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

In Ono-chō, the best accommodation is Ono-chō Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn nestled in the quiet valley of Fukushima Prefecture. It features natural hot springs, tatami-matted rooms, and a serene garden overlooking the Kiyogawa River. Guests can enjoy authentic Tohoku cuisine, including grilled mackerel and locally brewed sake, while participating in cultural activities like tea ceremonies and kimono rentals. The inn’s wooden architecture and seasonal decorations reflect deep respect for local heritage, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and tradition.

The ideal place to stay in Ono-chō is the Old Town District near the Kiyogawa River. This tranquil neighborhood offers easy access to Ono Shrine, historic timber houses, and local craft workshops. Many guesthouses here, such as Kiyogawa Hakkan, provide family-style hospitality and guided tours of nearby farms and forests. Morning walks along the river, afternoon visits to the Fukushima Prefectural Museum Branch, and evening participation in seasonal festivals create an immersive experience in authentic rural Tohoku life.

Visitors to Ono-chō should not miss the Inaho Festival, held every October, where locals wear traditional attire and rhythmically beat rice with bamboo poles to celebrate harvest. The town also hosts hands-on workshops at the Ono-chō Ceramics Studio, where guests can craft Fukushima earthenware using local clay. Another highlight is the Traditional Papermaking Village, where you can learn how to make washi paper from kozo bark. These experiences, led by skilled artisans in historic farmhouses, offer deep insight into northeastern Japanese craftsmanship and heritage.

Ono-chō's hot springs are renowned for their natural bicarbonate-rich waters, especially at Shiratama Onsen in the Omiyama foothills. The mineral-rich baths soothe skin and relieve fatigue, with warm temperatures perfect for all seasons. The onsen complex features Edo-period wooden cabins and open-air baths overlooking the Kiyogawa River, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Some ryokans even offer "night-only" private baths with soft lighting and ambient music, enhancing the meditative quality of the experience. A true escape into nature and relaxation.

Tourists visiting Ono-chō must try grilled mackerel with pickled umeboshi served over Koshihikari rice, a staple of local cuisine. Another must-try is the mountain vegetable platter, featuring wild parsley, fiddlehead ferns, and matsutake mushrooms harvested from nearby forests. For a full immersion, book a "Day-in-the-Life" meal at Tanabata Guesthouse, where you’ll help gather ingredients, cook, and serve a traditional miso soup and handmade tofu. Don’t forget to sample black bean sake, a rich, sweet drink made from local grains—perfect for pairing with meals.

Yes, Ono-chō is highly suitable for families. Kids can enjoy feeding sheep and milking cows at the Kiyogawa Children’s Farm, or planting carrots and pumpkins in organic plots. Guided nature trails around the Kiyogawa River include interactive signs teaching about local wildlife. In winter, safe snow tubing events take place at Omiyama Foothills. Most guesthouses offer children’s yukata and craft workshops like paper umbrella painting and mochi-making, making it both fun and educational. The quiet, scenic environment provides a peaceful escape from urban chaos.

While Ono-chō lies inland in Fukushima Prefecture, it’s easily reachable via public transit. Take the Tōbu Railway from Koriyama Station to Ono-chō Station, then transfer to local shuttle buses. For greater flexibility, renting a bicycle or hiring a car is ideal—especially for reaching remote villages like Omiyama and Kiyogawa. The Ono-chō Tourist Center offers free maps and multilingual guides, including accessibility routes for elderly and disabled travelers. With clear signage and well-planned access points, exploring the town is smooth and stress-free.

Ono-chō changes beautifully with each season. Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Kiyogawa River, forming a pink tunnel. Summer is lush and green, perfect for hiking in Omiyama Forest. Autumn paints the hills red with maple trees, coinciding with the Inaho Festival. Winter blankets the village in snow, turning Shiratama Onsen into a magical lantern-lit wonderland. The annual Snow Lantern Festival sees villagers hang handcrafted lanterns across village lanes. Seasonal guided tours—like spring cherry-picking or autumn fruit-picking—offer immersive experiences that showcase the rhythm of rural Tohoku life.

Photographers love Ono-chō for its scenic beauty. Must-capture locations include the Kiyogawa Suspension Bridge, framed by morning mist; the red torii gate at Ono Shrine, set against ancient stone lanterns; and the historic timber house cluster, with weathered wood and climbing vines. During winter, Shiratama Onsen’s snow-covered outdoor baths are breathtaking under soft lantern light. The Omiyama Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the entire village and distant mountains. Many ryokans also provide dedicated photo zones—such as kimono dressing areas and tea ceremony gardens—ideal for capturing authentic moments.

Top souvenirs in Ono-chō include handmade Fukushima earthenware, rustic and functional; black bean sake and local rice wine, crafted from regional grains; and dried mountain vegetables like fiddlehead ferns and matsutake mushrooms. Visit the monthly Ono-chō Handicraft Market in the Old Town for artisan-made dolls, embroidery, and wood carvings. For a hands-on gift, try the paper umbrella workshop, where you design and paint your own waterproof umbrella. Each item comes with a story card detailing its origin and cultural significance—perfect for bringing home a piece of authentic Tohoku heritage.