A long-standing hot spring town with over a thousand years of history, Iizaka Onsen was once visited by Matsuo Bashō. Locals affectionately refer to it as “Beppu in the West; Iizaka in the East.”
Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line
Iizaka Onsen lies about twenty minutes from JR Fukushima Station via the Fukushima Kōtsū Iizaka Line.
On the 1st, 11th, and 21st of each month, an adult return ticket is available at a discounted rate of ¥520 (normally ¥640).
While waiting for the train, an Ito En Toma’nade was tried — a mild, slightly sweet tomato-based drink with a hint of citrus. Refreshing yet balanced, it offered an easy introduction to the day. (See: Ito En Toma’nade Review)
The train’s interior is styled to evoke an onsen atmosphere, with windows featuring decals of Fukushima’s mascots, Momorin and Black Momorin.
JR Iizaka Onsen Station
A statue of Matsuo Bashō stands in front of the station.
The Surikami River runs through the town’s centre, lined by nine high-rise ryokan and additional inns scattered throughout. Public baths, foot baths, and preserved historic structures lend the area its quiet charm. Totsuna Bridge, constructed in 1915, is Japan’s oldest steel arch bridge and provides excellent views across the onsen town.
Hakoyu, the bathhouse nearest the station, offers a convenient starting point.
Iizaka Onsen Tourist Information Center
飯坂温泉観光協会, Totsunacho-3 Iizaka, Fukushima, 960-0201, Japan
Located opposite JR Iizaka Onsen Station, the Tourist Information Centre carries local mascot merchandise and provides guidance on nearby attractions.
Sabakoyu
飯坂温泉, Yuzawa-3, Iizaka, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan
Sabakoyu is regarded as the birthplace of Iizaka Onsen and is associated with Bashō’s 1689 visit. The bathhouse was first built in 1889 and reconstructed in 1993 in the Meiji style. Its alkaline waters emerge at 51°C and are typically maintained at 47°C for bathing.
Iizaka Onsen is also known as the “Village of Fruits,” with orchards along the “Fruit Line” offering seasonal cherry, peach, grape, pear, and apple picking. Local manhole covers feature both the town’s fruits and the Sabakoyu bathhouse motif.
Sabako Jinja
鯖湖神社, Yuzawa-31-1, Iizaka, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan
Located adjacent to Sabakoyu, Sabako Jinja is a small shrine intimately tied to the area’s onsen heritage.
Kyu Horikitirei
旧堀切邸, Higashitakinomachi-16 Iizaka, Fukushima, 960-0201, Japan
Formerly the residence of a prosperous farming and merchant family during the Edo period, Kyū Horikiri-tei comprises several historic structures, including the jukken-gura rice storehouse — a designated Fukushima City Important Cultural Property. Some sections date to 1775 and have been carefully reinforced and restored.
Omoya
Naka no Kura
Jukkengura
The Jukkengura, one of the largest storehouses of its time, features a double roof and partial two-storey construction. Its ridgepole bears an inscription reading: “Kinoto Hitsuji Otsuumi (1775) Heavenly September Great Auspicious Omen.” Despite later modifications and tile roofing, the original form remains largely preserved.
An artistic display of traditional wax paper umbrellas features on the ceiling.
Ashi-yu & Te-yu
The site also features a free public foot and hand bath, and an artistic display of traditional wax paper umbrellas suspended from the ceiling.
The temperatures of various locations in the onsen are notified on the wall, alongside the composition of the water.
Hanare
A bottle of Marutaki Nama Amazake was purchased here — smooth, lightly textured, and naturally sweet, with a delicate fermentation aroma and clean chilled finish. (See: Marutaki Nama Amazake Review)
A winding path through the residence takes one through to the back entrance.
A~shiawase no Yu
あ～しあわせの湯, Yuzawa, Iizaka, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan
Located in the centre of town, this public foot bath is freely accessible and popular among locals.
Yuratto Sabakochan
湯らっとさばこちゃん, Japan, Yuzawa−15, Iizaka, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan
A branch of the long-established Jurakuen Tea Shop (founded 1935), Yuratto Sabako-chan sells tea and provides local information to visitors.
Watanabe Pan-ya
わたなべパン店, Furutomachi-12, Iizaka, Fukushima 960-0201, Japan
The town is noted for its radium onsen tamago. A radium onsen tamago pan was purchased here — soft, savoury, and lightly aromatic. (See: Watanabe Pan-ya Review)
Yuzawabashonomichi Park
ゆざわ芭蕉の道公園, Yuzawa-3-1 Iizaka, Fukushima, 960-0201, Japan
This small park commemorates Bashō’s connection to the town and provides a peaceful resting point.
At the station-side fruit grocer, a packet of Beniya Miso Senbei was purchased — crisp semi-circular biscuits, golden-brown with a subtle miso aroma and gentle savoury balance. (See: Beniya Miso Senbei Review)
A shrimp and mayonnaise onigiri from FamilyMart was also tried, though the batter on the shrimp proved somewhat soft.
Fukushima → Sendai
After returning to Fukushima City, the journey continued north to Sendai for the next leg of the trip.
Fukushima–Iizaka Onsen formed part of Day 2 of a 14-day journey through Japan’s Tōhoku region in 2024.