[Aizu Yanaizu Town] Head to the birthplace of "Akabeko" ♡ 3 recommended hotels and ryokan + special edition

If you're feeling a bit down or like nothing good has happened to you lately, why not invite some friends and go out to Aizu-Yanaizu Town Fukushima? Aizu-Yanaizu Town is said to be the birthplace of the local toy "Akabeko," and there is a temple that is said to ward off evil and disease. If you visit the temple, you may be able to ward off evil and attract good luck. It's a quiet, relaxed town, so you can enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food at your own pace and spend your time relaxing.

"Akabeko" is a papier-mâché doll in the shape of a cow. In the Tohoku region, cows are called "beko," which is why it got the nickname "Akabeko," or "red cow." Its red body is said to ward off evil and its black spots are said to protect people from disease, so it is popular as a good luck charm and ward off evil. Its round eyes and the way it nods when you touch its neck are adorable.

Aizu-Yanaizu Town is home to Fukuman Kokuzoson Enzo-ji Temple, the temple where the legend of Akabeko originated. There is also a "Nadeushi" (rubbing cow) that brings good luck, and it is said that rubbing it with a wish will bring you good luck. If you want to take photos, we recommend the nearby Kiyohime Park! It's a photogenic spot where you can take photos of Enzo-ji Temple and Akabeko together. The specialty "Awamanju" (a type of manju cake) made with millet is also delicious.

source:Posted by Perfumelon

Other must-see spots include the Saito Kiyoshi Museum, which displays nostalgic woodblock prints, and the Daiichi Tadamigawa Bridge, known for its fantastical scenery. Fog can occur depending on the weather, so you'll be lucky if you can see the fog and train collab. Here we'll introduce three hotels and ryokan recommended for girls' trips. We'll also introduce some great accommodations around Aizu-Yanaizu Town. Choose one that suits your travel plans and preferences.

About 5 minutes by car from JR Aizu-Yanaizu Station, you can see the collaboration of the Tadami River and the red bridge at the inn "Seiryu no Yado Kawachi". The highlight of the inn is the open-air bath with its impressive light. On a clear night, you might be able to see a sky full of stars from the open-air bath. Enjoy the quiet time that passes by.

The guest rooms are calm and relaxing. If you stay in a room along the river, you can see the Tadami River from the window. Have a contest with your friends to see who can take the best photo.

Dinner is "local cuisine" that makes full use of the bounty of Oku-Aizu. Depending on the season, you can enjoy Kawachi's specialty "sweetened carp." Eating the "carp" and sharing your impressions of how it tasted will make your dinner even more exciting♪ You can also enjoy "Aizu Sakura Sashimi (horse meat)," "Fukushima beef," and "lamb meat."

*The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

There are lots of Akabeko goods in the souvenir area in the lobby! You'll want to buy everything! You can buy your favorite sweets and have a girls' night out lounging around in your room.

If you want a simple stay, how about "Tsukimi-ga-oka Community Center"? You may think "What!? You can stay here?", but it is a quietly popular accommodation. It is a hidden gem of a public lodging that has three great features: natural onsen, the specialty "sauce katsudon" (pork cutlet bowl), and reasonable prices. It is also easily accessible, about 5 minutes by taxi from JR Aizu-Yanaizu Station.

The large public bath is spacious, and the large windows give a sense of openness as you can enjoy the four seasons of Oku-Aizu. The inn is 100% natural onsen and is located on a hill, so you can see the Tadami River from the large public bath. Watching the river flowing leisurely is somehow relaxing. The on-site shop stocks local sweets, so why not stop by after onsen and have a sweets party in your room?

There are 15 Japanese-style rooms in total. The tatami rooms will remind you of your school days. You can lie down on the tatami in the Japanese-style room, make plans for sightseeing in a circle, or have fun with girl talk. It seems like you'll lose track of time.

