Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Fukushima, Futamata Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan is a serene onsen retreat known for its five distinct natural hot springs. Each bath is supplied with fresh, pure spring water directly from the source, providing guests with an exceptional onsen experience. The high-quality water, sourced directly from the earth, ensures a truly rejuvenating soak.
One of the standout features of Kashiwaya Ryokan is its self-flowing stone bath, a rare sight even in Japan. This bath is fed directly from the spring beneath the floor, with fresh, untouched water emerging naturally from the ground. Guests can experience the soothing sensation of bathing in mineral-rich hot spring water, with fresh "yu-dama" (bubbles of water) rising from the bottom of the tub, offering an authentic and refreshing onsen experience.
The culinary experience at Kashiwaya is deeply rooted in the local culture, with the ryokan using only the freshest local ingredients prepared with traditional regional seasonings and cooking methods. Guests can enjoy dishes featuring Fukushima Beef, known for its tender texture and marbling, as well as basashi (horse sashimi), a popular local delicacy. Every meal reflects the essence of the region's flavors, offering a true taste of Fukushima.
Beyond the relaxing onsen, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Aizu region. Guests can join guided nature walks led by local experts to discover the area's diverse flora and fauna. Depending on the season, various outdoor activities are also available nearby, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the scenic surroundings.
Futamata Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan offers a perfect blend of relaxation, regional flavors, and outdoor exploration, making it an ideal destination for those looking to experience the warmth of the onsen and the beauty of the Aizu region.
| Website | https://kashiwayaryokan.com/(Japanese) |
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| Contact | 0248-84-2316 |
| Accommodation details | Capacity: 6 rooms, Japanese style Check in / Check out: 15:00 / 10:00 Hot springs: Open-air sulfate mineral hot spring (Available for private bookings) |
| Related info | Kids room Coworking space Elevator Room service Vending machines Smoking area |
| Access | Shimofutamata-22-6 Yumoto, Tenei, Iwase District, Fukushima 962-0621 View directions |
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| Getting there | By Car:
By Train:
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When visiting Tsurugajo Castle, remember to check out the Rinkaku Tea Ceremony Room, which is situated inside the castle grounds. The beautiful Japanese garden surrounding the tea room is well worth a visit. What's more, you can enjoy traditional Japanese matcha tea together with a seasonal treat, all while looking out at the fantastic foliage of the garden.
The Mitsuishi Shrine (Three Stones Shrine) is located a short 10-minute walk from Tadami Station in Tadami Town. Ichinoiwa, Ninoiwa and Saniwa are the three large stones that have spritual significance. Ichinoiwa (the first stone) is thought to improve intelligence, Ninoiwa (the second stone) is thought to improve eyesight, and Saniwa (the third stone) is thought to improve connections with others, particularly romantic love. The Saniwa is a popular place to visit for those who are hoping to get married someday. To reach the shrine there is a short hike through dense forest, so it is recommended that visitors wear shoes that are easy to walk in.
The Oza-Toro-Tembo Train is a limited-service sightseeing train which is operated during selected days of the peak tourist seasons. The train has three carriages - the oza carriage (which has a tatami-floor), the torokko (tram) carriage, and the tembo (observation deck) carriage. Stretch out and relax in the tatami carriage with its sunken kotatsu (heated table) in autumn, take in Aizu's nature and air from the tram carriage, and revel in the fantastic scenery that await you through the expansive windows of the observation deck carriage. The train runs along the Aizu Railway tracks, meaning you can hop off at various points to visit places such as Ouchi-juku (a 15 minute taxi ride from Yunokami Onsen Station), and To-no-Hetsuri Crags, among others. For information about when this train runs this year, please check out this link (Japanese).
Mitsutaya is a speciality restaurant with roots dating back to the end of the Edo Period (around 1835). The restaurant is situated in a renovated miso storehouse. It is therefore fitting that the restaurant is famous for a local Aizu meal called 'miso dengaku'. Miso dengaku refers to skewered vegetables and meat which are topped with a miso paste before being cooked over an open flame. The skewers are cooked one by one. Skewer ingredients include konjac, deep-fried tofu, sticky, savory rice balls called 'shingoro mochi', and more. Each small dish is coated in miso for an unforgettable and savory flavor.
Among hot springs, this inn is rare for possessing their own spring source. You’ll enjoy the luxurious open-air baths to the fullest. They’re 100% “kakenagashi” (continuously flowing), which is the highest quality of hot spring water in Japan. Whether it’s spring, summer, or fall, you’ll love the natural beauty of the area with open-air waterside dining. If you’re looking for a delightful private hot spring bath, they have four separate reservable baths with a view. Harataki also boasts an open-air bath filled with water from its very own hot spring source.The dinner is another popular attraction: you can enjoy both Otemae-ryori, a traditional Japanese course meal served at the table, as well as a buffet with rice cooked on a traditional kamado kitchen stove, charcoal-grilled dishes, and the local specialties of Aizu. Meals served at the Waterside Dining Kawadoko (a restaurant with outdoor decks built along the bank of the Yukawa River) are very popular during the summer season.Make the most of your time unwinding and soak away your worries.
Located in Yanaizu Town, the gateway to the Oku-Aizu area, Seryu no Yado Kawachi is situated in a region rich in history. Yanaizu has long been known as the temple town of Fukuman Kokuzo Enzoji Temple, which boasts a history of over 1,200 years. The town is also renowned for its abundant hot springs, attracting visitors throughout the year.The ryokan is positioned alongside the gently flowing Tadami River, offering guests stunning views of both the river and the iconic red bridge from their room windows. The changing scenery of Oku-Aizu throughout the seasons provides a unique experience year-round.The hot spring water, sourced from Enzoji Temple in Yanaizu, is known for its soothing properties, leaving skin soft and retaining warmth, allowing for deep relaxation of both body and mind.Seryu no Yado Kawachi also offers seasonal activity tours, providing guests with the opportunity to enhance their stay with memorable experiences.
Located in the historic Nanokamachi district of Aizu-Wakamatsu, Ryori Ryokan Tagoto has been a cherished stop for travelers for nearly 100 years. Originally a traditional lodging along the old Echigo, Yonezawa, and Shimotsuke (Nikko) highways, the inn still retains a "Resting Stone" at its entrance—a spot where weary travelers once paused, offering a glimpse into the past.Tagoto is renowned for its seasonal kaiseki cuisine, made with the finest ingredients from Aizu, as well as its signature "Wappa-Meshi" rice dish. These meals are popular among locals, visitors from afar, and even famous personalities.Guests are welcomed with warm hospitality, enjoying exquisite dishes in the refined atmosphere of this historic ryokan.
Ashina is a Japanese-style inn that preserves an atmosphere of old-style living in the Tohoku Region. The facility used to be part of a 120-year-old private residence, which was taken apart, moved and then rebuilt at its present location. An overnight stay at this inn will allow guests to experience several different aspects of traditional Aizu culture, including local cuisine and local sake that can be enjoyed nowhere else. Dinner is served around an irori (sunken hearth), which is a very memorable feature of this inn.