Ramen, Sake, and Hot Springs: Experience Highlights of Japanese Culture

Atsushio Onsen in Kitakata offers unique culinary and cultural experiences

Rich ramen, delicious sake, soothing hot springs, and weeping cherry blossom trees. For an authentic experience of what culture and nature have to offer, visit Atsushio Onsen, a village in Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture, known for its high salt content and very hot spring water.

Atsushio Onsen is said to have been opened by a Buddhist monk in 1375. The hot springs village has three traditional-style inns, and the springs are central to community life, as the local people believe that the waters are infused with healing properties. Bathe in your choice of indoor and outdoor baths, or enjoy foot baths and saunas, all surrounded by majestic forests.

With its light soy sauce and pork-bone broth, Kitakata ramen is a unique local ramen, and there is no shortage of eateries right by your hotel. Vegetarians and vegans will enjoy the offerings at Hotel Fujiya in Atsushio Onsen town, with meals made with organically grown produce.

The mountainous topography of Kitakata has also resulted in some delicious sake brewing. Drink local sake at your accommodations, or visit the various breweries in the town. Each brewery is different: some play classical music during the fermentation process, while others will offer you samples of their brews. Whatever your taste, be sure to make a Kitakata style toast, with sake poured into Kitakata lacquerware.

If you visit in spring, you may get a chance to view the gorgeous cherry blossoms. About 1,000 weeping cherry blossom trees form a tunnel-like passage along the main street, creating a majestic scene of pink.

A stay at Atsushio Onsen will surely make you feel indulged, rejuvenated and ready for the next day.

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Koriyama Station, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Transfer to the Ban’etsu Line to Kitakata Station (about 2 hours). At Kitakata Station, take a taxi to Atsushio Onsen (about 20 minutes).