Nestled amidst nostalgic landscapes, Okuaizu is renowned for its hidden treasures of hot springs. From the bubbling natural carbonated springs of Kaneyama Town, known for their warming properties, to the Fukasawa Onsen standing in the midst of the beech village nurturing a variety of flora and fauna, and the Oze Hinoemata Onsen bubbling at the grand entrance to Oze, distinctive hot springs abound in various locations. With a diverse range of accommodations, from traditional inns to public lodgings, why not visit repeatedly to discover your favorite hot spring?

● Yanaizu Onsen (Yanaizu Town):
This spring draws from the sacred waters of the Fukuman Kokuzo Bosatsu Enzo-ji Temple. It has transformed from a temple lodging town into a hot spring resort, creating a charming townscape.

● Nishiyama Onsen (Yanaizu District):
A secluded hot spring village boasting 1300 years of history, with remnants of therapeutic inns still prominent. Located along the Takidani River, a tributary of the Tadami River, it boasts eight springs. It is said that by visiting each of these springs, one can cure all ailments, earning it the nickname "hidden hot spring of the gods" since ancient times.

● Hayato Onsen (Mishima Town):
Famed for the legend of the healing hot spring where a crane healed its wounds, known as "Tsuru no Yu," with a history spanning 1200 years. Offering 100% natural medicinal hot springs flowing directly from the source, it has been cherished as a therapeutic retreat. The open-air baths overlook the nearby Tadami River, providing breathtaking views.

（Photo Credits：https://gokujo-aizu.com/okuaizu）

● Kaneyama Town Onsen (Kaneyama Town):
A hot spring area boasting diverse sources and abundant water. Visitors can enjoy exploring the hidden springs such as Takizawa Onsen, Yukura Onsen, Oshio Onsen, Tamanashi Onsen, Hatcho Onsen, and Nakagawa Onsen.

● Showa Onsen (Showa Village):
Surrounded by a rich natural environment, this hot spring allows visitors to enjoy the four seasons of the mountains. It has abundant water volume and flows directly from the source.

● Fukasawa Onsen (Tadami Town):
A renowned hot spring along the Tadami River, carefully preserved by the villagers. The spring water is effective for fatigue recovery, with a composition of sodium chloride sulfate springs.

● Yunohana Onsen and Tokusa Onsen (Minamiaizu Town):
Numerous charming hot spring resorts exist here. The communal baths, cherished by the locals since ancient times, exude rustic charm and a sense of hidden tranquility. Visitors can also enjoy hopping between communal baths and day-trip hot springs.

● Hinoemata Onsen:
Surrounded by the murmuring of the river, the chirping of birds, and the tranquility of winter, Oze Hinoemata Onsen offers changing landscapes throughout the seasons. The spring water is alkaline simple spring and simple sulfur spring. All ryokans and guesthouses are supplied with hot spring water.

（Photo Credits：https://gokujo-aizu.com/okuaizu）

Surrounded by mountains and with various rivers flowing through it, Okuaizu is a land suitable for sake brewing, with high-quality rice and pristine water sources. The unique atmosphere, environment, longstanding brewing techniques, and the stubborn nature of the people of Aizu all contribute to the rich flavor of the local sake produced in Okuaizu.

（Photo Credits：https://gokujo-aizu.com/okuaizu）

Additionally, in Okuaizu, where cool and clear water is abundant even in summer, soba cultivation thrives. Soba noodles made from locally grown high-quality soba flour are known for their rich flavor and excellent texture. Throughout Okuaizu, you can enjoy freshly made 100% soba noodles, and experience the rich traditional food culture, such as "Azaki Daikon Takato Soba" from Kaneyama Town and "Saita Soba" and "Hatto" from Hinoemata Village.

"Hatto" is made by kneading and stretching a mixture of soba flour, rice flour, or glutinous rice flour into a diamond shape and boiling it. During the Edo period, there were movements to restrict the consumption of flour-based foods such as rice and soba, so people secretly cooked and ate dishes made with soba flour and rice flour, which were supposed to be prohibited. It is said that "Hatto" got its name from this practice. According to another theory, when it was served to a lord who ruled the region, it was so delicious that it was declared "for commoners (villagers)" to eat, which led to its name "Hatto."

In recent years, variations such as "Hishi Hatto," made by cutting into diamond shapes, and "Oka Hatto," made by adding okara (soy pulp), have become popular.

（Photo Credits：農林水産省「うちの郷土料理」）

Encountering traditional craftsmanship and festivals is also part of the charm of traveling to Okuaizu.

The intricate handcrafted works such as Okuaizu braided straw crafts and Kasamushi weaving, which have been passed down as winter jobs, are filled with the wisdom of life. The festivals, where people of all ages and genders gather to pray, are imbued with wishes for the peace and prosperity of the region.

● Karamushi Weaving (Showa Village):
Showa Village cultivates ramie plants, known as "karamushi," and manufactures karamushi weaving using them as raw materials. All processes are done by hand, and the finished fabrics are light and silky, with an exceptionally pleasant texture, earning them the title of the finest summer textiles.

