Onyado Toho to Host 'Aizu SAMURAI WEEK' Tie-up Event 'Yumori Samurai' on June 6-7!
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen's Onyado Toho will host the 'Yumori Samurai' event on June 6-7 as part of 'Aizu SAMURAI WEEK'. The inn will offer samurai-themed experiences and introduce 'Aizu Bukezen' meals starting May 11.
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Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Onyado Toho (hereafter "Toho") will participate as part of the "Aizu SAMURAI WEEK" organized by the Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau, promoting the region's charm through food, experiences, and spatial staging inside the inn on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7. In addition, to coincide with the Fukushima Destination Campaign running from Wednesday, April 1 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the inn will begin serving "Aizu Bukezen" (Aizu Warrior's Meal) from Monday, May 11, 2026. As domestic tourism demand continues on a recovery trend, the inn aims to attract tourists as a unified region in collaboration with local municipalities and related organizations through dining, experiences, and spatial staging that fuse hot springs and warrior culture.
■ Outline of "Aizu SAMURAI WEEK" Tie-up Project "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~"
Higashiyama Onsen has a history of being visited by Shinsengumi Vice Commander Toshizo Hijikata for hot spring therapy, making it a hot spring resort deeply connected to samurai society*. Following last autumn, the Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau will hold "Aizu SAMURAI WEEK" on June 6 (Sat) and 7 (Sun). This event, held for the first time in 2025, is driven by an elite group aiming to enliven the region. Toho, which has walked alongside the community for over 50 years, agrees with this vision. By reconstructing Aizu's historical background as a tourism resource, Toho will host "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~", providing a consistent experiential value of warrior culture across the three areas of dining, experience, and spatial staging. Staff wearing armor costumes will welcome guests. Furthermore, diverse programs will be implemented, including the sale of "Ikusa-meshi" (warrior's meal) limited to 30 meals a day, a POP-up event by Fukuei Coffee offering "Samurai Blend", painting experiences and Aizu cotton crafting experiences, a falconry demonstration by a falconer, a special bath using herbal medicines called "Departure Bath", a history lecture by the director of the Aizu Shinsengumi Fan Club, and an interactive kamishibai (picture story show).
Moreover, starting May 11, 2026, the "Aizu Bukezen" will be offered at the buffet restaurant "Agaransho". Recreating a samurai's meal, guests can experience Aizu's warrior culture through both food and space. By utilizing its resources as a hot spring inn and providing accommodation, dining, and experiences in an integrated manner, Toho will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.
*Source: Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Tourism Association | Gurutto Aizu
■ Outline of "Aizu Bukezen" Offering at the Buffet Restaurant
Dinner and breakfast menus centered on Aizu's traditional cuisine will be served, recreating a samurai's meal. Guests can experience the culture of Aizu, the stage of various histories such as the Byakkotai and Shinsengumi, through both food and space.
[Period] Monday, May 11, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
[Location] Buffet Restaurant "Agaransho"
■ Overview of Each Program in "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~"
1. Opening Event: "Falconry Demonstration" by a Falconer
At the opening ceremony, a falconry demonstration will be performed by "Buddy's falconry", a falconer active in Kitakata City. Falcons have been regarded as an important existence since ancient times in samurai society, often presented to the Shogunate. In the Aizu domain as well, history tells of falcons joining processions. Through this demonstration, guests can experience a part of traditional Japanese culture.
2. 2-Day Limited Sale of "Ikusa-meshi" and "Samurai Blend" POP-up Event by Fukuei Coffee
During the period, "Toho's Ikusa-meshi" will be sold, limited to 30 meals. This menu is designed to resemble an Aizu-style warrior's meal, inspired by the food culture of the time when samurai heading into battle would build up their stamina. In addition, the specialty coffee shop Fukuei Coffee in Koriyama will offer "Samurai Blend". Please enjoy the freshly ground flavor.
[Price] 5,350 yen (including bathing tax)
*Includes usage fee for the large public baths "Tanagumo no Yu" and "Sora no Yu"
[Reservation] "Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Onyado Toho" 0242-36-1122 (Reservation priority)
3. Samurai Deep-Dive Event via Samurai Kamishibai and Shinsengumi Secret History Lecture
Guests can enjoy a participatory kamishibai based on Aizu's history (such as the Byakkotai). In addition, a lecture by the director of the local Aizu Shinsengumi Fan Club will be held, providing an opportunity to learn more deeply about the relationship between Aizu and the Shinsengumi and the historical background of the time. The content is designed for men and women of all ages to enjoyably deepen their understanding of history.
