Kashi Onsen Ryokan Daikokuya

Kashi Onsen Ryokan Daikokuya sits in Nishigo Village, Fukushima Prefecture, as the sole accommodation at Kashi Onsen, one of the Tohoku region's smallest and most secluded hot spring destinations. The ryokan underwent renovation in 2009 and is registered with the Japan Secret Hot Springs Protection Association, a recognition reserved for onsen resorts that maintain authentic Satoyama atmosphere despite limited accessibility or cell phone reception.

The main attraction is the oiwaburo (big-stone bath), which measures 5 meters by 15 meters with a depth of 1.2 meters. This bath is naturally heated by source water that wells up directly from the bedrock beneath the bath, which is decorated with large stones and small jewels. The water maintains 100% natural composition with no additives. A secondary outdoor bath called Ebisu-no-Yu offers a different spring quality—a calcium-sodium-sulfate onsen—allowing guests to experience contrasting mineral compositions.

The ryokan provides traditional Japanese accommodation with tatami-mat rooms and serves meals featuring local ingredients. Guests can choose between options including breakfast only or both breakfast and dinner. The surrounding mountain environment offers seasonal scenery, from spring greenery to winter snow coverage. Day visitors can access the baths for a fee, though staying overnight provides the full experience of this remote hot spring.

From Shin-Shirakawa Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, the ryokan operates a free shuttle bus that departs at 1:20 PM and 4:00 PM. By car, the property is located 40 minutes from Shirakawa Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway via Highway 289. The ryokan stands along the Abukuma River surrounded by mountains, approximately 23 kilometers from Komine Castle.