
As autumn winds begin to blow, the vast lands of Fukushima in northeastern Japan gradually transform into a stunning palette of vibrant colors, painting a poetic and picturesque landscape. The Aizu region of Fukushima presents an especially mysterious and captivating historical scenery! The fascinating blend of ancient and natural beauty can be found everywhere. This area is not only home to Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (also known as Tsuruga Castle), one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles and a representative historical landmark of Aizu, but also offers numerous destinations where visitors can escape the urban bustle, relax both body and mind, and find spiritual tranquility.
In this article, we'll guide you through the hidden gem of "Ouchi-juku," admire the scenic lake and mountain views of Okawa Valley, and discover a traditional Japanese-style onsen ryokan that strongly resembles the "Infinity Castle" from the popular anime "Demon Slayer." We'll also explore mountain lodges nestled in snowy peaks, family-friendly ski resorts, camping-themed specialty cafes, and more.
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All of photos taken by Goy
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First Stop: Ouchi-juku - A Time-Traveling Journey to a Thatched-Roof Village
Ouchi-juku, located in Fukushima's Aizu region, is one of Japan's three major thatched-roof villages, alongside Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture and Miyama-cho in Kyoto. However, Ouchi-juku has preserved its traditional buildings and original atmosphere more comprehensively and has been designated as an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District. Walking through its old streets feels like traveling back in time to a bustling post station from 400 years ago.


The journey begins at Yunokami Onsen Station, known for its unique thatched-roof design. The streets are lined with thatched-roof buildings housing museums, souvenir shops, restaurants serving Fukushima Aizu's specialty green onion soba noodles, traditional Japanese restaurants, and guesthouses. If time permits, it's recommended to visit "Tonohetsuri," a hidden gem along the Aizu Railway. This natural masterpiece, formed by over a million years of weathering and water erosion, is truly awe-inspiring!
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Recommended Accommodation 1: [Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso] A Hidden Therapeutic Journey
Just 20 minutes from the charming Ouchi-juku, Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso stands quietly as one of the region's hidden scenic treasures. It offers a perfect sanctuary for those seeking spiritual purification and physical relaxation. The ryokan is renowned for its spectacular open-air onsen with stunning views and exquisite kaiseki cuisine. Recently, due to the popularity of the anime "Demon Slayer," this onsen ryokan has become a new favorite among anime fans. The lobby scene reminds countless fans of the Infinity Castle, attracting visitors to take photos and experience the space.
A Real-Life Version of Demon Slayer's Infinity Castle
Fans of "Demon Slayer" will immediately recognize the main lobby of Ookawaso, as it strongly resembles the Infinity Castle from the anime. This similarity has attracted many anime enthusiasts to stay and take commemorative photos.
Therapeutic Moments in Spectacular Scenery
In Ookawaso's traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms, simply sliding open the windows reveals the colorful and beautiful Okawa Valley landscape. The window-side seating includes a kotatsu (heated table), providing warmth during cold autumn and winter seasons. This creates a cozy space to relax and enjoy the views while letting your worries drift away.
Diverse Onsen Experiences
Ookawaso offers various bath types, with the terraced open-air bath "Four Seasons Stage Terrace" being the most distinctive and popular. Here, you can soak in warm waters while surrounded by valley views and natural sounds, experiencing true mental liberation.
The onsen's main spring contains sulfate waters known for their skin-soothing properties, helping with cold extremities and dry skin while quickly warming the body.
Rich Cultural Experiences
Beyond onsen therapy, Ookawaso is dedicated to preserving Japanese traditions. From 4-6 PM daily, traditional shamisen music is performed on the "floating stage" in the central lobby. On the eve of holidays, the ryokan hosts mochi-pounding shows, allowing guests to experience traditional Japanese customs and cuisine.

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Diverse Dining Options: Savor Aizu's Special Cuisine
Ookawaso is famous for its varied dining options, from traditional Japanese cuisine to buffet-style meals. Each dish is prepared with seasonal ingredients, showcasing Aizu region's culinary culture and flavors.

