Overview
Step into the heart of Aizu’s hot spring culture at Higashiyama Grand Hotel, where time slows down and relaxation takes center stage. Located deep within the Higashiyama Onsen area, this large ryokan gives you the chance to unwind in a natural setting shaped by mountains, history, and tradition. With easy access from Aizu-Wakamatsu and free parking for up to 150 cars, it’s a convenient retreat whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family.
Every part of your stay encourages you to let go of stress—whether you’re soaking in hot springs, savoring local dishes, or lounging in a room with your own private open-air bath. A free all-you-can-drink service during dinner, seasonal buffets, and a wide range of facilities make this ryokan more than just a place to sleep. It’s an all-in-one destination to rest, recharge, and indulge.
Accommodation
Higashiyama Grand Hotel offers spacious Japanese-style rooms, including three exclusive rooms with private open-air hot spring baths. You can stretch out on tatami mats and sleep soundly on soft futons, with the sound of nature as your background music.
These special rooms let you enjoy hot springs any time you like, with full privacy. If you’re traveling with your family or with friends, these suites provide both space and comfort. Every room includes essentials such as yukata, toiletries, and all the little touches that help you settle in right away.
Dining
Your stay includes a buffet-style dinner and breakfast served in the main dining hall. Dinner brings you freshly cooked dishes, many of them made with local ingredients from the Aizu region. Try seasonal menus that reflect the time of year—like pan-seared sirloin with a sweet pepper sauce inspired by local preserved fish dishes in summer, or delicate bamboo shoots and firefly squid in spring.
Don’t miss the local specialties like Aizu-style sauce katsu, handmade soba, and Kitakata ramen. There’s something for everyone, including seafood salads, fruit-forward desserts, and classic comfort food like takoyaki and potato wedges for younger travelers.
Even better, dinner includes unlimited alcoholic drinks—free of charge. Pour yourself a cold beer or try the local sake and enjoy a relaxed evening meal at your own pace. Breakfast features both Japanese and Western-style dishes, so you can start your day with miso soup and rice or go for toast and eggs. Whatever you choose, everything is prepared fresh and served with care.
Onsen and Wellness
The hotel features two large bath areas—Tenkyo-no-Yu and Hori-no-Yu—each with indoor and open-air options. The baths alternate by gender, so over a two-night stay, you can try them all. Both offer stunning views of the surrounding forested hills. Springtime brings cherry blossoms, autumn wraps the trees in red and gold, and winter covers the mountains in snow.
The spring water flows from Higashiyama Onsen, a source with over 1,300 years of history. The clear water is known for leaving your skin soft and smooth, with warming and moisturizing properties that last well after your bath. You can also relax in the sauna or try a high-end massage chair for deeper relaxation.
Bath hours run from 3:00 p.m. to midnight and resume at 5:00 a.m. the next morning. Saunas are open in the evening and again from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. If the weather turns bad, open-air baths may temporarily close.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you can use the public baths if you cover them completely with a seal provided by the ryokan (available for purchase). The staff asks that you ensure your tattoo is fully hidden before entering the communal baths. If not, please ask about alternative options during check-in.
Facilities
You’ll find plenty to do inside the ryokan. Choose a yukata from the lobby and walk freely through the hotel, enjoying the casual and relaxed atmosphere. After your bath, head to the lounge area to unwind or check out the manga corner with hundreds of titles to browse.
There’s also karaoke, table tennis, and a game corner to keep things lively in the evenings. If you’re looking for quiet, try the foot massage station or one of the paid full-body treatments in the healing room.
Families with small children can use a wide range of items, from baby food in the restaurant to children’s yukata and bath supplies. A baby bed is also available in the large bath’s changing room. Everything is designed so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind, no matter your age or needs.
Activities
After you relax, explore the surrounding area. Aizu-Wakamatsu is full of cultural sites like Tsuruga Castle, samurai homes, and local sake breweries. The ryokan offers suggested sightseeing routes that take you through the region’s natural beauty and rich history. In the warmer months, visit nearby sunflower fields or cool off at the local beaches.
You can also stop by the morning market, open daily, to pick up local specialties and souvenirs. The hotel shop sells snacks, crafts, and regional goods, perfect for remembering your trip or bringing something back home.
Additional Features
- Free parking for 150 cars
- Wi-Fi throughout the building
- All-you-can-drink alcohol service during dinner
- Private onsen rooms available
- Seasonal buffet with local specialties
- Yukata rental included
- Family-friendly services, including baby food, chairs, and beds
- Sauna and massage facilities
- Indoor entertainment like karaoke, manga, and games
- Morning market and souvenir shop on-site
