Nestled in the serene surroundings of Ishikawa Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Nekonaki Onsen Shikibu no Yakata Izutsuya offers a peaceful and rejuvenating escape, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the four seasons. The tranquil atmosphere and the soothing rhythm of time spent at this onsen ryokan create the perfect setting to relax and unwind, healing the weariness of everyday life.
Izutsuya’s hot spring is a rare radioactive alkaline simple weak radioactive cold mineral spring, known for its therapeutic properties. It is believed that inhaling the steam while soaking in the water can help boost immunity, making it a highly beneficial treatment. Often referred to as the 'cure-all bath,' this spring is known for its wide range of health benefits. Guests can enjoy not only the relaxing effects of the hot spring but also its positive impact on their overall well-being.
The culinary experience at Izutsuya is equally important as the soothing onsen. The ryokan takes pride in offering fresh, seasonal flavors, with the menu changing each month to reflect the best ingredients of the season. Guests can indulge in traditional Japanese cuisine, carefully crafted to showcase the essence of each season’s bounty. With every dish, guests are invited to savor the true essence of Japanese culinary art, celebrating both nature and tradition.
| Website | http://itsutsuya.co.jp/(Japanese) |
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| Contact | front@itsutsuya.co.jp 0247-26-1131 |
| Accommodation details | Capacity: 16 Japanese-style rooms (futon), 2 Japanese-style rooms (bed) Check in / Check out: 15:00 / 10:00 Hot springs: Hot spring available |
| Related info | Smoking area Vending machines Luggage forwarding (Iwaki-Ishikawa Station, advance reservation required) Concierge service available |
| Access | 22 Nekonaki, Ishikawa, Ishikawa District, Fukushima 963-7855 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car: 50min from Koriyama station (17min from Yabuki-chuo I.C.) |
Ebisu Circuit – revered as a drift racing paradise – is visited every year by lots of international visitors. Ebisu Circuit’s ‘Drift Taxi’ experience lets you ride as a passenger in a special drifting car while a professional Drift School Teacher speeds around the circuit! Booking and more information here.
Try matcha green tea in a traditional tea house in Suirakuen Garden, located inside Nanko Park. Suirakuen Garden is also a popular place to visit for its fall foliage.
Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper has a history of over 1,000 years. It was given the name "Kami-Kawasaki Washi" because of its origin in Nihonmatsu City's Kami-Kawasaki district. Since the name of districts changes with the years, during Japan's Heian Period, it was known as "Michinoku-gami "("paper made in Michinoku").Kami-Kawasaki Washi paper has been used regularly as shoji paper (paper for sliding doors). Many people are charmed by the warmth and simple beauty of Kami-Kawasaki Washi. Paper mulberry, a type of tree used for making the paper, is grown locally. The traditional production method, from producing the raw ingredients to making the paper, is continued in Nihonmatsu City even today.Sticking to traditional production methods ensures that the finished paper has a luxuriant warmth and refinement, and is strong and durable. At present, a variety of products, such as dyed paper, folkcraft paper, and paper crafts, are produced, all of which maintain the paper's original texture. Although the demand for shoji paper is declining, there is still demand for products such as wallpaper and lamp shades. In this way, Kami-Kawasaki Washi remains important to us everyday. At the Washi Traditional Crafts Gallery - located at Michi-no-Eki Adachi (Roadside Station) - visitors can make washi postcards, paper fans, and other items.
There are records of Shirakawa Daruma (Japanese traditional dolls) being sold as far back as the feudal reign of the Niwa Domain in 1627. Current Shirakawa Daruma are known as “Shirakawa Tsurugame Shochikubai Daruma.” The faces of these dolls are painted to incorporate various animals and plants, with the eyebrows representing cranes, the mustache representing a turtle, the ears representing pines and plum trees, and the beard representing bamboo or pine trees. All of these images are thought to bring good luck. The daruma is known to be a very classical, lucky talisman, started by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the lord of Shirakawa, when he hired the renowned painter Tani Buncho to paint the now famous face on the daruma doll. Once every year a large Shirakawa Daruma Market is held to celebrate and sell the beloved daruma dolls. You can paint your own daruma at the two daruma workshops in town!
Azumaya is a cosy ryokan hotel located in Takayu Onsen town, Fukushima City. This onsen town is famous for the blue, milky waters of its hot springs, and guests at Azumaya can truly make the most of Takayu Onsen's high-quality hot spring water.
Onyado Kawasemi is a luxury, 12-room onsen hotel located on 2.5 acres of land, just outside of central Iizaka Onsen Town. Here you can enjoy everything in traditional Japanese style, from the food and hospitality to the decor and atmosphere.
Kirakuya Inn has friendly, English speaking owners. The inn is conveniently located for travel from Tokyo and rooms have reasonable prices, making it an ideal stop for visitors from abroad. A stay at Kirakuya will also give you the opportunity to experience bathing in a natural hot spring. The springs are available for private hire for those who are a little shy about bathing in public.
Mukaitaki Ryokan, originally owned by the Aizu domain, is now entrusted to the Hirata family, who have carefully preserved its legacy for generations. They continue to honor the ryokan's history while maintaining its traditional charm.All guest rooms at Mukaitaki are housed in a wooden structure that is registered as a National Cultural Property, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay in a building considered a national treasure. Despite its historic significance, the ryokan provides a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience authentic Japanese culture.The ryokan’s hospitality focuses on creating a unique traditional Japanese space, offering a rare experience not found in everyday life. It is also one of the main sites for the Higashiyama Onsen Candle Festival.