Numajiri Onsen
A serene hot spring inn in Fukushima, renowned for its potent, highly acidic sulfur waters and delicious local cuisine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Numajiri Onsen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene hot spring inn in Fukushima, renowned for its potent, highly acidic sulfur waters and delicious local cuisine.
"The water quality is highly acidic, a wonderful hot spring, and it's probably even better than the Yubatake hot spring in Kusatsu."
💧 Test the Water First
Highly acidic water! Try a short soak initially to see how your skin reacts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While not extensive, there are some stairs. Pack footwear that's easy to slip on and off.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Bathhouse
First Floor
Immerse yourself in the highly acidic, milky white waters of this spacious indoor bath. Often quiet, offering a private soak.
Second Floor Open-Air Bath
Second Floor
A small, intimate outdoor bath perfect for one or two, offering a serene soak under the stars.
Delicious Local Cuisine
Restaurant/Private Dining Rooms
Savor fresh char sashimi and filling kamameshi (rice pot) dishes, often paired with local sake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Acidic Waters
Relaxed Pace is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Test the Water First
Highly acidic water! Try a short soak initially to see how your skin reacts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While not extensive, there are some stairs. Pack footwear that's easy to slip on and off.
🍶 Local Sake Pairing
Enhance your meal with a local sake. It perfectly complements the regional dishes.
🧦 Tabi Socks Provided
Enjoy the comfort of tabi socks after your bath for ultimate relaxation.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Test the Water First
Highly acidic water! Try a short soak initially to see how your skin reacts.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
While not extensive, there are some stairs. Pack footwear that's easy to slip on and off.
🍶 Local Sake Pairing
Enhance your meal with a local sake. It perfectly complements the regional dishes.
🧦 Tabi Socks Provided
Enjoy the comfort of tabi socks after your bath for ultimate relaxation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Numajiri Onsen is highly praised for its exceptional, highly acidic hot spring waters and its tranquil, relaxing atmosphere. Guests love the unique water quality, the delicious local cuisine served in private rooms, and the clean, comfortable accommodations. Some visitors note the lack of modern amenities like elevators and the small size of the open-air bath, but overall, the value and the restorative experience are consistently highlighted.
"During a spontaneous solo trip in August 2020, I suddenly found myself wanting to stay an extra night, so I booked Numajiri Onsen Nonbirikan, located near my favorite Nakanosawa Onsen. My room was a business-hotel-style single room, which felt like a business trip, but it was beautiful. I went to the large public bath on the first floor, but there were few other guests, so I had it all to myself. The water quality is highly acidic, a wonderful hot spring, and it's probably even better than the Yubatake hot spring in Kusatsu. It's comparable to the Wata no Yu hot spring in Kusatsu (although the water quality is slightly different). I truly enjoyed the baths.
Dinner was also relaxing in a private room. The portion was just right, but the char sashimi was delicious! It went perfectly with sake! The kamameshi (rice pot) served at the end was quite filling, so it all added up. There is also a small public bath and a really small open-air bath on the second floor, but the open-air bath is perfect for one person, so I wouldn't feel like sharing it with anyone else (;^_^A). It's reasonably priced, the rooms are clean, the dining area is very neat and tidy, and the baths are great. There aren't any excessive services, but as the name of the inn suggests, it's a great place to relax. I highly recommend it!!"
takasixstar
"I stayed here. The spring quality is excellent and the temperature is just right. The water here is a highly acidic sulfur spring, but it doesn't have much of a smell. The open-air bath is small, so it's a little big for two or more people. However, the water is good, so I was satisfied with just the indoor bath.
The inn is not a modern, stylish building, but it is well-cleaned and comfortable. However, the stairs are steep and there is no elevator, so it may be inconvenient for people with weak legs.
Meals are taken in private rooms, so it's safe even during the coronavirus pandemic. The river fish sashimi and fried chicken were delicious. I was satisfied with the quality and quantity of the food considering the price of the accommodation."
Ekg Noza
"I was able to relax very much (^^)
I only stayed one night, but it was very relaxing.
The hot spring was milky white, and although it was quite acidic with a pH of about 2, it didn't irritate my skin as much as Kusatsu, and it felt soft.
The new open-air bath on the second floor was nice, but the indoor bath on the first floor was also spacious and relaxing.
Also, I've never seen anything like it before, but they had tabi socks to wear after a bath, so I could relax my feet without the unbalanced look of wearing socks with a yukata.
