A hot spring village welcomed by a thatched-roof station

Yunokami Onsen is a tranquil hot spring resort located in Shimogō Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Traditional inns and guesthouses line the banks of the Aga River (also known as the Ōkawa River), creating a peaceful riverside atmosphere. The hot spring is said to have opened during the Edo period, and it has long been cherished for its history and therapeutic waters.

One of the unique features of Yunokami Onsen is Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway Line, which is notable for its rare thatched-roof station building—a sight seldom seen anywhere else in Japan. The station is also a popular sightseeing spot. Inside, you’ll find an irori (traditional sunken hearth) that is lit during certain seasons, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Aizu region.

The hot spring water at Yunokami Onsen is clear and colorless, classified as a mildly alkaline simple hot spring. It’s gentle on the skin and believed to help with recovery from fatigue and nerve pain. Many visitors stop by after sightseeing or hiking. Several facilities offer day-use bathing, making it easy to enjoy the onsen even if you're not staying overnight.

Yunokami Onsen also serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions such as Ōuchi-juku, a preserved post town from the Edo period, and Tō-no-Hetsuri, a scenic gorge known for its unique rock formations. Whether you visit in the fresh greenery of spring, the vibrant colors of autumn, or the snowy landscapes of winter, Yunokami Onsen offers a peaceful and seasonal retreat.