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Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel Ookawaso

Ashinomaki hot spring is located along the Okawa River valley, where the rapidstream had created strange rocks and cliffs, and is said to have been opened about 1,200 years ago. Facing the Agawa River, "Ookawaso" is a hot spring ryokan where guests can enjoy the beauty of the valley from their guest rooms and outdoor hot spring baths.

• Fukushima
• Inns

I stayed here in January 2023.
The moment I stepped inside, it felt like entering another world.
The atmosphere was amazing, especially being welcomed by the sound of the shamisen. I was genuinely moved!

*The live performance is only from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. When there’s no performance, you can take photos on the floating stage.

The newly renovated, modern-style room was stylish and relaxing, with great attention to the furniture and interior design.
The hot spring water quality was excellent, and the views were fantastic. There’s also a low-temperature sauna, so I went to the baths several times during my stay.
Just a heads-up: the open-air bath in the separate building is a bit far and takes some time to get to (lots of stairs).

It’s also only about a 30-minute drive to major Aizu attractions like Tsuruga Castle and Ouchi-juku, so I highly recommend this place!

Lake District of Goshikinuma

An explosion of steam gave birth to hundreds of lakes and ponds in 1888. About 30 of large and small lakes such as Bishamon, Aka, Midoro, Tatsu, and Benten are called Goshikinuma Ponds, which won 1-star in the Michelin Green Guide in 2016.

• Fukushima
• Nature Spots

I joined a snowshoe tour to Goshikinuma in winter, organized by Urabandai Lake Resort. You can rent all the gear, so you don't need to bring anything. The guide explained how to use the snowshoes in detail.

As you walk through the snowy path, you’ll come across the beautiful Goshikinuma. Along the way, I spotted animal tracks and even saw some lively squirrels!

Enjoying maple syrup dropped onto the snow and a warm cup of tea while taking in the scenery was just perfect.

The round trip is about 2.5 km and takes around two hours at a relaxed pace, so it's safe and even people who don't usually exercise can enjoy it.

I loved seeing the beautiful colors of Goshikinuma, which change depending on the weather, sunlight, and angle that day!

Ouchi-juku

More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.

• Fukushima
• Famous Places

This is a post town that still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period.
I visited in January when it was covered in snow, and it was so magical and beautiful. Around 9 a.m. on a weekday, it was quiet and almost empty, which made for a peaceful experience.

If you follow the road, you'll find some stairs leading up to an observation deck where you can get a great photo of the whole Ouchi-juku area. Be careful in winter, though—the stairs can be covered in snow and sometimes you can't climb them.

The souvenir shops were really kind, offering hot tea and being very welcoming. I didn't have time to stop this time, but I remember the 'negi soba' I had on a previous visit was absolutely delicious!

Usa Jingu Shrine

More than 40,000 Hachiman shrines throughout Japan, which are called "Hachiman-sama" and worshiped in various places, are the largest number among Shinto shrines. The main shrine is Usa Jingu, built in the 2nd year of the Jinki era (725). It is the second-largest shrine in Japan after Ise Jingu Shrine and is revered by the imperial family.

• Oita
• Shrines & Temples

I visited in mid-December and the autumn leaves were absolutely beautiful!
The grounds are pretty spacious, so even if you move quickly, it takes about an hour to see everything.
There's a spot called the 'Meoto Ishi' that's said to bring good luck for relationships and marriage. I almost missed it because I thought it was a big rock, but it's actually two triangular stones set in the ground (there's a sign!).
I also bought some 'Usa Ame' on the approach to the shrine. It's a board-shaped candy made only from malt and glutinous rice. The natural sweetness is really addictive and delicious! But be careful—it's super hard, so watch out if you have sensitive teeth!!!

Beppu Onsen

Beppu onsen is the collective name for all of the hot springs across Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 different springs that produce about 130,000 kiloliters of spring water every day, its ranked among the highest of hot springs in Japan. Beppu Onsen is divided into 8 areas and is also called Beppu Hatto or Bappu Onsenkyo. The many different springs offer different water properties and colors, so you won’t want to miss the chance to visit as many different hot springs as possible.

• Oita
• Famous Places

I bought the combo ticket and did the tour of the seven 'Hells'! (The combo ticket is JPY 2,000 for adults)

You can walk between Umi Jigoku, Bozu Jigoku, Kamado Jigoku, and Oniyama Jigoku, and there are several places nearby where you can try 'Jigoku Mushi' (food steamed by hot spring steam). Chinoike Jigoku and Tatsumaki Jigoku are a bit farther, so I recommend taking a bus or something similar to get there.

Oniyama Jigoku has crocodiles, and Shiraiike Jigoku has pirarucu (a type of fish), so there are lots of interesting things to see. I think you could easily spend a whole day here without getting bored.

Kamado Jigoku was especially crowded, and the foot bath was almost full! There are foot baths all over Beppu, but the one at Kamado Jigoku is a beautiful blue color and made my skin feel super smooth!

By the way, Chinoike, Umi, and Kamado Jigoku each sell their own exclusive bath salts, but you can only buy them at their respective souvenir shops, so don't forget to pick them up if you want them!