Iizaka Onsen | Review by 黃國棟

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Iizaka Onsen

One of the three best hot springs in the Oshu region.

6 Oct 2026 See More

For people in Fukushima, Iizaka Onsen is like a hot spring town right in their backyard, and it is also one of Japan’s “Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu.” It takes about 20 minutes to get there from JR Fukushima Station on the Iizaka Line, and trains run fairly frequently, so you can easily take a short hot spring trip without much advance planning.

Although it is a well-known hot spring resort town, it still has many charming old buildings. As you stroll along the hillsides and narrow alleys, you’ll occasionally come across traditional inns and historic streetscapes. It isn’t too crowded or noisy, which gives it a more relaxed, nostalgic feel. I don’t think you necessarily need to plan a soak at Iizaka Onsen. Just walking around and exploring the town is enough to experience the charm of a Fukushima hot spring town.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Iimoriyama

At the eastern edge of the Aizu Basin, Iimoriyama is a leading tourist destination in Aizuwakamatsu City, attracting around two million visitors a year. The 314-meter-high hill can be ascended not only by foot but also via a paid escalator for easy access.
- Fukushima
- Nature Spots
6 Oct 2026 See More

From the top of the mountain, you can look out over the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. This sacred mountain, steeped in Aizu history, is also a must-visit spot for many travelers coming to Aizu.

This time, I came to Iimoriyama especially early in the morning. The surrounding shops hadn’t opened yet, and there were hardly any tourists on the streets, making the entire mountain especially quiet. Without the bustling crowds, I could better appreciate Iimoriyama’s peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

Standing on the mountain and looking out over the streets of Aizuwakamatsu, the view was very open and expansive. With the fresh morning air, it felt especially pleasant to walk slowly and take everything in. The benefit of getting up early to visit Iimoriyama is that you can enjoy it with almost no other tourists around!

If you’re planning a day trip to Aizuwakamatsu, I highly recommend coming early. You can avoid the crowds and experience this historic mountain at a more leisurely pace.
The Aizu Bukeyashiki - Samurai Residence

Located near Higashiyama Onsen, this large-scale historical museum park features the restored residence of Saigo Tanomo, who was a Karo officer in the Aizu domain, surrounded by relocated and restored traditional buildings and a museum.
- Fukushima
- Museums
6 Oct 2026 See More

A samurai residence filled with Aizu history. Stepping inside feels like traveling through time and experiencing what life was like for samurai families in the past. But~ the reason I came here actually wasn’t because it was the former residence of a wealthy feudal lord. It was because Haruka Ayase once filmed a drama here! As someone who loves Japanese dramas, of course I had to make a pilgrimage here and see the locations that appeared in the show~

When I visited on a weekday, almost everyone there was part of a tour group. The overall atmosphere was fairly quiet, so I could take my time exploring and appreciating this historic building. If you happen to be traveling in Aizu and enjoy Japanese history or locations from Japanese dramas, you can easily add the Aizu Bukeyashiki to your itinerary.

For me, the most important reason for this trip was—
If Haruka Ayase filmed here, I had to come see it!
Tsurugajo Castle

The castle is a cherry blossom viewing spot and the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City. Its official name is Wakamatsu Castle, and it is also sometimes called Aizu Castle or Aizu Wakamatsu Castle. The castle tower, the only one in Japan covered with red tiles, preserves the beautiful appearance of the castle in the feudal era.
- Fukushima
- Tourist Attractions
30 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Fukushima, don't miss Tsurugajo Castle, a place full of history. It is listed as one of the “100 Fine Castles of Japan” and is also one of Fukushima's best-known castles. Its white walls and red-tiled roofs look especially elegant beneath the blue sky. Even seeing it from a distance makes you want to stop and admire it.

Although the current castle tower was reconstructed, the old stone walls and appearance of the castle grounds have been preserved. As you walk around, you can still feel the strong historical atmosphere.

What surprised me most was that the museum isn't just a place to look at exhibits. It also uses interactive multimedia displays, including video, lighting, and sound, to introduce the history of Tsurugajo Castle. This makes the visit lively and interesting, so it doesn't feel boring at all.