Atsushio Onsen

What impressed me most about this hot spring inn was the delicious water in the rooms. The water served with meals was also delicious. I asked the staff if it was groundwater, and they told me it used to be groundwater, but now it's tap water. I was surprised. The welcome drink, served in a small sake cup, seems to be a sign of Aizu hospitality. The inn's exterior and interior are old, but it's been renovated and is a quiet place. The rock sauna area is also appealing. The foot bath is a bit unrefined, so it gives off a very negative vibe. If possible, a charming enclosure or walkway would be nice. A view of the mountains from just one spot would have been great. The staff were also unassuming and very pleasant.

It was the off-season, so there were few other guests and it felt lonely, but I was very satisfied with the warm hospitality of the staff and the delicious food prepared with care! The location from the room wasn't great, but I thought the price was very reasonable and conscientious. As for the hot spring, I was expecting it to be quite hot and salty, since it's called hot salt water, but it was a little lukewarm and I was able to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. I would definitely come back.

I went to Yugenkyo Aizu Atsushio Onsen, which is somehow called Yamagataya even though it's in Fukushima. This hot spring, branded as a first-class countryside hot spring, is said to be effective for rheumatic diseases and chronic inflammation of the female genitals. It is said to have been discovered by Zen Master Gensen'o, who founded Jigenji Temple in 1281. The water is high in salt and has a temperature of 66.5°C, making it a good place for fertility. The open-air bath is also great.

Unlike the exterior, the lobby has a luxurious feel, and although we went for a day trip, my parents and relatives have said they would like to stay overnight. The open-air bath in the women's bath was the only one that happened to be extremely warm, so I'd give it 4 stars. The men's bath was just normal heat, which was nice. The water has a strong salt content, leaving your skin smooth.

A day trip costs 800 yen. The hot spring water has a salty pH of 6.4. It penetrates deep into the body. The water temperature is just right. There is a bathroom that can accommodate 20 people, an open-air bath, and a herbal sauna. It's a bit pricey, but it's worth it.