Oedo Onsen Monogatari Aizu, a hot spring inn in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, is inviting summer guests to try their hand at a piece of local folk art. From Sunday, July 19 to Sunday, August 23, the inn is holding a special summer-only Akabeko painting experience, letting visitors decorate the region's iconic red cow craft with their own designs.
A Beloved Symbol of Aizu
Akabeko, a red cow figure long treasured in the Aizu region as a folk craft and as a charm believed to ward off evil and disease, has recently drawn renewed attention on social media and among younger generations for its charming look.
Wanting to give guests visiting during summer vacation more than just hot springs and good food, the inn designed this easy-to-enjoy, in-house painting experience so that families and groups can also connect with Aizu's history and culture during their stay.
Paint Your Own Akabeko
Using paint and pens, participants freely decorate a plain red Akabeko figure with patterns and lettering of their own choosing — whether recreating a traditional look or creating a colorful, modern take. It's an activity that can keep both small children and adults thoroughly absorbed. The finished Akabeko can be taken home as a summer craft project or as a memento of the trip.
- Period: July 19 (Sun) to August 23 (Sun)
- Time: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Price: ¥1,300 (tax included)
- Duration: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes
- Location: 1st floor lobby
No reservation is required — guests can simply speak to staff on-site to join. After painting, the Akabeko needs up to two hours to dry, and the experience is offered on a limited basis while supplies last.
About Oedo Onsen Monogatari Aizu
Located in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Oedo Onsen Monogatari Aizu is a relaxed hot spring inn known for its open-air baths and beauty-enhancing waters.
Open-air bathing with beauty-enhancing waters: Guests can enjoy the inn's moisturizing "beauty-skin" hot spring water in an open-air bath that lets in the natural breeze.
All-weather kids' play area (free for guests): An indoor play space filled with play equipment keeps children entertained comfortably regardless of the summer weather. (Open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends, holidays, and long vacation periods.)
A buffet full of summer flavors: From July 1 to August 31, the buffet features colorful seasonal dishes such as pork and summer vegetables stir-fried in honey mustard sauce and chilled octopus and summer vegetable cappellini, alongside hearty and refreshing options like eel nigiri sushi, deep-fried skewers, and ocean-blue cake.
Address: 77-1 Higashi-Kozashi, Kitashigo, Kozashi-machi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima 965-0062
Access: About 7 minutes from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway
Official website: https://x.gd/Ix53q
