【Higashiyama Onsen】Recommended Accommodations for Solo Travelers Chosen by Locals【Aizuwakamatsu】
Hello, I’m Harajo, a resident of Fukushima Prefecture.
By reading this article, you will learn the following:
- How to find the perfect accommodation/hotel for your solo trip to Higashiyama Onsen
Let’s get started!
Who is Harajo? Do I Really Know About Higashiyama Onsen? 【Sharing My First-Hand Experience】
I know it’s not very useful to hear accommodation recommendations from someone you don’t know, so let me introduce my hotel enthusiast side.
As of July 2022, I have stayed in over 20 hotels, mainly in Fukushima Prefecture!
(I’ve compiled a list of the hotels I’ve stayed at at the end of this article. link)
At this rate, I spend over a month each year living in hotels.
And among the many hotels and inns, Higashiyama Onsen is truly exceptional.
With great accessibility, hot springs, food, rooms, and pricing, I can confidently recommend it.
This time, as a self-proclaimed hotel enthusiast, I will passionately introduce the best accommodations in Higashiyama Onsen for solo travelers.
Especially the second one on the list offers unbeatable cost performance—a must-read for budget-conscious solo travelers.
Top 2 Recommended Accommodations in Higashiyama Onsen for Solo Travelers
Here, I will introduce hotels in Higashiyama Onsen (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture) where I have personally stayed.
Note: Since I have never stayed at a luxury hotel (over 20,000 yen per night), those are not included.
This article is useful for those looking for accommodations under 10,000 yen per night per person.
Evaluation Criteria
- Appearance: Overall impression of the hotel’s exterior, front desk, lobby, library, bar, and shared spaces (excluding the baths).
- Facilities: Presence of amenities such as karaoke rooms, table tennis areas, and other unique features (excluding the baths).
- Room: Size, comfort, view, and overall impression of the room.
- Food: Quality and variety of meals.
- Baths: Evaluation of the main bath, open-air bath, and private hot springs (including availability of a sauna).
- Service: Overall hospitality and service experience.
- Cost Performance: Price in relation to the experience provided.
- Amenities: Room amenities provided.
- Cleanliness: Cleanliness of the rooms and hotel facilities.
1. Higashiyama Onsen Park Hotel Shinpūgetsu
Booking links:
This hotel is ideal for:
- Families looking for an affordable stay
- Solo travelers who want to enjoy delicious Aizu cuisine and hot springs at a great price
For families with elementary to university-aged children, the karaoke and table tennis are free, making it a fantastic option.
Even for solo travelers, it’s one of the best value-for-money options.
Why?
- You can enjoy delicious local Aizu food
- The spacious hot springs make for a relaxing stay
- Only about 10,000 yen per night, which is incredibly affordable for Higashiyama Onsen
I stayed here alone once, then liked it so much that I returned for a family trip.
② Facilities
- Free karaoke room
- Free table tennis area
Anyone staying at the hotel can use the karaoke and table tennis for free!
Since I was traveling alone, I didn’t use the table tennis area (haha).
The karaoke room was spacious for one person, but it was fun and gave a great sense of freedom.
With great entertainment options, this place is enjoyable for solo travelers and groups alike!
I will definitely stay here with my family again.
③ Room
- 10 tatami-mat Japanese-style room
- Futon bedding
- Separate toilet and bath
- Clean and spacious
- No study desk
- Walls are thin (noise travels easily)
Perfect for relaxing in a Japanese-style room.
However, there is no desk, so it might not be ideal for digital nomads who need to work.
I usually stay here when I’m looking to fully unwind rather than work.
④ Food
The buffet at Park Hotel Shinpūgetsu can be summed up as:
“The most abundant buffet in Aizu.”
I chose a plan that included spare ribs.
- A wide variety of dishes, all delicious
- Unlimited soft drinks and alcohol → A perfect way to celebrate the evening
They also serve Aizu’s famous Wappa-meshi and Kozuyu, making it a great choice for tourists.
⑤ Baths
- Clear, odorless Higashiyama Onsen water
- Spacious indoor and open-air baths
⑥ Service
Great! The staff was friendly, and I had no issues borrowing the karaoke room.
⑦ Cost Performance
- 10,000 yen per night, including breakfast and dinner buffet
2. YUKKURA INN
Booking links:
Recommended for:
- Business travelers visiting Aizu
- Solo travelers looking for the best deal
Why?
- It costs about 5,000–7,000 yen per night, similar to a business hotel
- You get access to the luxurious hot springs at Takinoyu, a high-end ryokan
How is this possible?
- The accommodation itself is a simple, service-free, apartment-style building
- The bath and meals are provided at Takinoyu, about 100m away
- Since the hot spring cost remains the same regardless of the number of guests, the hotel can offer this deal
It’s perfect for those who want a luxurious hot spring experience on a budget.
For business travelers, the presence of a work desk makes it the best hotel choice.
① Facilities
- 100m from Takinoyu main building
- No staff service
- Apartment-style exterior
- Lounge space on the first floor, ideal for remote work
② Room
- Exceptionally large bed (could fit three people)
- Western-style room
③ Food
I only added breakfast to my stay.
- Individually plated side dishes
- All-you-can-eat rice
- Delicious mochi (rice cakes)
It’s amazing that you get such a luxurious breakfast at a business hotel price.
④ Baths
- Not crowded, making for a great experience
- Access to Takinoyu’s private baths in the morning
- A beautiful river view
⑤ Cost Performance
- Arguably the best in Higashiyama Onsen
- If you’re fine with staying 100m away from the main hotel, this is a fantastic choice
Conclusion
Higashiyama Onsen is an amazing destination for solo travelers.
If you prioritize value, these two hotels are your best bet!
