A high-class onsen that has been loved since ancient times
The 400-year-old Takayu Onsen was admired for the Shinobu Onsen back in the day. With its white cloudy waters having many medicinal properties, it boasts one of the nation’s prominent sources of sulfur. The 750m-high hot spring is located at the entrance to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline heading toward the famous Fukushima tourist destination of Jododaira National Park. From there, you can get a panoramic view of the streets of Fukushima City, and the onsen is in an ideal location for its convenience in reaching the other tourist spots. The village consists of 9 small and medium-size Japanese-style inns and hot springs that include Nuruyu Onsen and Shinobu Onsen just a small distance away. Also within the village, the 10 naturally flowing onsen that were used as public baths still go by their old names such as Taki-no-Yu (Waterfall Springs), Netsuyu (Hot Springs) and Senki-no-Yu. There are slight differences in terms of the water quantity, temperature and quality so each can be enjoyed for its own characteristics. All of the unique hot spring facilities at Takayu Onsen are notable for having the luxury of water flowing straight from the source springs. It is the rich amounts of water at Takayu Onsen that have enabled the village to be enjoyed as a true natural hot spring.
Attaka-no-Yu, a relaxing public bath
With the image of an old-fashioned bathhouse, Attaka-no-Yu is also popular for its valued wood and stone décor. At this distinct public bath which opened in 2003, all of the baths are open-air. There are chartered outdoor baths as well as baths done in the warmth of wood and the atmosphere of old-fashioned stone. There is also a rest area so that the waters of Takayu can be enjoyed at leisure. Also, it is known that Meiji Era poet Mokichi Saito greatly loved its waters and scenery. There is an overwhelming beauty to the grand view seen from the Bandai-Azuma Skyline. In particular, the area around Mt. Azuma-Kofuji is also not to be missed. Enjoy the onsen while admiring the surrounding natural environment.