Aizu, Fukushima: A Taste of Tradition and Scenic Charm

Nelson Babin-Coy is off to explore the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture by train. Nelson's first stop is at Yunokami-Onsen. The area is a hot-spring village with many traditional inns and guesthouses. One of the things Nelson wants to do on this journey is to bathe in an open-air bath looking out over the river. Three and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the hot spring facing the valley feels like paradise! Ōuchi-juku near Yunokami-Onsen was a post town on the old road. Its main street is flanked by more than 40 old wooden houses, which were built as lodgings for travelers over 300 years ago. Nelson stays in one of the traditional buildings and tastes local cuisine prepared by the guesthouse owner. Traveling slowly by train through this scenic countryside, Nelson finally approaches his destination, Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu-Wakamatsu developed as a major castle town in feudal times and has remained the main city of Aizu until this day. (Excerpt)