Higashiyama’s onsen are ryusan-ensen, or sodium-sulphate hot springs. Slowly unwind your mind and body as you relax in the warm waters.
Only 10 minutes by car from the heart of Aizuwakamatsu City (population of over 120,000), Higashiyama’s luxurious, natural hot springs are unparalleled.
The onsen area was opened in the late 8th century, and is said to have been established by the Buddhist priest Gyōki, during the Tenpyo era. According to legend, he discovered the spot by following a bird with three legs. During the Edo period, it was popular with the Aizu samurai, and developed as a retreat area. References to the onsen appear in a traditional Aizu folksong written by Ohara Shosuke. |