The food was mainly local and mountain products, and was delicious. (There was also some seafood.)
I chose a plan that included local sake, and the sake was very delicious and went well with the food, so I was very satisfied.
The downside is that there is no room service, and although they do serve locally produced hot spring fugu🐡, I wish I had ordered it.
It is said to be the largest single hot spring source in Japan in terms of the amount of water, and that there is actually a hot spring field, but it is off-limits due to dangerous gas. If we can promote that aspect, maybe people other than skiers will come and the place won't become deserted ^_^;
Anyway, it was the best hot spring I've been to recently (^^)/"
hiro red
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Koriyama Station, then transfer to the Banetsu West Line for Inawashiro Station. From Inawashiro Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to Numajiri Onsen. The journey can take around 3-4 hours.
Yes, Numajiri Onsen is accessible by car. It's located in the Inawashiro area of Fukushima Prefecture. Parking is usually available at the inn.
The nearest train station is Inawashiro Station on the JR Banetsu West Line. From there, you'll need to arrange further transport.
Local buses operate in the Inawashiro area, and some may stop near Numajiri Onsen. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules in advance, as they can be infrequent.
The travel time from Inawashiro Station to Numajiri Onsen by taxi is approximately 15-20 minutes. Bus times may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred room and dining times.
Numajiri Onsen is primarily an inn, and day-use bathing might be limited or unavailable. It's best to check directly with the inn for current day-use policies and hours.
Prices vary depending on the room type and meal plan. Generally, it's considered reasonably priced for the quality of the hot springs and meals provided. Expect prices to be in the mid-range for Japanese inns.
Yes, Numajiri Onsen offers various room types, from business-hotel-style single rooms to larger tatami rooms with verandas, catering to different needs and budgets.
While the primary focus is on overnight stays, some onsen inns offer day-use options. It's crucial to contact Numajiri Onsen directly to confirm if day bathing is permitted and what the associated fees are.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The water is famous for being highly acidic (around pH 2) and sulfurous, often appearing milky white. It's known for its therapeutic properties but can be intense for sensitive skin.
Yes, there's a large indoor bath on the first floor and a smaller, more intimate open-air bath on the second floor.
The second-floor open-air bath is quite small, generally best suited for one or two people.
No, Numajiri Onsen does not have an elevator. Guests will need to use the stairs, which can be steep.
Rooms are typically clean and well-maintained, often including tatami mats, futons, and basic amenities. Some rooms may have verandas.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The inn serves meals featuring local and mountain products, including delicious char sashimi and kamameshi (rice pot). Local sake is also a highlight.
Yes, meals are typically served in private dining rooms, offering a more intimate and safe experience, especially during health concerns.
It's best to inquire directly with the inn when booking if you have specific dietary requirements. They may be able to accommodate requests with advance notice.
Most accommodation plans at Japanese inns include breakfast and dinner. Confirm this when making your reservation.
Portions are generally described as just right, with the kamameshi being quite filling, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene atmosphere of the open-air baths, especially during twilight or at night. The surrounding natural landscape also offers picturesque views.
Generally, photography is not permitted inside the communal bathhouses for privacy reasons. Be respectful of other guests.
The Inawashiro area is known for its natural beauty, including Mount Bandai. Depending on the season, you might find scenic spots for landscape photography.
Early mornings or late evenings can offer softer light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the tranquil ambiance of the onsen.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around accommodation facilities and natural parks. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧘 Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
♨️ Hot Spring Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Waters of Numajiri Onsen
Travelers often compare the water quality favorably to other renowned onsen destinations, highlighting its distinctiveness. The temperature is consistently described as 'just right,' making it comfortable for soaking. However, due to its potency, it's advisable for first-time visitors to test the water's effect on their skin with a shorter immersion period.
A Relaxed Stay: Rooms and Amenities
The inn provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. A unique touch that guests appreciate is the provision of tabi socks, allowing for ultimate foot relaxation after bathing.
Culinary Delights: Local Flavors
Meals are served in private dining rooms, offering a more intimate and exclusive experience. This setup is particularly appreciated for its safety and comfort. The inn's culinary offerings emphasize regional specialties, often incorporating mountain produce and river fish. For those looking to enhance their dining experience, opting for a plan that includes local sake is highly recommended, as it complements the regional flavors exceptionally well.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit