- Higashiyama Spa / Ashinomaki Spa -

	-Aizu Higashiyama Onsen-

Higashiyama Onsen (or Spa) is one of the finest hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region of Japan and is only 10 minutes away from the center of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Located in the Yugawa Valley, it was founded about 1300 years ago by a Buddhist monk and for a long time it was affectionately known as the Tennei Temple Spa. There is a wide range of accommodation available at the spa. You can choose from small, very traditional wooden ryokans (Japanese inns) to large, modern hotels. Wherever you stay in Higashiyama you can enjoy relaxing in hot spring baths. The water from this spa is said to be very good for stomach and intestinal disorders, women's problems, skin irritations, rheumatism, neuralgia, cuts and bruises.

Over the years many famous artists have stayed at the spa. Inspired by the beauty and history of the area, they have donated numerous paintings, poems and other works of art to the ryokans where they were accommodated. Further up the valley is the Higashiyama Dam. The green and unspoilt area around the dam is a popular spot for people to relax and have picnics.

	-Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen-

Ashinomaki Onsen is located in the southern part of the Aizu district near the Okawa Hatori Prefectural Park. The view of the spa from National Highway 118 is spectacular with hotels and ryokans perched on the steep cliffs of the Okawa Valley.

Many of them have open-air public baths which are known as rotenburo in Japan.

The waters are reputed to be good for such ailments as neuralgia, stomach and intestinal disorders and skin diseases. In summer guests are often served freshly caught ayu (small, "sweet-tasting" fish) from the Okawa River and if they happen to be there in early August (1st-5th) they can see beautiful firework displays.

	- Accommodations in Aizu-Wakamatsu City -

There are many fine ryokans, hotels and pensions throughout the city to suit all tastes and budgets ranging from historical and traditional ryokans to modern, convenient hotels.