Hidden Onsen Retreats Just 2 Hours from Tokyo! The Ultimate Holiday Guide to Futamata, Iwase Yumoto, & Ten-ei in Fukushima

• Table of Contents
• Discover Ten-ei Village: Home to 3 Unique Hot Spring Areas
• Nature, Shopping, & Leisure: 6 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Ten-ei
• Freedom & Relaxation: 2 Hidden Gem Ryokans in Iwase Yumoto & Ten-ei
• [Futamata Area] Daimaru Asunaro-so: A Luxury Stay at a Historic Onsen Dating Back to the Heian Period
• Access information

Discover Ten-ei Village: Home to 3 Unique Hot Spring Areas

It takes an hour and a half on the Shinkansen from Tokyo. Get off at Shin-Shirakawa Station and drive about 30 minutes into the mountains to reach Ten-ei Village in Fukushima Prefecture . The village has a population of just under 5,000, but it is home to three hot springs that have been loved by people for centuries.

These hot springs are collectively known as "Futamata, Iwase Yumoto, and Ten-ei Onsen," and are all located within a 20-minute drive from each other, allowing you to enjoy a compact tour of the hot springs.

Ten-ei Onsen is the hot spring closest to Shin-Shirakawa Station. It is a therapeutic spring that is said to be effective for arteriosclerosis, cuts, and chronic dermatitis, and is now a rare hot spring that can only be enjoyed at the hot spring inn "Ten-ei-yu."

If you drive from Ten-ei-yu towards Mt. Futamata, the symbol of Ten-ei Village, you will arrive at Iwase Yumoto Onsen. The hot springs are said to have been discovered over 1,200 years ago and are famous for their effectiveness in treating diabetes, gastrointestinal pain, and cuts.

If you travel about 10 minutes further from Iwase Yumoto Onsen, you will come across Futamata Onsen, a historic hot spring that opened in 969. It is said to be effective for beautiful skin, fatigue recovery, and joint pain, and is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy a special bathing experience in the great outdoors, surrounded by virgin beech forests.

These hot springs have been designated as national health resorts and have welcomed many people to this day, creating a long history as hot spring resorts.

Nature, Shopping, & Leisure: 6 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Ten-ei

Ten-ei Village is a land rich in nature, with 80% of its area covered by national forests. The water is so pure that mountain spring water is used for tap water, and the village is blessed with this water, which allows it to produce the finest agricultural products.

Among these, Ten-ei Rice is the pride of the village, having won gold medals a total of 13 times at the world's largest rice tasting competition, the International Rice Taste Analysis and Appraisal Competition. It is a branded specialty alongside Ten-ei Yacon and Ten-ei leeks, delighting the palates of visitors.

From here, we will introduce you to some of the sights that will add color to your trip, such as gourmet food nurtured by the rich nature of Ten-ei Village, must-visit roadside stations, and breathtaking scenic spots that will refresh your soul.

Fill up at the Gyunyu-ya Shokudo at Roadside Station Ki-no-Sato Ten-ei

An essential stop for sightseeing in Ten-ei Village is Roadside Station Ki-no-Sato Ten-ei , located about 30 minutes by car from Shin-Shirakawa Station .

Here you can find a wide variety of brand-name local products, such as Ten-ei Rice, Ten-ei Yacon, and Ten-ei Long Green Onion, as well as freshly harvested produce. Furthermore, there is also a selection of sake from the two village breweries, Suzunoi Sake Brewery and Matsuzaki Sake Brewery, so you'll have no shortage of souvenirs to choose from.

There is also a COSTA COFFEE on the premises, making it a convenient place to stop by while driving.

If you want to enjoy the local specialties sold at the roadside station, we recommend eating at the attached "Gyunyu-ya Shokudo." You purchase a meal ticket and then pick up your food when your number is called.

This time, I ordered the "Yacon Gyoza Set Meal," which uses a generous amount of Ten-ei Rice and Ten-ei Yacon. The bite-sized gyoza is light and fluffy, and the sweetness of the vegetable overflows with each bite.

