Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Tsuruya Higashiyama Main Temple

Fortunately, we were able to visit right when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. This Accommodation is known for its wonderful hospitality, but since it wasn’t a special anniversary for us and we didn’t need Shuttle Service, we assumed we wouldn’t be particularly moved by the service. However, when we consulted them about something that had been slightly on our minds, they made an incredibly generous offer. It was so unexpected that my husband and I looked at each other like, “Wait—what do you mean?” (laughs). Is this just normal here? We were amazed by kindness beyond belief.The Room was just as spacious and lovely as we had imagined. When we stepped out onto the balcony, a river flowed beyond a neatly trimmed bamboo grove, and we could hear Japanese bush warblers singing. We brought drinks into the large semi-open-air bath and spent an absolutely blissful time there. Aizu sake really is delicious. It’s amazing that you can enjoy as much chilled alcohol as you like in the Room with a single push (three types of sake, plus shochu, wine, and whisky). We asked for smaller portions at dinner and thoroughly enjoyed the carefully prepared local cuisine. By the way, the rolled omelet at breakfast was hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Everything was comfortable, but since the nightwear is Hotel-style loungewear rather than pajamas, those who prefer pajamas may want to bring their own.The next day before breakfast, we visited Tsuruga Castle. In the quiet grounds early in the morning, we fully enjoyed both the magnificent pale-pink cherry blossoms in full bloom and the beautiful castle itself. We felt truly grateful to have come at exactly this time.It was a stay where time seemed to pass far too quickly. Our casual chat with the manager in the tea room was interesting and fun; if only we’d had a bit more time to talk—I would have loved to hear more about Aizu as well. We stopped by some of the shops they recommended us and bought our target sweets and honey before heading home. Thanks to you all, it became a wonderful trip. Thank you very much.

We stayed here to celebrate my wife’s birthday.First, we truly appreciated the kind pickup from Aizuwakamatsu Station. On top of that, you guided us to some well-known local sights and even stopped by the most famous one, Tsuruga Castle. It was our first time in Fukushima and we didn’t know much about the sightseeing spots, but thanks to all your helpful information, it made us want to come back and explore Fukushima more slowly next time.After arriving at the Accommodation, we were served matcha in a separate annex from the main residence, and you also showed us a beautiful Japanese garden. We were told it looks different with spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage as well, so we’d love to visit again in another season.When we entered the main residence, you showed us classic antiques and a Room that used to be run as a traditional restaurant. It really built up our excitement about what our Room would be like. Since it was located underground, we assumed we might not be able to enjoy any outside views—but the moment we opened the door, there was an incredibly spacious and beautiful modern Japanese-style Room beyond anything we imagined. With unlimited drinks available and plenty of beverages stocked in the refrigerator, we were already thrilled.To our surprise, there was a river flowing just outside the window. The balcony was stylish and spotless, and there was even an elegant fireplace—everything was wonderful. The bath let us fully enjoy Higashiyama Onsen (Onsen), and it even came with a sauna; it was perfect.Dinner featured their most famous basashi (horse sashimi), along with Fukushima’s local dish kozuyu, tempura manju buns, sakura nabe (horse hot pot), celebratory dishes for special occasions, and more—an abundant meal with great variety. The basashi in particular was overwhelmingly delicious—better than anything I’ve ever had—and honestly made us want to come back just for that alone.Since it was my wife’s birthday trip, you also surprised us by preparing a birthday cake. Your hospitality went above and beyond—we were truly moved. Thank you very much.Breakfast was also excellent: Koshihikari rice cooked in a traditional hagama pot along with many side dishes such as salmon, rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), sea bream carpaccio (tai), eel (unagi), and more. There were so many options that everything tasted so good I ended up having multiple refills of rice.Checkout time felt far too soon—we’re sincerely grateful for such an Accommodation where you simply want to stay forever. You also drove us back to Aizuwakamatsu Station on departure day; it really was attentive service from start to finish.We will definitely return in another season. Thank you again for everything.