Ultimate Kaiseki Experience: The Art of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
After enjoying the relaxing onsen baths at Ookawaso, don't miss the exceptional kaiseki dining experience. From select meats to seasonal seafood and vegetables, each ingredient is transformed into exquisite dishes by the master chefs. This isn't just a culinary feast but an opportunity to deeply experience traditional Japanese food culture and Aizu regional specialties.
Staying at Ookawaso is truly a rewarding experience, whether you're a solo traveler seeking spiritual healing or an enthusiast eager to explore Japanese culture and cuisine. The ryokan leaves a lasting impression with its beautiful natural scenery, warm traditional Japanese accommodation, refined culinary culture, and attentive service that makes every guest feel at home.
Booking Link | https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1896961&hl=en-us&hid=9067137
[Hotel Information]
- Name: Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso
- Address: 984 Ashinomaki Shimotaira, Oto-machi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture 969-5147
- Official Website:http://www.ookawaso.co.jp/
- Access: From Tokyo: Approximately 3 hours via Tohoku Shinkansen to the ryokan
Note:
※ Shuttle service is available from Aizuwakamatsu Station (once daily round trip) and Ashinomaki Onsen Station. Advance reservation required.
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Recommended Accommodation 2: [Numajiri Kogen Lodge]
As autumn's kaleidoscope of colors fades away, Fukushima transforms into a winter wonderland dressed in silver and white. During this season, Fukushima attracts visitors not only with its stunning snow scenery but also becomes a paradise for ski enthusiasts and onsen seekers. Located in Inawashiro, Fukushima, the Numajiri Kogen Lodge is a perfect hideaway offering memorable winter snow activities and hot spring experiences, making it a top choice for travelers seeking winter destinations in the Tohoku region.

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The Lodge is surrounded by three famous mountain ranges - Mt. Adatara, Mt. Bandai, and Mt. Nishi-Azuma, offering breathtaking panoramic views. It's a popular destination for winter hikers and accommodation seekers. The Lodge also has a notable history - its former owner was Junko Tabei, a Fukushima-born female mountaineer who became the first woman to reach Mount Everest's summit and climb the highest peaks of all seven continents.
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This remarkable female mountaineer built this beautiful lodge in this otherworldly location. The current owner, who also operates the previously mentioned Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso, has renovated the lodge while maintaining Tabei's vision. They've created a cozy mountain snow lodge atmosphere and reopened in November 2019, providing warm and comfortable accommodation for countless admiring visitors.
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Warm Welcome Space
The open lobby of Numajiri Kogen Lodge is a restful space where travelers can feel at home. Here, the fireplace's warm glow dispels winter's chill, allowing guests to enjoy hot drinks, immerse themselves in books, or find moments of peace while chatting with other travelers. For those wanting to relax with a drink, the lodge offers complimentary white wine and whiskey, along with warm hospitality from the staff, creating a homely atmosphere. On clear nights, you can even stargaze from the spacious garden.
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※No drinking under 20 years old.
Comfortable Rooms and Private Onsen Experience
The rooms feature simple yet cozy designs with comfortable beds, emphasizing quality sleep. Morning sunlight naturally fills the rooms through windows, accompanied by views of layered mountain forests. Uniquely, each room's massage bath is connected directly to the hot spring source, allowing private onsen experiences anytime. Staying in your room to rest and enjoy your private onsen can be extremely satisfying!
Natural Sulfur Spring Baths
Numajiri Kogen Lodge is famous for its natural sulfur springs, rich in natural moisturizing components that leave skin smooth after bathing. The spring water, sourced from Mt. Adatara's crater with over 230 years of history, is drawn directly from the mountain through wooden pipes, preserving its natural properties.
In the outdoor onsen, you can relax in nature's embrace, fully immersing yourself in warm waters. Bathing under the stars is the best way to heal travel fatigue and daily stress.