The crunchy texture of the yacon hidden inside adds a pleasant accent. When you bite into it together with the clear, grainy Ten-ei Rice, your mouth will be filled with a natural sweetness that will surely bring a smile to your face. It was a happy lunchtime that satisfied both your heart and your stomach.

If you want to enjoy Ten-ei Long Green Onion to your heart's content, you can't miss the Ten-ei Green Onion Spicy Miso Ramen. Dip a mountain of green onions into the soup and slurp it down with the noodles, and the very essence of Ten-ei's blessings will fill your mouth. The spicy soup, infused with the delicious flavor of the minced meat, is addictive, making it a bowl you'll want to drink down to the last drop.

Roadside Station Ki-no-Sato Ten-ei

Osato Aza Tenbo 41-2, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefectur...

This is a spot where you can purchase Ten-ei Village's brand specialties, fresh vegetables, and sake from the village's brewery. The attached Milk Shop Restaurant also serves lunch. You can order gourmet dishes made with Ten-ei Village's three specialties: Ten-ei rice, Ten-ei yacon, and Ten-ei long leeks.

Wakui no Shimizu Spring: Feel the mystery of nature

On the way from Roadside Station Ki-no-Sato Ten-ei to Ten-ei-yu is Wakui no Shimizu Spring, a perfect walking spot for those seeking negative ions and mystical scenery.

Wakui no Shimizu Spring comes from a spring pond that produces 2,200 liters of water per minute.

Shimizu constantly springs up from the bottom, and the force of the spring water causes the surface of the water to ripple.

You can enjoy a walk all year round, but we especially recommend the months of May and June when the fresh greenery is in full bloom. A leisurely stroll, immersing yourself in nature, is sure to refresh both your body and mind.

Wakui no Shimizu Spring

1-16 Kyoyahara, Makinouchi, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Pre...

This spot has a spring of 2,200 liters of water gushing out every minute. You can stroll around 24 hours a day and see the water rippling constantly.

"Futamata Valley" where a crystal clear mountain stream flows right in front of you

Located at the foot of Mount Niki, the symbol of Ten-ei Village, is Futamata Valley, a spot where you can take a leisurely stroll through the fantastic scenery created by the clear waters of the Niki River.

A five-minute walk from the parking lot will take you to a beautiful valley. If you walk downstream along the river, you will come across a clear, emerald-green stream. You will lose track of time as you gaze upon this mystical sight of water pouring into a basin.

You can enjoy walking all year round, but you need to be extra careful when driving during times when wild animals are active and in winter (wearing winter tires, etc.). Bear bells are available for rent at Roadside Station Ki-no-Sato Ten-ei and Roadside Station Hatoriko Kogen, so make use of them and enjoy your walk with safety as your number one priority.

Futamata Gorge

Yumoto, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefecture, 962-0621

This is a spot where you can see the clear, emerald green water flowing right before your eyes. As you will be descending right in front of the Futamatagawa River, it is best to walk in comfortable shoes.

Roadside Station Hatoriko Kogen: Lunch, snacks, and even souvenirs available

Lake Hatori is an artificial lake built at an altitude of 600m. The surrounding area is a popular tourist destination for leisure activities, with cycling, auto camping, golf courses and more.

Travelers in the Lake Hatori area are welcomed at Roadside Station Hatoriko Kogen, where you can purchase local specialties and souvenirs, and also enjoy local cuisine at the restaurant.

Our recommendation is the "Maca Lamb Keema & Maca Chicken Mixed Curry." This authentic spicy dish uses plenty of maca, a specialty of Ten-ei Village.

This luxurious style sandwiches rice in the middle, allowing you to enjoy two different flavors. The keema curry is filled with chunks of meat, and the flavor increases the more you chew it, with an irresistible aroma of lamb. The other chicken curry is also well-spiced, and pairs perfectly with the glossy rice.

Both curries are sold at the shop, so they are recommended not only for yourself but also as souvenirs for friends and family.

There is also a full menu of light meals, such as "Maca Soft Cream" and "Yacon Soft Cream," which can only be enjoyed here. Be sure to try these unique local soft serve ice creams to add a touch of color to your travel memories.

