Yunokami Onsen in Fukushima: Visit Ouchijuku and Stay at a Historic Ryokan

Get to know Yunokami Onsen

Yunokami Onsen is a charming hot spring town situated along the Okawa valley between Oku-Aizu and Aizuwakamatsu. Thanks to the numerous natural hot spring sources, discovered about 1,300 years ago, no additional heating or water is necessary, resulting in a bountiful and uncontaminated supply of hot spring water. Exploring this retro town will transport you back in time with its streets and architecture reminiscent of the Edo period.

Legend of Yunokami Onsen

According to local legend, a wounded monkey found its way to the Yunokami hot spring source, bathed in its healing waters, and miraculously recovered from its injuries. Inspired by this tale, one of the spring sources is called Saru-yu, or "Monkey Bath." The water that flows from this spring is characterized by its alkaline properties, so take some time to relax and warm up with a long soak.

Yunokami Onsen Station

Yunokami Onsen Station is the sole train station in Japan adorned with a thatched roof, which transforms the station into a picturesque location throughout the seasons.

In winter, you’ll find the roof covered in a blanket of thick snow. In addition, the station also includes a hearth where you can enjoy a complimentary cup of tea in the afternoon.

Across from the station, there’s a large cherry blossom tree that attracts photographers from around the country in the spring.

Yunokami Onsen Station
Address: Yunokami, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: 3 hrs 30 min from Tokyo Station

Oyakojizo-no-yu Foot Bath

Located next to Yunokami Onsen Station is the Oyako Jizo-son, the guardian deity of children. Herem locals pray for the safety, health, and recovery of their children. In 2012, a free foot bath facility was built next to the monument, providing a delightful and relaxing experience for visitors of all ages.

Oyakojizo-no-yu Foot Bath
Address: Yunokami, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: Adjacent to Yunokami Onsen Station
Official website: https://yunokami.com/sightseeing/#yunokamionsen-station (in Japanese only)

See thatched houses in Ouchijuku

Ouchijuku is a former historic post town established in 1640, serving as a link between Aizu Castle and Shimotsuke Province (now Tochigi Prefecture). Nestled amidst the mountains, this settlement is renowned for its many thatched houses.

An Important Cultural Property

Ouchijuku is one of the few villages in Japan that still preserves its ancient townscape. The area is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan for its traditional architecture. To preserve this iconic site, locals have begun to carry out conservation activities, such as learning traditional roof repair techniques.

Year-round fun in Ouchijuku

Every year in July, the midsummer Hange Festival takes place in Ouchijuku, where people offer prayers for a safe home and prosperous harvest. Dressed in traditional attire, villagers will carry a mikoshi (portable shrine) on a procession through the town.

Similarly, a winter festival known as the Ouchijuku Snow Festival takes place every February. During this event, you can enjoy the spectacle of the snowscape illuminated at night by fireworks.

Ouchijuku: Details and access information

Ouchijuku
Address: Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Official website: https://ouchi-juku.com/

Access information
・10-min taxi ride from Yunokami Onsen Station
・Saru-yu-gou bus service from Yunokami Onsen Station, departing five times a day.
*The bus stops at other nearby areas, and operates on a seasonal basis. Please check the official website before your trip.

You may also want to download a pamphlet available in multiple languages from the official website to discover even more of the area.

Best accommodations in Yunokami Onsen

The hotels in this area are known for their unique charm and affordability. What’s more, they offer rejuvenating onsen baths with pure hot spring water. Many also serve cuisine crafted from seasonal ingredients from the Aizu region. Here are three accommodations, each offering a warm and inviting ambiance.

Koboushinoyu Senshintei

This hotel’s unique feature is a natural garden that spans over 13,000 square meters. Guests can indulge in the large communal bath and an open-air onsen while immersing themselves in the surrounding scenery. In the annex, rooms are equipped with private baths, including both open-air options and baths made from hinoki cypress. For added convenience, a free shuttle service from Yunokami Onsen Station is available (reservations required).

Koboushinoyu Senshintei
Address: 1614 Yorigami-otsu, Takashima, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: 20-min walk from Yunokami Onsen Station (Aizu Line)
Official website: https://koboushi-sensintei.jp/ (in Japanese only)

Toryukan

Toryukan is a hotel nestled along the valley, offering a unique and tranquil retreat-like atmosphere. With only 12 rooms available, it offers a cozy and exclusive ambiance. Each room features its own private onsen bath, but you can also rent an open-air bath within the hotel. For dinner, enjoy traditional kaiseki multicourse cuisine highlighting dishes from the Aizu region.

For added convenience, the hotel offers a free pick-up service from Yunokami Onsen and JR Shin-Shirakawa stations. The latter option requires an advance reservation.

Toryukan
Address: 1338 Tatemoto-otsu, Yunokami, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: 10-min walk from Yunokami Onsen Station (Aizu Line)
Official website: http://www.touryukan.com/

Yuyado Nishikiya

Step back in time at this onsen hotel, set inside a beautifully-renovated building from the Meiji era (1868-1912). The baths feature pure hot spring water that flows continuously, with a choice of a fragrant hinoki cypress bath or a soothing rock bath. Yuyado Nishikiya also offers various room types including two connected rooms for larger groups, ensuring a perfect stay for all. With a prior reservation, guests can enjoy a complimentary shuttle service from Yunokami Onsen Station.

Yuyado Nishikiya
Address: 784 Idaira-otsu, Yunokami, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
Access: 15-min walk from Yunokami Onsen Station (Aizu Line)
Official website: http://nishikiya.info/ (in Japanese only)

Yunokami Onsen: Access information

From Tokyo Station by shinkansen (total time: 3 hrs and 30 min)

Tokyo Station → JR Tohoku Shinkansen (1 hr 20 min) → Koriyama Station → Banetsu West Line (1 hr 10 min) → Aizu Wakamatsu Station → Aizu Railway (40 min) → Yunokami Onsen Station
From Asakusa Station by Tobu Railway (total time: 4 hrs)

Asakusa Station → Tobu Line, Tobu 500 series/Revaty (3 hrs 20 min) → Aizu Tajima Station → Aizu Line（25 min) → Yunokami Onsen Station

Get to Yunokami Onsen with the JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) and enjoy unlimited rides on all JR East Lines.

*Please note that when traveling with the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, Revaty and Tobu Limited Express Spacia Kinu, a seat reservation fee applies. Furthermore, there are limited numbers of Revaty, Tobu Limited Express Spacia Kinu, and the Aizu Mount Express trains from Kinugawa Onsen each day, so please check the times before your trip.

Discover Yunokami Onsen

While Japan boasts numerous remarkable hot spring resorts, Yunokami Onsen stands out with its traditional Japanese townscape. Unwind in the hot springs and enjoy the views of the natural landscape throughout the seasons.

*When staying at a hotel or ryokan, you may be charged an accommodation tax and/or a hot spring tax depending on the area. Please pay directly at the hotel.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) 5 days

・Unlimited rides on all trains and shinkansen in the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
・Available for foreign residents and tourists with non-Japanese passports.