Healthy Cuisine
The Lodge maintains a "healthy eating" philosophy, selecting organic ingredients from farms within 16 kilometers of Numajiri. This ensures guests enjoy natural and wholesome Japanese cuisine. From the beautiful presentation to the seasonal ingredients' textures and flavors, each dish showcases excellent culinary craftsmanship, whether it's the Japanese set dinner or breakfast.
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Gourmet meal plans can be added when making accommodation reservations
If you're a nature lover or hiking enthusiast, Numajiri Kogen Lodge is your ideal accommodation choice!
Booking Link | https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1896961&hl=en-us&hid=10952797
[Hotel Information]
- Name: Inawashiro Numajiri Onsen - Numajiri Kogen Lodge
- Address: 2864 Numajirisankō, Sanyo, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
- Website:https://www.numajiri-lodge.com/
- Access: About 20 minutes by car from JR Inawashiro Station on the Ban'etsu West Line
Note: ※Free shuttle service is available from Inawashiro Station.
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[Numajiri Kogen Lodge] Recommended Nearby Attractions
Winter Fun: Numajiri Ski Resort
The resort features gentle slopes for beginners, long courses for experienced skiers, and the largest children's snow park in the area. Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy various snow activities including sledding, snowmobiling, and snow rafting. It's the top-recommended family ski resort in the Tohoku region, where every visitor can find their own joy in the high-quality natural powder snow.
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[Facility Information]
- Name: Numajiri Ski Resort
- Address: 2855-434 Numajirisankō, Sanyo, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 969-2752
- Website:https://www.numajiri-ski.jp
- Operating Period: December 19 - March 21, 8:30-16:00 (may vary depending on snow conditions)
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Camping-Style Café: Cafe & Activity Nowhere
Located at Numajiri Kogen Lodge, "Cafe & Activity Nowhere" is beloved by locals for its unique camping theme. Beyond being a camping-themed café, it offers exciting activities like mountain biking, tours to discover Numajiri's hot spring sources, and ATV off-road experiences.
Following Western trends, the café features indoor tents creating a camping atmosphere where guests can enjoy quality coffee while experiencing pseudo-camping in tent spaces. Beyond the indoor area, the café is surrounded by mountains with a spacious lawn, perfect for enjoying nature and ideal for families with children.
The café serves camping-style meals like curry rice and light foods. Their daily fresh-baked bread and desserts are especially popular among customers and shouldn't be missed.
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[Facility Information]
- Name: Cafe & Activity Nowhere
- Address: 2864 Numajirisankō, Sanyo, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture 969-2752
- Website:https://nowhere-cafeteria.business.site/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nowhere.cafeandactivity/
- Hours: Thursday-Monday 10:00-16:00
- Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday
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Hiking and Natural Hot Springs: Mt. Adatara Journey
From April to November, visitors can join Mt. Adatara hiking and outdoor onsen tours offered by Cafe & Activity Nowhere. Standing at approximately 1,700 meters, Mt. Adatara is famous for its rich natural landscapes and unique hot springs, making it a highly recommended route among hiking enthusiasts.
Along the beautiful trail, you'll discover Numajiri's natural hot springs, which produce about 13,400 liters per minute. These acidic sulfur springs maintain a temperature of around 70°C and are known to help relieve arthritis, neuralgia, skin conditions, and diabetes.
Surrounded by layered mountain views, enjoying these natural outdoor secret hot springs with their constant flowing water sounds and unique misty mountain scenery creates an incomparable experience that soothes both body and mind!
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**Note: The business information and activity details provided are based on records at the time of writing, including prices and tax rates. For the latest detailed information, please contact the businesses and organizers directly.
[Activity Information]
- Operating Period: Mid-April to Mid-November Twice daily
- Starting at 8:30 or 13:00
- Tour Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Note: This article was originally written in Chinese and has been translated into English using AI translation.
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