Roadside Station Hatoriko Kogen

Tarao Shibagusa 1-3552, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefect...

This roadside station is perfect for sightseeing in the Lake Hatori area. You can enjoy Ten-ei's specialties and fresh vegetables, as well as set lunch menus.

Enjoy nature with your dog at Angel Forest Shirakawa Kogen

Angel Forest Shirakawa Kogen is a resort complex that makes use of the magnificent nature of Ten-ei Village.

In addition to the accommodation cottages, there are so many activities available that you won't be able to enjoy them all in one day, including a spa, pool, tennis courts, and sauna.

And the biggest feature of this inn is that it is dog-friendly. All of the cottages allow you to stay with your pet, and most of the facilities allow you to bring your dog with you, making it an irresistible environment for dog lovers.

There are five dog runs in total, four outdoors and one indoor. Some are even available for private use, and some even have a rare type with a stream running through it.

All of these facilities are free for guests staying at the hotel, and day visitors can also use them by paying a usage fee, making it the perfect place to relax with your dog.

Don't miss the forest sauna "kaveri." You can spend a special time soothing your senses while bathing in the open air surrounded by greenery and the sounds of a babbling brook.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside, gaze upon the colorful trees, and enjoy nature to your heart's content.

Angel Forest Shirakawa Kogen

Hatori Takatoya 39, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefecture,...

This is a dog-first accommodation facility catering to dog lovers. The vast grounds are open for day trips and guests can also use the spa, sauna, and dog run by making separate reservations.

Yasuragi Bridge: Surrounded by nature on all sides

Just a few minutes' drive from Roadside Station Hatoriko Kogen is the 62m-long suspension bridge , Yasuragi Bridge. With the Tsurunuma River flowing directly underneath, it's a spot where you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view surrounded by nature.

From Yasuragi Bridge, you can see the changing faces of the mountains throughout the seasons, from fresh greenery to autumn leaves and snowy landscapes. Breathing in the fresh air will make for a truly relaxing experience.

The Tsurunuma River that flows under Yasuragi Bridge is also famous as a fishing spot. It is a great way to spend a tranquil and blissful time casting your fishing line in the crystal clear waters.

This is a must-see spot for those looking for a break during a drive or a photo spot unique to Ten-ei Village.

Yasuragi Bridge

Yumoto, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefecture, 962-0621

This 62m long suspension bridge overlooks the Tsurunuma River, a great fishing spot, and offers beautiful views throughout the seasons.

Freedom & Relaxation: 2 Hidden Gem Ryokans in Iwase Yumoto & Ten-ei

Enjoy the luxury of time and space in a completely private hot spring bath. We will introduce two hot spring inns where you can have such a special bathing experience.

[Ten-ei Area] Limited to one group per day. The luxury of renting the entire bathhouse "Ten-ei-yu"

Ten-ei-yu yu is the only inn where you can bathe in Ten-ei Onsen. The spring water is a calcium-magnesium-aluminum sulfate cold mineral spring, and guests from all over the country visit the inn in search of its benefits for arteriosclerosis and skin diseases.

The inn does not accept day trips and only accepts one group per day, so the biggest attraction is that you can reserve the large public bath exclusively.

You can have the bathhouse, filled to the brim with Ten-ei spring water, all to yourself. You can bathe until 10pm at night and from 6am to 10am in the morning. You can bathe as many times as you like during your stay, so it's recommended for those who want to enjoy the hot springs at their own pace without having to worry about anyone else.

The bath area has glass walls on two sides, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious forest bathing experience while soaking in the bathtub. You can enjoy the ever-changing expressions of nature in the light of dusk and morning.

The water is clear, colorless, and odorless, but penetrates the body extremely well. It warms you thoroughly from the inside out, and you can feel your whole body being enveloped in the gentle water.

All guest rooms are Japanese-style, and most areas, including the corridors, are covered in tatami mats. You'll feel comfortable walking barefoot and enjoy the Japanese atmosphere during your stay.

All meals during your stay are served in a private room, giving you a sense of privacy. Tasting locally produced Shirakawa Seiryu Pork, fresh vegetables, and local sake will leave you feeling recharged.

Why not take a relaxing trip to heal your body and mind at Ten-ei-yu , a hidden inn Oku in the forest?

Ten-ei Yu

Makinouchi Ten-ei 1, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefecture...

This private inn can accommodate only one group per day. It is the only inn that allows guests to enter Ten-ei Onsen. Ten-ei Onsen is famous for its effectiveness in treating arteriosclerosis and skin diseases, and the large public bath offers an open-air bathing experience similar to a semi-open-air bath.

[Iwase Yumoto Area] Timeless Luxury in a Thatched-Roof Kominka: "Hinoki-buro no Yado Bunke"

Hinoki-buro no Yado Bunke is located about a 50-minute drive from Shin-Shirakawa Station . Its greatest appeal is the maximum stay of 20 hours. From check-in at 2 p.m. until check-out the next morning, it's a place where you can relax and forget about time.

The two hot springs in the hotel are fed directly from the source, and have a unique style in that they can be reserved for private use as long as there are no slippers at the entrance.

"I want to give the first bath of the day to the person staying at the inn." This is the owner's wish, and he has deliberately decided not to allow day trips to the baths. Instead, he promises guests the utmost hospitality in terms of food and hot springs.

Dinner is adorned with local specialties such as locally picked wild vegetables and river fish, as well as carp sashimi, which is rare even in Japan.

They also serve lunch, making it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a lunch filled with the bounty of nature.

The hot spring water is a sodium-calcium chloride hot spring.

The water is almost neutral with a pH of 6.9, making it gentle and easy for anyone to bathe in. The hot spring water keeps you warm and also has the effect of suppressing itchy skin, making it perfect for a multi-night stay to thoroughly soothe your body.

The fragrant cypress bathtub has beautiful wood grain, and just looking at it soothes the soul. The beauty of the wood grain seen through the clear, colorless water is soothing to the eye as well.

Relax in the bathtub and take deep breaths, and your everyday fatigue and mental tension will slowly melt away.

A luxurious trip to a 150-year-old traditional Japanese inn, where you can soak in a hot spring with a history of 1,200 years. Why not make this dream come true at Hinoki-buro no Yado Bunke?

Hinoki-buro no Yado Bunke

Yumoto Ihei 7, Iwase Ten-ei Village County, Fukushima Prefecture, 962-...

This inn allows you to bathe in Iwase Yumoto Onsen, which has a history of over 1,200 years since its opening. From check-in at 2 PM until 10 AM the following day, you can bathe in the private bath as many times as you like, provided it is available. While day-trip bathing is not available, you can enjoy a lunch featuring wild vegetables and river fish without making a reservation.

[Futamata Area] Daimaru Asunaro-so: A Luxury Stay at a Historic Onsen Dating Back to the Heian Period

Futamata Onsen is said to have first been opened during the Heian period. At the famous Futamata Onsen inn, Daimaru Asunaro-so, you can enjoy the hot springs that have been flowing continuously for over 1,000 years.

Located at the foot of Mount Futagi, this one-of-a-kind hot spring inn is famous for its open-air bath along the Futagi River, where you can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience that makes you feel as if you are immersed in a mountain stream.

Enter through the navy blue noren curtain and through the trees to the lobby. The entrance is located on the third floor, the top floor, which is unique to this inn, which was built in line with the natural surroundings of the mountains. The charming design makes use of the terrain.

The rooms are simple but spacious Japanese-style rooms. This time, I stayed in a room with a sunken kotatsu, which is great for winter.

While you're relaxing around the kotatsu, it's already time for dinner. Meals can be enjoyed in the private rooms or in the intimate dining area on the second floor.

Dinner that day began with an aperitif of local sake, followed by a hearty meal of dishes including earthenware pot steamed matsutake mushrooms, salmon and yellowtail sashimi, a hot pot of Takaharu pork, and grilled rock trout.

We will spend the night of our trip drinking "Secret Hot Spring Beer," which can only be drunk at inns that are members of the "Japan Secret Hot Springs Preservation Society."

The first thing that surprised me was the matsutake mushroom dobinmushi. The aroma of matsutake mushroom wafted through my nose, and I could enjoy its smooth flavor without any unpleasant aftertaste.

The grilled salted trout can be eaten whole, from head to tail. When you take a big bite, the plump and moist white meat emerges. It pairs perfectly with the fruity and smooth "Hiyu Beer," and you won't be able to stop eating.

Most of the ingredients used are locally sourced, and the opportunity to fully enjoy the flavors of the season and local cuisine is an irresistible attraction for travel lovers.

Once your stomach and heart are satisfied, it's time for the long-awaited bath time.

There is one large public bath and one open-air bath for both men and women. In addition, there is a diverse lineup of baths, including the "Artificial Spring Pothole Rock Bath," which alternates between men and women at different times, the "Mountain Stream Open-Air Bath" (for men), and the "Child-Borrowing Open-Air Bath" (for women).

Among the four open-air baths, we definitely recommend you try them. The open-air baths in the large public bath are deep enough to cover your entire body, making them perfect for cooling down after warming up thoroughly in the indoor baths. The water is so clear that you can see the beautiful stone tiles at the bottom of the bath, which is very calming.

The three open-air baths, which are open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, can be reached by descending the external stairs next to the large public bath. On the right-hand side, you can see the "artificial spring pothole rock bath," which is alternated for men and women depending on the time of day.

This natural rock bath, which is rare in Japan, features an open-air bath made from bedrock that was once a riverbed, with the water flowing naturally from under your feet.

The hot spring springs from a pothole at your feet. Freshly-bathed hot water overflows from this round hole, created by pebbles being rolled away by the water current. The rock bath, which makes use of the natural environment without adding water or heating, is a mysterious space where you can feel energy coming from somewhere.

The spring water is calcium sulfate spring water, which is gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling moisturized after a bath.

The men's "Keiryu Open-Air Bath" and the women's "Kodakara Open-Air Bath" are attractive for their open-air locations with a river flowing right in front of them. Both open-air baths offer views of the mountain stream, but the women's bath is designed to offer more privacy.

If you close your eyes and listen to the flow of the river, you will understand why the hot springs have been loved in this area since ancient times.

The hot springs at Daimaru Asunaro-so are open to day visitors. Reservations are accepted from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and the cost is 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for children, and 500 yen for infants.

A hearty breakfast that lets you enjoy the flavors of the ingredients will see you off on the morning of your departure.

A wide variety of dishes were served in the morning, including chawanmushi, hot pot, and grilled fish, making it a truly blissful moment.

Check-in at Daimaru Asunaro-so begins at 3:00 PM. We recommend arriving early and exploring all of the unique open-air baths. Relax your mind and body and savor the bounty of Ten-ei Village's food and hot springs to your heart's content.

Daimaru Asunaro-so

Yumoto Shimonutamata 5 Daimaru Asunaro-so, Iwase Ten-ei Village County...

This inn is a member of the Japan Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs. It is famous for its open-air bath, where you can bathe while looking out at the mountain stream of Futamatagawa. You can also enjoy kaiseki cuisine that makes the most of the flavors of the ingredients, making it the perfect place for those who want to take a relaxing bath.

Access information

To get to Futamata, Iwase Yumoto, and Ten-ei Onsen from Tokyo , we recommend traveling by Shinkansen and rental car.

From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku for about an hour and 20 minutes and get off at Shin-Shirakawa Station. Rent a car at the rental car shop in front of the station and drive for about 30 minutes to an hour to each hot spring. Traveling by car makes it easier to stop by souvenir shops and tourist spots that can only be reached by car along the way.

If you're using public transportation, we recommend the Yuttari Yacon-go , which departs from Shin-Shirakawa Station . It stops at tourist attractions such as Hatoriko Kogen, Iwase Yumoto Onsen, and Futamata Onsen, making it easy to get to your accommodation. Reservations are required and there is only one bus per day, so be sure to plan ahead and adjust your schedule accordingly.