Experience Aizu Higashiyama Onsen in 2 Days: Tea Ceremony, Bon Odori Festival, Geigi, and Timeless Traditions

สารบัญ

1. Beginning Our Cultural Journey
2. Wearing a Traditional Yukata
3. Exploring the Historic Oyakuen Garden
4. A Peaceful Matcha Tea Ceremony
5. Learning from a Master Gardener
6. Preparing for the Bon Odori Festival
7. Dancing Together at Higashiyama Onsen
8. Enjoying the Festival with Local People
9. Lacquer-Coated Wooden Sword Assembly Experience
10. Meeting the Elegant Aizu Higashiyama Geigi
11. About HHT; Human Hub Tenneiji Soko
12. A Meaningful Farewell to Aizu
13. Before You Go ; Access
14. Final

Introduction Why Visit Higashiyama Onsen? Nestled in the mountains just outside Aizuwakamatsu City, Higashiyama Onsen is one of Fukushima’s oldest hot spring towns, with a history of more than 1,300 years. Beyond its relaxing hot springs and traditional ryokan, it offers visitors a chance to experience the rich culture and warm hospitality of Aizu. From strolling through historic gardens and enjoying a traditional tea ceremony to joining the lively Higashiyama Bon Odori Festival and meeting the elegant Aizu Higashiyama Geigi, every experience brings you closer to the heart of local life. This 2-day, 1-night journey is more than a sightseeing trip—it’s an opportunity to discover the traditions, history, and community that make Higashiyama Onsen a truly unforgettable destination.

Beginning Our Cultural Journey

Our journey begins in Aizuwakamatsu, the historic heart of Aizu, where participants gather before setting off to explore the rich traditions of Higashiyama Onsen. From the very first moment, this experience is designed to immerse visitors in local culture—not just by visiting famous landmarks, but by taking part in customs that have been cherished for generations. Over the next two days, every stop offers a deeper connection to the history, people, and timeless charm of Aizu. About Hotel …there are so many local business hotels around Aizuwakamatsu station. We leaved our luggages there and start the wonderful trip.

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Wearing a Traditional Yukata

Before the cultural experiences begin, participants change into a traditional yukata, a light cotton robe commonly worn during Japan’s summer festivals. Dressed in colorful yukata, everyone can fully embrace the festive atmosphere while strolling through historic sites and joining local celebrations.

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It’s a simple yet memorable way to experience Japanese culture from a local perspective. For renting, advanced booking is needed. Location : 2nd floor of Tsurugajo Kaikan

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Rental options are available for both half-day and overnight use, giving guests the flexibility to keep their yukata on throughout the evening and enjoy the festival in true Japanese style.

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Exploring the Historic Oyakuen Garden

  Our first stop is Oyakuen, a beautiful Japanese garden with a history of more than 600 years. Once used by the feudal lords of Aizu to cultivate medicinal herbs, the garden is now a peaceful retreat where visitors can admire traditional landscape design, seasonal flowers, and tranquil ponds. A guided walk through the garden offers a deeper appreciation of Aizu’s history, nature, and timeless beauty.

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A Peaceful Matcha Tea Ceremony

  Step into a traditional tea room and experience the quiet elegance of the Japanese tea ceremony. As a tea master carefully prepares each bowl of matcha, guests can enjoy seasonal Japanese sweets while learning about the spirit of omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).

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  More than simply drinking tea, this experience offers a peaceful moment to slow down, appreciate the present, and connect with one of Japan’s most treasured cultural traditions

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  As you slowly sip the warm tea while overlooking the tranquil garden, the peaceful surroundings invite you to pause and be fully present. The experience is calming and refreshing, leaving a lasting sense of tranquility long after the final sip. It is a beautiful reminder that the Japanese tea ceremony is not only about tea, but also about mindfulness, harmony, and hospitality. Good experience!

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Learning from a Master Gardener

  Then go to explore the garden. A guided tour led by the garden’s master gardener offers a fascinating insight into the art of traditional Japanese landscape design. As you stroll through Oyakuen, you’ll discover that every tree, stone, pond, and pathway has been thoughtfully placed to create balance and harmony with nature.

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The guide also shares the history of the garden, its medicinal herb heritage, and the seasonal beauty that changes throughout the year. This experience allows visitors to appreciate Oyakuen not only as a beautiful garden, but also as a living cultural treasure that reflects the philosophy and craftsmanship of Japan.

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Preparing for the Bon Odori Festival

  Before joining the evening celebration, participants gather to learn the traditional Higashiyama Bon Odori dance from local instructors at HHT; Human Hub Tenneiji Soko. The dance steps are simple, welcoming, and designed for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age or experience.

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  As the music begins and everyone practices together, the atmosphere quickly fills with laughter and excitement. More than just learning the choreography, this session offers a chance to understand the meaning of Bon Odori—a summer tradition that brings communities together to celebrate, remember, and share joyful moments.

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  By the time the festival begins, you’ll feel ready to join the locals and become part of this cherished cultural celebration.

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Dancing Together at Higashiyama Onsen

  As evening falls, We arrived at Higashiyama Onsen and have dinner. Now the streets of Higashiyama Onsen come alive with glowing lanterns, lively music, and the joyful spirit of the Bon Odori Festival. Dressed in yukata, visitors are invited to join local residents in the circle of dancers, following simple, graceful movements that anyone can enjoy.

