Hanawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kōma Town, the top choice for traditional ambiance is Kōma Onsen Ryokan, a centuries-old inn featuring authentic tatami mats, sliding shoji screens, and private outdoor onsen baths overlooking Mount Ouchi. Guests enjoy kaiseki dinner crafted with seasonal local ingredients, including wild mountain vegetables and fresh fish from the Akagawa River. The serene setting blends Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) with natural beauty, offering a true immersion in rural Fukushima culture.

The most scenic accommodation area in Kōma Town is the Ouchi Mountain foothills, where properties like Yamakaze Villa offer panoramic views of Fujimi Plateau and the Hinata Valley. These lodges are nestled among cedar forests and provide easy access to hiking trails, sunrise viewing spots, and the Kōma Shrine. Staying here allows guests to experience the quiet majesty of nature, with morning mist rising from the valley—perfect for photographers and those seeking tranquility.

Visitors to Kōma Town must attend the Spring Wild Herb Gathering Festival, held annually in April. Locals guide guests through the Ouchi Forest to harvest edible plants like fuki-no-tobo, yamabushitake, and tōgi. Afterward, participants join a hands-on cooking session at the Kōma Cultural Hall, learning traditional preparation methods. This event celebrates local ecological knowledge and the deep connection between community and seasonality in Fukushima’s mountain villages.

Kōma Town’s hot springs are renowned for their weakly alkaline carbonated mineral water, rich in silica and calcium. The Kōma Onsen source flows directly from deep underground, known for soothing skin and easing muscle tension. Many ryokan feature open-air baths surrounded by forest, allowing guests to soak under the stars or amid falling snow. The combination of natural geothermal energy and untouched surroundings creates a deeply restorative, nature-immersive experience.

Yes, Green Hill Family Cottage in Kōma Town is ideal for families. It features spacious rooms with kids’ play zones, a fenced garden, and a kitchenette for meal prep. Daily activities include forest scavenger hunts, traditional craft workshops, and guided walks to the Hinata Waterfall. With child-safe facilities and locally-sourced breakfasts, it fosters a warm, inclusive environment perfect for intergenerational travel and bonding in nature.

The best spot for autumn foliage in Kōma Town is the Hinata Valley Trail, where maple and oak trees blaze crimson and gold from late October to early November. Start your visit at Fujimi Lookout, then follow the winding path along the Akagawa River. Along the way, stop at rustic tea huts serving local chestnut tea and dried persimmon snacks. The golden light filtering through the canopy creates a magical atmosphere—ideal for photography and mindful wandering.

For couples seeking intimacy, Starlight Forest Hideaway offers six secluded cabins with private onsen baths facing the night sky. Each room includes a custom candlelit dinner, a handwritten love letter, and access to a shared forest terrace. Located far from urban noise, this retreat emphasizes quiet connection, stargazing, and sensory experiences—making it perfect for anniversaries or honeymooners wanting a peaceful escape into nature.

Must-try dishes in Kōma Town include Kōma Burdock Roll (deep-fried burdock root wrapped in egg), wild mushroom miso soup, and Fukushima black bean rice. These flavors come from farms and kitchens using locally grown produce and traditional recipes. Visit the Kōma Market to buy fresh mountain herbs, dried persimmons, and handmade tofu. Dining here supports small-scale farmers and offers a genuine taste of mountain life in Fukushima.

During winter, Kōma Town hosts the Snow Forest Light Festival, running from December to February. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the Ouchi Trail, casting warm glows on snow-covered pines. Activities include snowshoe hikes, ice sculpture workshops, and cozy stays at Snow Hut Inns serving hot sake. Some ryokan even offer snow-drenched onsen experiences, where you soak beneath falling snow—creating a dreamlike, meditative moment in the heart of winter.

From Fukushima Station, take a direct bus to Kōma Town Center Bus Stop (approx. 45 minutes). Many high-end inns, such as Kōma Onsen Ryokan, provide complimentary shuttle service. For eco-conscious travelers, bike rentals are available at town hubs, allowing exploration of the Hinata Loop Trail. With well-marked paths and multilingual signage, navigating Kōma Town’s scenic areas is seamless—supporting sustainable, low-impact tourism.