Tsuchiyu Onsen

West of Fukushima City, at the foot of the Azuma mountains, Tsuchiyu Onsen is one of the birthplaces of kokeshi dolls, alongside Naruko and Togatta. Inns line the gorge of the Arakawa River, and it is loved as a warm, unpretentious spring in the hills.

Highlights

Kokeshi workshops and shops dot the town, and you can try painting a Tsuchiyu-style doll yourself. Free foot baths and hand baths on street corners let you rest between strolls.

Enjoying the Seasons

Walks through the fresh-green gorge and the autumn foliage are splendid, and the nearby ponds of Menuma and Onuma add natural beauty. In winter, bathing amid the snow is especially fine.

Access and Basic Information

About forty minutes by bus from Fukushima Station. As a gateway to the Azuma mountains, it also makes a handy base for driving.

A Quick Tip

Choose a hand-painted kokeshi as a souvenir. Picking one whose maker you can meet gives it real charm.