Hot springs in Iizaka
Iizaka, Tohoku · Japan
Iizaka Onsen is a traditional hot spring town nestled in the Iizaka district of Fukushima, Japan. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, it boasts over 40 ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and nine public baths, including the historic Sabakoyu, one of Japan's oldest community bathhouses. The onsen is steeped in legend, with tales of Yamato Takeru, a prince from the imperial house, who was cured of his sickness after bathing here. This charming town offers visitors an authentic experience of Japanese hot spring culture, surrounded by serene landscapes and traditional architecture that evoke a sense of tranquility and timelessness. The best seasons to visit Iizaka Onsen are spring and autumn when the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
Top-rated hot springs in Iizaka
Sabakoyu stands among the oldest communal bathhouses in Japan, situated in the Iizaka district of Fukushima. The structure traces its origins to the seventeenth century. In 1689, the Edo-period poet Matsuo Basho passed through and recorded a visit to the bath in his travel writing. The spring water is a sodium bicarbonate type, clear and without color, and bathers commonly note that it leaves the skin unusually smooth.
Iizaka Onsen sits on the banks of the Surikami River, roughly 10 kilometers northwest of Fukushima city. The resort town holds more than 40 ryokan alongside nine public baths. Its oldest communal bathhouse, Sabakoyu, has operated since at least the 1600s. The Edo-period poet Matsuo Basho stopped here and wrote of the springs.
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