At the "Michi-no-Eki Kasamushi Ori-no-Sato Showa" located in the heart of Showa Village, visitors can witness demonstrations and experiences of karamushi weaving. The Orikime Exchange Hall sells local products, while the Kasamushi Crafts Museum exhibits the history of karamushi weaving and valuable materials. Visitors can also enjoy local cuisine such as hand-made soba noodles and "bandei mochi" at the Choma-an Local Food Heritage Hall.
 

（Photo Credits：https://gokujo-aizu.com/okuaizu）

● Okuaizu Braided Straw Crafts (Mishima Town):
Mishima Town, where the traditional handcraft of braided straw crafts is passed down, is one of Japan's leading snowfall areas. People in this snowbound region have been weaving everyday items such as sieves and baskets while waiting for the snow to melt. Materials used include wild grapes, clematis, and silvervine. These handmade products, crafted with care using the blessings of nature, are both beautiful and durable. The craftsmanship is highly esteemed and designated as a traditional craft by the national government.

（Photo Credits：https://gokujo-aizu.com/okuaizu）

● Aizu Tajima Gion Festival (Minamiaizu Town):
This festival, boasting a tradition of over 820 years, is one of Fukushima Prefecture's representative summer festivals. Lavish floats parade through the streets, attracting throngs of people. Another highlight is the Kabuki performances on the festival floats during the event. Alongside the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Notojima Gion Festival in Aichi, it is counted as one of Japan's three major Gion festivals and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
 

（Photo Credits：南会津町観光物産協会）

● Hinoemata Kabuki (Hinoemata Village):
A rural Kabuki theater entirely created by villagers, from actors to stagehands. Passed down from generation to generation since the Edo period, it has continuously entertained the villagers of Hinoemata during the spring and autumn festivals as a dedicated Kabuki performance. The stage for the performances is located within the precincts of the village's guardian deity, and it is designated as an Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
 

（Photo Credits：おいでよ！南会津。）

● Tadami Hometown Snow Festival (Tadami Town):
With stone statues and a candle-lit road lining the streets throughout the town, this festival creates a warm and magical atmosphere. The main venue features large snow sculptures that are unique to this heavy snowfall area, overwhelming visitors. Traditional performances, snow shrine processions, and local cuisine can be enjoyed at the venue. The finale, a breathtaking display of fireworks illuminating the midwinter night sky, is truly spectacular!
 

（Photo Credits：https://okuaizu.net）

"Chil" means "to spend relaxed time," and "Retreat" means "a stay to heal the mind and body."

The "everyday life" is nurtured by the charming rural lifestyle of Okuaizu. In the relaxed timeline, "Chil to Retreat" allows you to enjoy extraordinary experiences that are an extension of your "everyday life," and entrust your mind and body to the changing seasons.

There are three programs in Chil to Retreat.

1. Mountain Program

➀Broadleaf Forest (Forest activities, forestry, forest products)

➁Snow in Okuaizu (Snow country activities, life in heavy snowfall areas, hidden hot springs, clear streams)

2. Valley Program

➀Traditional Crafts (Woodworking, Bentwood crafts, Dyeing, Deer skin crafts, Vine crafts)

➁Local Cuisine (Snow country traditional dishes, Food processing, Highland vegetables)

3. Deep Mountain Wellness Program

➀Mindfulness (Sounds of rural life, the sound of clear streams and water, the healing effects of the forest, the silence of snowfields, the homeland of stars)

➁Relaxation (Minamiaizu-produced essential oils and aromatherapy, forest bathing, and yoga, horse therapy, sauna)

Here is an example of a 2-night, 3-day Chil to Retreat plan where you can experience the extraordinary of "life, wisdom, and time."

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration. Hidden Hot Springs, Local Inn, and Stargazing

Arrived at Aizu Tajima Station.

First, explore the area with rental bicycles, visiting the countryside and sake breweries.

Enjoy a hearty meal of local cuisine at the hidden hot spring inn. Delight in dishes featuring char, mountain vegetables, and unique preserved foods from the snowy region.

Okuaizu is known as the homeland of stars (Hometown, Falling Stars). Lose track of time while observing shooting stars, the Milky Way, and the movement of satellites.

Day 2: Traditional Crafts and Stream Walking

In the morning, take a stroll through the village. Strike up a conversation with a grandmother harvesting vegetables and receive fresh vegetables and pickles from her.

Engage in traditional craft making. Experience various crafts such as Nangou Sashiko embroidery, woodworking, and intricate weaving. Immerse yourself in your own time, savoring the simplicity of handicrafts.

For refreshment, go shower trekking. Walk along the clear, cold streams towards the upstream. Lay a sheet by the stream for a moment of meditation.

Day 3: Helping in the Village and Return by Local Train

Help out with village activities. Participate in various tasks such as farming, weeding, chopping firewood, and making preserved foods.

As a token of gratitude, enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by the villagers. Feel a sense of warmth when they say, "Come back again."

Return home by taking local buses and trains.

Experience the peace of mind that is not found in typical tourist destinations. As you leave, you might think, "I want to stay longer next time, and maybe visit in winter too."

Why not immerse yourself in the stories of Okuaizu with the Chil to Retreat plan?

For more details, click here