Aizu-higashiyama Onsen

Known as Aizu’s Backroom, Higashiyama Onsen was opened by Reverend Gyoki 1300 years ago led by a 3-legged crow according to a legend. Just a 15-min drive from Aizuwakamatsu City, yet this tranquil hot spring resort is blessed with rich nature, allowing you to forget the urban hustle and bustle.

The spring is mainly clear sulfur water, effective for cut, neuralgia, skin diseases, etc. It used to be called “Tenneiji Temple’s hot spring,” which was a busy resort for the Aizu feudal domain. Along the Yukawa River that runs through the town, classic Japanese inns remain to this day that is designated as national cultural assets.

Since long ago, samurais such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Hijikata Toshizo visited Higashiyama Onsen to soothe their injuries. Artists also loved this place. Memorials were erected for the poet Yosano Akiko and the painter of beautiful women, Takehisa Yumeji.