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For dinner, you can enjoy traditional local cuisine. Using ingredients from Aizu, the menu changes with the seasons. Depending on the plan, you can also enjoy the specialty "Aizu-Yanaizu Sauce Katsudon." This dish is also served in the facility's cafeteria and was featured on a certain TV program! The crispy batter is mixed with the sweet and spicy sauce, making it delicious. Taking a photo of the number of katsudons for each person will make for an impressive commemorative photo.

*The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

The shop has a wide selection of souvenirs from the Aizu region. Of course, there are Akabeko goods too. It's located inside the building, so you can stop by and take your time to decide what to buy. Of course, you can buy souvenirs here, but it's also a good place to buy some snacks to eat in your room.

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The inn "Yanaizu onsen ryokan Uchidaya" is located right next to "Fukuman Kokuzoson". You'll be surprised at how close it is. You can visit the shrine in just 30 seconds on foot. The inn has a history of over 130 years. It's about a 7-minute walk from JR "Aizu-Yanaizu Station".

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There are a total of 10 rooms. They range from a 9 tatami room to a "two-room Japanese-style room" and a 15 tatami Japanese-style room called the "Sakura Room", and can accommodate from 2 to a maximum of 7 people. Even with a large group, everyone can stay in one room together♪, play games and talk about love... you'll feel like you're on a school trip! The area around the inn is "Yanaizu onsen Town", so you can take a stroll◎ It would also be fun to buy one of your favorite sweets at a Japanese sweets shop and have a taste comparison contest in your room♡

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An inn with a retro atmosphere. onsen is a 100% "warm water" from the source of "sodium chloride spring". It is said that you can hear the sound of temple bells from the open-air bath. Soak in onsen and listen to the sound of the bells.

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For dinner, you can enjoy local dishes such as "Kozuyu," "Pickled herring with Japanese pepper," "Squid and carrots," "Sakura meat," and "Ancient rice from Yanaizu." The inn also serves local Aizu sake, so you can order different brands and compare them. For breakfast, you can enjoy homemade onsen eggs and grated daikon radish made with locally grown daikon radish. Enjoy the inn's specialty flavors to your heart's content both in the morning and in the evening.

*The photo is for illustrative purposes only.

There are several different types of Aizu local sake available to enjoy with meal. If you like alcohol, you'll be excited to try the fruity "Daiginjo Ishida Mitsunari," the "Kokuken Dry Junmai Sake" with its moderate acidity and bitterness, and the slightly sweet "Freshly Squeezed Genshu Yoshinokawa."

Kappo Ryokan Shorinkan is about a 20-minute ryokan from Aizu-Yanaizu-machi. It is an inn that is rumored to be home to a zashiki-warashi (a spirit of a deity).

There are 6 rooms in total. The entire building is a two-story wooden structure, so you can feel the warmth of wood even in your room. If you want to receive even more blessings, we recommend staying in the Azuma Goyomatsu room. Apparently, this is a popular room where you're more likely to encounter a Zashiki-warashi. It's a thrilling place to go to sleep.

The "Shorin no Yu" at the inn is not onsen, but a "mineral spring" that uses "natural activated stones." It has a high thermal effect and is also effective for recovering from fatigue and coldness. If you soak in it for a long time while chatting with friends, you'll forget about time.

Dinner is a colorful local dish from Aizu. It is a hearty meal with dishes such as "marinated herring with Japanese pepper," fresh "horse sashimi," and "beef steak." The most recommended dish is the "authentic hand-made soba noodles." It is a masterpiece made with 100% Aizu local flour and natural water without any binders. As it is hand-made by a craftsman, it has a firm texture. As you slurp it, the rich aroma of soba will pass through your nose.

Eiryu-ji Temple is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. There are many cherry trees within the temple grounds, and when they are in full bloom, the scenery is beautiful. In addition, the standing statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, Tachiki Kannon, which is one of the tallest in Japan, is a magnificent sight to behold. It is said that if you visit the statue, you will be blessed with good health for the rest of your life, so be sure to pay it a visit.