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  Rather than watching from the sidelines, We became part of the celebration itself. Dancing alongside the community creates a genuine connection with the people of Aizu, turning a traditional festival into a memorable cultural experience. It’s these shared moments of laughter, music, and hospitality that make the evening truly unforgettable.

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Enjoying the Festival with Local People

  One of the most memorable parts of the evening is the opportunity to celebrate alongside the local community. Friendly smiles, warm greetings, and shared laughter make visitors feel welcome from the moment they join the festival.

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Whether dancing together, chatting with residents, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, these genuine interactions offer a deeper connection to Aizu’s culture.

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It’s a reminder that travel is not only about the places you visit, but also about the people you meet and the memories you create together.

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Lacquer-Coated Wooden Sword Assembly Experience

  The second day begins with a journey into the history and traditions of Aizu, a region deeply connected with samurai culture. Known for its strong spirit of loyalty, discipline, and craftsmanship, Aizu has preserved many customs and stories from the samurai era. Then we came to HHT again to do an activity.

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During the Lacquer-Coated Wooden Sword Assembly Experience, participants create their own unique wooden sword while learning about the history and artistry behind Aizu lacquerware.

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Each piece reflects the skill and dedication of local craftsmen, who have continued to refine this traditional technique over centuries. More than just making a souvenir, this activity offers a meaningful connection to Aizu’s history.

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Through the process of assembling the sword, visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship, patience, and spirit that have been passed down from the samurai era to the present day. (pls note that Sword’s length is 77 cm)

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Meeting the Elegant Aizu Higashiyama Geigi

  One of the most special moments of this journey is meeting the Aizu Higashiyama Geigi, a traditional performing artist who represents the refined culture and hospitality of Aizu. With a history deeply rooted in the Higashiyama Onsen area, geigi have long played an important role in welcoming guests through music, dance, and conversation. Geigi are traditional Japanese entertainers specializing in music, dance, and hospitality, creating a unique cultural experience through personal interaction with guests.

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During this intimate cultural experience, visitors have the opportunity to talk and ask them about their traditions, daily life, and the skills required to become a geigi. Through friendly conversations and personal exchanges, guests can discover a side of Japanese culture that is rarely experienced by overseas travelers.

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This memorable encounter offers more than a performance—it creates a meaningful connection between visitors and the people who continue to protect and share Aizu’s beautiful cultural heritage.

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Even if you do not understand Japanese, communication is never a barrier. Through gestures, smiles, and shared laughter, guests and geigi can easily connect with each other.

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About HHT; Human Hub Tenneiji Soko

Located in the historic city of Aizuwakamatsu, Human Hub Tenneiji Soko (HHT) is a unique cultural space where tradition, craftsmanship, and local creativity come together. Originally a traditional warehouse, this renovated building has become a hub for sharing Aizu’s culture and connecting visitors with the stories behind local products and artisans.

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Inside HHT, visitors can discover a variety of carefully selected local crafts and specialties that represent the spirit of Aizu. One of the highlights is Aizu cotton, a traditional textile known for its soft texture, durability, and beautiful patterns. Guests can also find Aizu woodcraft, including Nodate, a traditional wooden craft with a long history in the region. Each piece reflects the skill, patience, and craftsmanship of local artisans who continue to preserve these techniques today.

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The space also introduces local flavors and lifestyle products, including freshly baked bread from the Nowhere brand, Aizu green tea, and locally produced honey. After exploring the cultural experiences and shopping for unique souvenirs, visitors can relax at the café or enjoy a lunch featuring local ingredients.

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More than just a place to shop, HHT is a destination where travelers can experience the creativity, warmth, and hospitality of Aizu. Every craft and product tells a story, creating a deeper connection between visitors and the people who continue to preserve the region’s traditions.

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A Meaningful Farewell to Aizu

As the journey comes to an end, guests leave Aizu with more than just souvenirs—they take home memories, stories, and meaningful connections created along the way. Over two days, this cultural experience has offered a glimpse into the heart of Aizu through its history, craftsmanship, traditions, and warm hospitality. Aizu is a place where the past and present live together harmoniously. We hope this journey inspires you to return one day and continue discovering the beauty, culture, and welcoming spirit of this remarkable region.

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Before You Go ; Access

From Tokyo/ Ueno station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, then transfer to the JR Ban-etsu West Line to Aizuwakamatsu Station. Upon arrival at Aizuwakamatsu Station, visitors can stop by the Aizuwakamatsu Station Tourist Information Center, located inside the station building. The center provides sightseeing information and support for international visitors, making it a convenient first stop to collect maps, travel tips, and local recommendations. Exploring Aizuwakamatsu is also easy without a car. The city’s sightseeing town buses, Haikara-san and Akabe, connect major attractions around the city, including historic sites and cultural spots. These buses are a convenient way to discover the castle town at your own pace.

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Final

With the support of ADD (Aizu Dream Development, Inc.), travelers can discover the authentic charm of Aizu through meaningful cultural encounters created together with the local community. For those seeking a deeper connection with Japan beyond the famous tourist destinations, Higashiyama Onsen welcomes you with history, tradition, and heartfelt hospitality. Here, every smile, conversation, and shared experience becomes a memory to treasure long after the journey ends.

รายการ

Website	Aizu Dream Development, inc
Map	Human Hub Tenneiji Soko
Website	Higashiyama Tourism