy. While soaking in the bath, guests can relax at their own pace while taking in beautiful views of nature that change with the seasons.
The interior design blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort, creating a refined yet relaxing atmosphere. The spacious suite rooms are ideal for spending unhurried, peaceful time. The cuisine is also highly regarded, featuring carefully prepared course meals made with fresh local ingredients, including many specialties from the Aizu region. Hanare Matsushimakan is an ideal choice for special occasions or creating memorable moments with loved ones. With its combination of private hot springs, fine cuisine, and a quiet, serene setting, this ryokan offers a truly healing and luxurious stay.
Guests can enjoy bathing while overlooking the gentle flow of the Yukawa River, which runs alongside the ryokan.
Summary
Aizuwakamatsu is home to a number of appealing hot spring areas where history and nature come together. Whether staying overnight or stopping by for a day visit, these hot springs are ideal for travelers looking to relax or enjoy a moment of rest between sightseeing. Below is a selection of especially recommended hot spring spots in the area.
In the Higashiyama Onsen area, visitors can enjoy Kutsurogi Yado Shintaki, which offers access to four different hot spring sources, as well as Onyado Toho, known for its “sky-high” open-air bath with sweeping views over the city of Aizu. Both ryokan are praised for the quality of their hot springs and their scenic surroundings, making them well worth a visit. In Ashinomaki Onsen, popular choices include Okawaso, famous for its stage-style open-air bath, and Konjakutei, where guests can soak in a rustic open-air bath that extends out over the riverbed. These ryokan provide a refreshing environment where guests can relax both body and mind while surrounded by nature.
Unique and character-filled ryokan are also not to be missed. At Irori no Yado Ashina, guests can experience the nostalgic atmosphere of old Aizu through traditional irori hearth dining and hot springs. Chiyotaki offers panoramic views of the castle town from its top-floor open-air bath, while those seeking a more luxurious stay may enjoy Hanare Matsushimakan, which features suites with private open-air baths attached to each guest room. Each hot spring ryokan in Aizuwakamatsu offers its own distinct charm, providing visitors with a soothing and memorable experience. Take the time to find the onsen that best suits your travel style and enjoy a truly refreshing stay for both body and soul.
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