An area with rich in traditional Japanese atmosphere where many hot springs are located (Shimogo-machi)

There are many spots where you can see the fantastic gorges along the Ohkawa River, which runs from the southern to the northern part of Aizu. Also, you can see many remnants of old Japan such as many ancient hot springs and rest areas. It is recommended that you take a local train or drive if you plan to visit these places. We will introduce many places you should see and recommend spots to visit around this area.

Ashinomaki Hot Spring This hot spring is located on the south of Aizu Wakamatsu City, and has been popular among many people as a therapeutic bath since the Edo Era. Many modern hotels and Japanese-style hotels were built here at the beginning of the Showa Era, and as a result, this area became one of the best for hot springs in all of the Tohoku Area. You can see a different kind of beauty each season in this gorge. (Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Ashinomaki Chuo Machiai-jo bus stop, or 15 minutes walk from the Aizu Tetsudo Ashinomaki Station) Yunokami Hot Spring This is a quiet hot spring area which is dotted with Japanese-style hotels and tourist homes. Yunokami Hot Spring Station is the only train station in Japan, with a roof made from thatch. This station is also famous for its cherry blossoms in the spring. (Transportation: 10 minutes walk from the Aizu Tetsudo Yunokami Hot Spring)） Ohuchijuku The remnants of many old hotels from the Edo Era still remain in this beautiful and historic village. The town’s houses have thatched roofs in the ancient Japanese style. In the summer, an old style festival called Hange Matsuri is held. In this town you can find hotels, old houses, restaurants, and many places where you can experience making soba by hand. It’s recommended that you try eating the soba using two leeks instead of using chopsticks. (Transportation: 15 minutes by taxi or one and half walk from the Aizu Tetsudo Yunokami Station) To-no-hetsuri (Tower Cliff) The view, which was created over a million years of erosion and weathering, is an amazing site to behold. It is also highly recommended to see the wisteria blooming in the beginning of summer and the colored leaves in the autumn. (Transportation: Located a three minute walk from the Aizu Tetsudo To-no- hetsuri Station) Around Kannon Swamp Park In Kannnon Swamp Park, water plantains of spring and the colored leaves of autumn are something you make it a priority to see. On the way to the park, there are buckwheat fields in Sarugaku Tableland and it is beautiful to see the buckwheat flowers that are in bloom from summer to autumn. (Transportation: 10 minutes by car from the Yoson Koen Station)

Recommended Spots Kodakara no Yu This is a natural hot spring (no entrance fee is charged) located in the Ashinomaki Hot Spring area. (Transportation: Inside of the Ashinomaki Hot Spring Area). Open Air Hot Spring along the Ohkawa River This is an open air, mixed bathing hot spring (no entrance fee is charged), without fences. (Yunokami Hot Spring). Shimogo Local Product Market Here you can buy many local products from the Shimogo area and you can have hand-made soba and udon noodles. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from the Aizu Tetsudo To-no-hetsuri Station) Tensho Gama Pottery with mysterious colors called “Jumonji-yaki” is produced at this kiln. (Transportation: 10 minutes drive from the Aizu Tetsudo Yoson Koen Station) Sarugaku Soba Restaurant Here you can try soba made using buckwheat harvested in Sarugaku Tableland (Transportation: Two minutes walk from the Aizu Tetsudo Yoson Koen Station).