Takayu Onsen is a secluded hot spring resort located at an elevation of 750 meters at the entrance to the Bandai-Azuma Skyline in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture. It was established approximately 400 years ago in 1607 (Keicho 12) and is counted as one of the "Three Great Hot Springs of Oushu." The hot spring was reportedly developed by Kanno Kuniyasu, a retainer of the Date family. Formerly known as Shinobu Takayu, it flourished alongside Zao Takayu and Shirafuyu Takayu as the three great hot springs of the Ou region. Due to its high therapeutic effects, it is also known by the nickname "Tohoku's Kusatsu."

The greatest feature of Takayu Onsen is that for over 400 years since its opening, it has provided "genuine natural hot springs" with 100% source spring water flowing directly without any human intervention. The spring water naturally flows using the natural elevation difference, with no addition of water or heating whatsoever. It is the 8th hot spring resort in Japan to make a "source spring flowing declaration" throughout the entire hot spring area.

The hydrogen sulfide-type sulfur spring water, which appears blue-white and cloudy, emanates a distinctive sulfurous aroma throughout the town and has been proven to have top-class antioxidant power in Japan. It has effects of promoting metabolism and suppressing active oxygen that causes aging and diseases. There are 9 hot spring inns and 1 public bathhouse called "Attakayu," all of which offer 100% source spring flowing hot springs.

The hot spring town is also famous for having "nothing other than hot springs." The traditional inn owners have strictly observed an unspoken rule of "prohibiting all entertainment." By avoiding flashiness and protecting the heaven-given blessing of hot springs and the rich natural environment as a whole community, the atmospheric appearance of the traditional hot spring resort surrounded by the seasonal natural beauty of Mount Azuma continues to this day. It is also popular as a base for the Bandai-Azuma Skyline and serves as a climbing base for Jodaira and Mount Azuma-Kofuji.