Destinations
Fukushima：Into the Hidden Depths of Winter Aizu
Although Aizu is known as a ski destination, its true appeal lies beyond the slopes. Here, you’ll find a lake frozen in deep blue, a hidden hot spring with highly acidic water like lemon water, and a dreamlike space reminiscent of the Infinity Castle from Demon Slayer. This is an adventure for adults, traveling through snowy, remote places in Aizu that cannot be reached by public transportation—comfortably explored by private car.
| Destinations | Fukushima: Koriyama / Urabandai (Goshikinuma) / Numajiri Onsen / Ashinomaki Onsen |
| Duration | 3 Days: Day 1: Koriyama/ Urabandai / Numajiri Day 2: Ashinomaki Day 3: Ashinomaki |
| Recommended for | ・Nature lovers ・Travelers who enjoy visiting hidden hot springs ・Those seeking unique, special experiences |
・Tokyo → Koriyama → Aizuwakamatsu About 2hours 27 minutes (Train)
・Kyoto → Aizuwakamatsu About 5hours (Train)
・Hokkaido → Koriyama → Aizuwakamatsu About 7hours 32minutes (Airplane)
Experience Themes
Private Taxi
Travel comfortably without worrying about snowy roads or transfers. A professional driver takes you safely from Koriyama Station to remote areas.
Snowshoe Trekking
Walk through a snowy forest with a guide. No experience needed—just enjoy the snow and nature.
Special Stays
Stay at unique lodgings where the stay itself is part of the experience, such as a mountain lodge or a ryokan with live shamisen music.
Journey Outline
Day 1: Blue Winter Scenery and a Mountain Lodge
Experiences: Travel by private car from Koriyama Station to Urabandai. Put on snowshoes and walk through the snowy forest to reach a mysterious blue lake. In the evening, relax at Numajiri Plateau Lodge, enjoying its strong acidic hot spring and time by the fireplace.
Accommodation: Numajiri Plateau Lodge
Day 2: Hidden Hot Springs and a Dramatic Ryokan
Experiences: With a guide, visit a little-known Extreme Onsen in the mountains. In the afternoon, travel to Ashinomaki Onsen and stay at Okawaso, a ryokan built on a cliff. Enjoy live shamisen music performed on a floating stage.
Accommodation: Okawaso (Ashinomaki Onsen)
Curated Cultural Journey
Day 1: Snow Adventures and a Nature Retreat
Goshikinuma Snowshoeing: Goshikinuma looks completely different in winter. With a guide, walk through a snow-covered forest and reach a partly frozen lake glowing in emerald green—a truly memorable experience.
Goshikinuma Snowshoeing: In winter, Goshikinuma looks completely different from summer. With a guide, walk through a snow-covered forest and discover a partly frozen lake glowing in emerald green.
Numajiri Plateau Lodge: A refined lodge renovated from a historic mountain lodge connected to renowned mountaineer Junko Tabei. Its strong, free-flowing acidic hot spring tightens the skin and warms you deep to the core.
Day 2: Hidden Hot Springs and a World Like Anime
Extreme Onsen:
Join a guided trek of about 30–40 minutes each way. Walk past the scent of sulfur and rugged mountain terrain to reach Numajiri Motoyu, where hot spring water flows like a river from the source. Bathing here, surrounded by nature, feels open, wild, and unforgettable.
Ookawaso:
As soon as you enter the lobby, you see a floating stage suspended in a dramatic open space. In the evening, live shamisen music fills the air, creating an exciting atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
Things to know
| About Reservation | Private car service from Koriyama Station must be booked in advance. Winter weather in Aizu can change quickly, so using a professional driver experienced with snowy roads is the safest option. |
| Best Season | Best season: mid-January to late February, when snow is stable and powder conditions are ideal. The contrast between Goshikinuma’s deep blue and white snow is at its best. Snow conditions vary in late December and early March—please check in advance. |
| What to Wear | Warm winter clothing and snow boots are required. Some rentals may be available—please check in advance. |
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