We’ve visited countless ryokans across Japan. Here are our top picks in the Aizu region — ranked by total video views — with personal comments from both of us on why each one deserves your visit.
Higashiyama Onsen, Aizuwakamatsu
A cozy 7-room onsen ryokan in Higashiyama Onsen. Famous for its irori (hearth) kaiseki dinner featuring local iwana fish and Aizu chicken, grilled right at your private hearth. A rare, authentic Showa-era ryokan experience.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Ashina has the most lovable okami (innkeeper) you’ll ever meet — the kind of person you’d want to share your life stories with. The irori hearth, tatami rooms, and deliberately preserved vintage atmosphere make this one of Japan’s most precious authentic ryokans.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“The tatami rooms, irori hearth, and soothing hot springs are filled with traditional Japanese charm. The hospitality is incredible — whether you’re from Japan or abroad, this is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.”
A lakeside resort on the shores of Lake Inawashiro. Features a tent sauna where you can plunge into Japan’s clearest lake, and rooftop glamping BBQ with views of Mt. Bandai. A perfect blend of nature and relaxation.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Lake Inawashiro boasts the clearest water quality in Japan. The luxury of enjoying a sauna and sunset by the lake is unmatched. And the rooftop BBQ is a hidden gem you shouldn’t miss!”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“Sauna culture is booming across Japan right now. At Minatoya, you can stay in a charming Japanese inn while experiencing a tent sauna that merges you with the vast nature of Lake Inawashiro — a truly one-of-a-kind experience.”
An 8-room onsen ryokan closest to Ouchi-juku, a preserved Edo-era post town. Known for its free-flowing natural hot springs, homemade local cuisine, and the famous Ouchi-juku Night Tour — an experience that keeps guests coming back.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“This is the #1 ryokan where you can truly feel ‘Magokoro’ (sincere heart) and ‘Omotenashi’ (hospitality). The exclusive Ouchi-juku Night Tour after dinner is a little adventure that will make you want to come back every time.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“The pride of Japanese hospitality lies in ‘Magokoro’ — sincere heart. At Hoshinoi, it’s not just the tatami rooms, cuisine, and hot springs — it’s the genuine warmth and care from every staff member that stays with you long after your visit.”
A hot spring inn overlooking the magnificent Okawa Gorge. Enjoy their private natural hot spring source and a 12-course kaiseki dinner featuring mountain and sea delicacies — a feast for both body and soul.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“The moment you step into the lobby and see the magnificent gorge stretching before you, you’re captivated. The open-air bath surrounded by greenery and the sound of the river is pure healing. The grandeur of this place is absolutely addictive.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“A majestic ryokan surrounded by mountains and crystal-clear rivers. It accommodates both small and large groups, and the cypress hot spring bath offers an unforgettable moment of relaxation while gazing at breathtaking scenery.”
A serene hot spring lodge nestled within Bandai-Asahi National Park. Originally connected to legendary mountaineer Junko Tabei, this renovated lodge offers creative kaiseki cuisine crafted with Aizu and Tohoku seasonal ingredients.
Yohei
Ryokan Expert's Take
“Don’t let the word ‘lodge’ fool you — this is a villa in the heart of nature. The cuisine is exceptionally delicious, and the hot spring water quality is among the finest in all of Japan. This is one of my top recommendations in Fukushima.”
Ken
Creator's Perspective
“Looking for an extreme experience you’ve never had before? At Numajiri Kogen Lodge, alongside a premium stay, you can enjoy a special ‘Numajiri Genyu Tour’ — a journey to the raw hot spring source bubbling up from the earth itself.”