Makugawa Onsen Yoshikuraya Ryokan

A secluded hot spring inn located at approximately 1,300 meters above sea level within the Bandai-Azuma National Park in Fukushima Prefecture. As a member of the Japan Association of Secluded Hot Spring Inns (Nihon Hitou wo Mamoru Kai), the ryokan stands quietly amid primeval forests of beech, birch, and larch trees. Makugawa Onsen consists of only two inns, and Yoshikuraya features two distinct hot spring sources. The indoor bath uses a simple thermal spring in a cypress wood tub, while the outdoor bath features a simple sulfur spring (hydrogen sulfide type) with a stunning sky-blue color. The sulfur spring water for the outdoor bath is piped from the neighboring Mitoya Ryokan, with white powdery mineral deposits settling at the bottom. Due to heavy snowfall, the inn operates seasonally from early May to early November. The autumn foliage season is particularly spectacular as the surrounding primeval forest transforms into brilliant colors. With only 6 guest rooms, this intimate inn offers a truly secluded hot spring experience.