Takayu Onsen - Tamagoyu Ryokan

Tamagoyu is located halfway up Mount Azuma in Fukushima and is known as a secluded hot spring, with its source, Takayu Onsen, counted among the three great hidden hot springs of Oshu alongside Zao Onsen in Yamagata and Shirabu Onsen. The name "Tamagoyu" is said to come from how the water leaves the skin smooth like an egg and from its scent, which resembles that of a boiled egg. The symbol of Tamagoyu is its thatched-roof bathhouse in the garden, originally established in 1868. Renowned as a free-flowing natural hot spring, Tamagoyu issued the "Gensen Kakenagashi Declaration" in 2010, becoming the first in Tohoku and the ninth nationwide to do so. For over 400 years, it has been cherished as an authentic, untouched hot spring. Situated on the slopes of Mount Azuma, the inn offers seasonal cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, especially wild mountain vegetables. Strolling through the garden from the bathhouse reveals a 1 km walking path that leads to a quietly standing torii gate of a hot spring shrine at the summit. Visitors can dedicate ema prayer plaques and make wishes to the hot spring deity.