4. Hands-on Events using Traditional Crafts like Aizu Cotton and Akabeko
A hands-on event "Samurai Occupation Experience" where guests can touch the life and culture of samurai will be held. Guests can experience traditional Aizu folk crafts such as Akabeko and Okiagari Koboshi.
■ Outline of "Aizu SAMURAI WEEK" Tie-up Project "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~"
Higashiyama Onsen has a history of being visited by Shinsengumi Vice Commander Toshizo Hijikata for hot spring therapy, making it a hot spring resort deeply connected to samurai society*. Following last autumn, the Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau will hold "Aizu SAMURAI WEEK" on June 6 (Sat) and 7 (Sun). This event, held for the first time in 2025, is driven by an elite group aiming to enliven the region. Toho, which has walked alongside the community for over 50 years, agrees with this vision. By reconstructing Aizu's historical background as a tourism resource, Toho will host "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~", providing a consistent experiential value of warrior culture across the three areas of dining, experience, and spatial staging. Staff wearing armor costumes will welcome guests. Furthermore, diverse programs will be implemented, including the sale of "Ikusa-meshi" (warrior's meal) limited to 30 meals a day, a POP-up event by Fukuei Coffee offering "Samurai Blend", painting experiences and Aizu cotton crafting experiences, a falconry demonstration by a falconer, a special bath using herbal medicines called "Departure Bath", a history lecture by the director of the Aizu Shinsengumi Fan Club, and an interactive kamishibai (picture story show).
Moreover, starting May 11, 2026, the "Aizu Bukezen" will be offered at the buffet restaurant "Agaransho". Recreating a samurai's meal, guests can experience Aizu's warrior culture through both food and space. By utilizing its resources as a hot spring inn and providing accommodation, dining, and experiences in an integrated manner, Toho will contribute to the revitalization of the local economy.
*Source: Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Tourism Association | Gurutto Aizu
■ Outline of "Aizu Bukezen" Offering at the Buffet Restaurant
Dinner and breakfast menus centered on Aizu's traditional cuisine will be served, recreating a samurai's meal. Guests can experience the culture of Aizu, the stage of various histories such as the Byakkotai and Shinsengumi, through both food and space.
[Period] Monday, May 11, 2026 - Sunday, June 7, 2026
[Location] Buffet Restaurant "Agaransho"
■ Overview of Each Program in "Yumori Samurai ~Preparing at Higashiyama's Hot Springs Before the Battle~"
1. Opening Event: "Falconry Demonstration" by a Falconer
At the opening ceremony, a falconry demonstration will be performed by "Buddy's falconry", a falconer active in Kitakata City. Falcons have been regarded as an important existence since ancient times in samurai society, often presented to the Shogunate. In the Aizu domain as well, history tells of falcons joining processions. Through this demonstration, guests can experience a part of traditional Japanese culture.
2. 2-Day Limited Sale of "Ikusa-meshi" and "Samurai Blend" POP-up Event by Fukuei Coffee
During the period, "Toho's Ikusa-meshi" will be sold, limited to 30 meals. This menu is designed to resemble an Aizu-style warrior's meal, inspired by the food culture of the time when samurai heading into battle would build up their stamina. In addition, the specialty coffee shop Fukuei Coffee in Koriyama will offer "Samurai Blend". Please enjoy the freshly ground flavor.
[Price] 5,350 yen (including bathing tax)
*Includes usage fee for the large public baths "Tanagumo no Yu" and "Sora no Yu"
[Reservation] "Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Onyado Toho" 0242-36-1122 (Reservation priority)
3. Samurai Deep-Dive Event via Samurai Kamishibai and Shinsengumi Secret History Lecture
Guests can enjoy a participatory kamishibai based on Aizu's history (such as the Byakkotai). In addition, a lecture by the director of the local Aizu Shinsengumi Fan Club will be held, providing an opportunity to learn more deeply about the relationship between Aizu and the Shinsengumi and the historical background of the time. The content is designed for men and women of all ages to enjoyably deepen their understanding of history.
4. Hands-on Events using Traditional Crafts like Aizu Cotton and Akabeko
A hands-on event "Samurai Occupation Experience" where guests can touch the life and culture of samurai will be held. Guests can experience traditional Aizu folk crafts such as Akabeko and Okiagari Koboshi.