Shiguretei has a history of about 100 years. The interior of the building has a warm atmosphere with a charming retro interior, including an irori hearth, patterned glass from the Taisho period, and a Shinto altar. Come and enjoy the extraordinary feeling of being transported back in time.

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There are only two Japanese-style rooms with 10 tatami mats each. In order to allow you to experience the nature of Satoyama at your leisure, there are no televisions or clocks, so you can relax and forget about your everyday life in the city. Enjoy the scenery outside, chat away, or do whatever you like.

The guest rooms are equipped with bathtubs that are lacquered in the same way as the Aizu lacquerware. Lacquerware has the effect of softening and gentle water, which is said to warm you to the core. Once you're warmed up properly, you'll likely be able to sleep soundly at night.

meal are kaiseki cuisine made with local ingredients. There are many appealing dishes on the menu, such as handmade soba noodles made with local flour, the Aizu specialty "horse sashimi (sakura sashimi)," and the local dish "Kozuyu," made with scallop stock and vegetables, konnyaku noodles, and other ingredients. The specialty "Nishin-meshi" is a special dish that takes three days to prepare. Take your time to savor the dishes that have been carefully prepared over time.

Kumano Shrine (Shingu Kumano Shrine) was built in 1089. The large ginkgo tree in the shrine grounds is said to be 800 years old, and in autumn, a beautiful golden carpet of gold spreads across the grounds. If you take a commemorative photo here, you'll be able to take a photo that will look great on social media.

The worship hall "Nagatoko", designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, is an open-air building with no walls or doors. The sight of 44 large pillars lined up gives off an impressive and mystical atmosphere. You can enter freely inside, so it might be a good place to take a break after a stroll.

Cuisine ryokan "Taji" has been in business for about 80 years. The cuisine using Aizu ingredients is highly perfected and popular not only among guests but also locals. The hallways and pillars in the inn are full of old-fashioned atmosphere with a deep historical texture. The retro interior with Aizu folk crafts and antiques is also a sight to behold. Spend a peaceful time in the elegant and tranquil interior of the museum.

The seven Japanese-style rooms are decorated with hanging scrolls and shoji screens, giving them a tasteful feel, making them perfect for relaxing. If you choose a room with 10 to 12 tatami mats, it will be spacious enough for several people to use. The only Western-style room is a twin room with a fusion of Japanese and Western styles. You can get a comfortable sleep in the large bed.

The meal area is a retro room with an irori hearth. You can enjoy local and seasonal dishes such as "Kozuyu," "Pickled Herring with Sansho Pepper," and "Grilled Salt-Grilled Sweetfish." ryokan 's original "Corn Tofu" is an exquisite dish with an irresistible sweetness. Be sure to try this popular menu item, which is also popular among repeat guests.

The specialty "Meppameshi" is a popular dish that ryokan is proud of. You can choose from several types, so if you can't decide what to order, we recommend the most popular "Shirasu Meppa." The generous amount of whitebait goes perfectly with the shiso leaves. It's so delicious you'll eat it all in no time. There are also seasonal menus, so you might want to visit each season to try them.

Nanukamachi Street still retains the atmosphere of Taisho era romance. There are many unique shops lined up here, such as a miso dengaku shop, a retro cafe, and a handmade goods store using Aizu cotton. You'll be excited about which one to go into. At Amidaji Temple near Nanukamachi Station, there is the grave of Saito Hajime, a famous member of the Shinsengumi. It's a sacred place that any woman who loves the Shinsengumi should visit at least once.

Okawaso is a onsen ryokan located in the middle of lush nature. The floating stage on the first floor where the shamisen performance takes place is a perfect replica of the "Infinite Castle" from the popular manga "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba." Fans will be amazed by the sight of the world of the manga coming to life right before their eyes. As this is a popular inn, it's best to make reservations early.

There are various types of guest rooms to choose from, including barrier-free rooms and rooms decorated with traditional Aizu crafts. Among them, for girls' trips, we recommend the two-room Japanese-style room, which is spacious enough for several people. The spacious room and large windows give you an open space where you can relax without feeling cramped.

