Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Shousuke-no-Yado Takinoyu

The Birthplace of Higashiyama Onsen: An Onsen Ryokan Along a Mountain Stream

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Shousuke-no-Yado Takinoyu is an onsen ryokan set along a mountain stream at Higashiyama Onsen, the inner retreat of Aizuwakamatsu, and known as the birthplace of Higashiyama Onsen. It is about 15 minutes from the Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway via Route 49, or about 10 minutes by taxi from JR Ban-etsu West Line's Aizuwakamatsu Station. You can also take the town loop bus 'Haikara-san' to the 'Takinoyu-mae' stop right in front of the ryokan, and a free shuttle from Aizuwakamatsu Station is available as well (one trip per day, reservation required, first-come, first-served). The ryokan stands amid nature, surrounded by mountains on all sides and looking out on a large waterfall.

A Varied Bathing Circuit and the Private-Hire Communal Bath 'Tennei Onsen'

The communal bath and open-air bath both draw on the source of Higashiyama Onsen, giving you a varied bathing circuit to enjoy. There is also a private-hire communal bath of the indoor-bath type with its own washing area, 'Tennei Onsen,' which can be reserved in advance so the family can bathe alone. Children can stay from age 0, but bathing while wearing a diaper is not permitted in the communal bath or the open-air bath, so the ryokan recommends the private-hire bath for families with young children not yet out of diapers and for households worried about accidents in the bathing area.

Japanese-Style and Japanese-Western Rooms, and an In-House Playroom

Guest rooms are varied, including the proper Japanese-style tatami rooms of Muso-an, the larger tatami rooms of Mugentei and the Japanese-Western rooms of Yumemitei, with tatami spaces that make co-sleeping with small children easy. The ryokan also has a simple playroom where children can spend time indoors. Only the basics are provided there, so bringing along the items your child uses every day is recommended. All rooms are non-smoking.

Aizu Kyodo Kaiseki Cuisine and Allergy Accommodation

Dinner is Aizu kyodo kaiseki cuisine, blending Aizu regional cuisine with kaiseki dining. Breakfast is a set breakfast tray prepared by the chef, with a complimentary corner offering Aizu-style imoni (taro stew) and freshly pounded mochi, among other items. If you report a food allergy by three days before your stay, the kitchen can accommodate it with substitute ingredients, and baby food or allergy-friendly items may be brought in after consulting the ryokan in advance. Families with everyone from babies to elementary school children can enjoy sightseeing in Aizu from here. Late checkout is available until 11 a.m., and early check-in is possible from 2 p.m.