In addition to onsen indoor bath, there are two open-air baths available: the "Superb View Bath" where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley from the stepped baths, and the "Open Air Bath" modeled after the stage of Kiyomizu Temple. The "Open Air Bath" is available for private use in the afternoon, so it would be fun to enjoy the large bath with friends.

For dinner, choose from a buffet where you can eat as much as you like, or a multi-course meal made with local ingredients. Aizu has a lot of high-quality sake that has won awards around the world! You can also enjoy delicious local sake at this inn. Women who love sake will love it. Other dishes that are unique to the area include "Manju Tempura," which is a deep-fried manju bun covered in batter, and Aizu local chicken tatsuta-age.

How about trying ryokan original pudding after your meal? This pudding is made with Aizu mountain salt and milk from Aizu, and you can taste the slight saltiness after just one bite, making it an addictive taste. It can be purchased at the shop, so it makes a great souvenir.

Ouchi-juku is a popular tourist spot where you can experience a historical atmosphere, with a view of thatched-roof houses lined up in a row and an exhibition hall displaying everyday items from the Edo period. Just walking around will make you feel as if you have traveled back in time. There are also plenty of places to meal, and the specialty dish "Negi Soba," which is eaten with green onions instead of chopsticks, is very impressive! You'll want to take a photo of it without even thinking about it ♪

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Mukaitaki is a long-established ryokan that has been in business since the mid-Edo period. The building, which is a registered tangible cultural property of the country, exudes the beauty of Japanese architecture in many ways, including the sukiya-style style and the chidorihafu gable, which features a triangular roof. In addition, the "Yukimi Candlelight" event, where the courtyard is decorated with about 110 candles, is a popular event that creates a fantastical atmosphere. Enjoy taking photos from the guest rooms and hallways.

The special room, said to be a building designated by the Imperial Household Agency, is a room in the Shoin style with a circular corridor. The spacious 20 tatami mat layout is perfect for use by several people. The elegant and strict atmosphere will give you a special feeling that you don't usually get to experience. There are also various types of rooms to choose from, including rooms facing the courtyard or the river, rooms with onsen, and rooms with fewer stairs.

If you're on a girls' trip, we recommend using a private bath. It's completely free, no reservation required, and there's no time limit, so you can enjoy onsen as much as you like whenever you want. What's more, the onsen water is 100% natural. Enjoy the hot onsen with excellent quality to your heart's content.

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meal are healthy and free of chemical seasonings. Enjoy the local flavors with a menu that focuses on Aizu ingredients. In addition, the traditional dish "sweetened carp" that has been passed down since the Edo period contains 21 types of amino acids and is said to have health benefits. It is full of collagen, so you can also expect beauty benefits ♡

Aizu Samurai Residences is located about a 3-minute taxi ride from Mukaitaki. It is a historical museum lined with restored buildings such as the residences of chief retainers, teahouses, and rice mills. It is a facility where you can learn about the history and culture of Aizu while strolling around. There are plenty of experiences perfect for creating memories, such as handmade experiences such as painting Akabeko and glass engraving, and taking commemorative photos in period costumes.

The "Karo Yashiki" is a restored building of the Aizu clan's chief retainer, Saigo Tanomo, and the spacious mansion has an astounding 38 rooms. The rooms are decorated with dolls and everyday furnishings, giving a realistic feel of what life was like at the time. There is also a shop, so it is recommended to buy souvenirs here. About a 5-minute taxi ride from the "Aizu Buke Yashiki" is Iimoriyama, the site where the Byakkotai committed suicide, and the Aizu Sazaedo, a hall with a rare spiral staircase. These are famous tourist spots, so be sure to visit them.

source:Contribution of Mutaro

Aizu-Yanaizu Town is a town full of attractions, including a temple where the Akabeko legend remains, high-quality onsen, delicious local cuisine, and must-see tourist spots. If you visit with your friends, you'll be sure to have a trip full of smiles. It's true that "happiness comes to those who smile." Why not go out and refresh yourself?