Demon Slayer Infinity Castle in REAL LIFE | Ashinomaki-Onsen Ookawaso
Hi! Today, we’re staying at an onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) in Fukushima Prefecture. The ryokan is famous for its resemblance to a certain Japanese manga setting. I even did my nails inspired by that manga. Really excited about today.
The destination, Ashinomaki Onsen Station, is about a 4-hour train ride from Asakusa Station in Tokyo. On local trains, remember that only cash is accepted for tickets. Also, for today’s journey, you’ll need a separate reserved-seat ticket in addition to the regular fare.
It’s usually not too crowded, but it’s always good to check the route in advance. The companion for our long journey is ‘The Walking Dead.’ Been watching it a lot lately. Wow, I just noticed the scenery outside has turned into a snowy landscape! It’s beautiful.
In the northern areas of Japan, snowfall begins around late November. Having grown up in a place not used to snow, I get excited seeing it. The snowy countryside is truly soothing. We’ve arrived at the transfer station, Aizutajima Station. Next, we’re boarding this adorable cat-themed train!
At our destination, Ashinomaki Onsen Station, there’s even a cat stationmaster. This is the special train wrapped in a theme featuring the cat stationmaster. The snow isn’t falling, but it’s piled up everywhere. Even during the day, the temperature is around 1°C (33.8°F), so it’s cold. Really regretting not bringing my scarf.
Arrived at Ashinomaki Onsen Station. Thank you, meow meow train. Bye bye👋. Photography is prohibited for the cat station master. The cat stationmaster Sakura was on duty and she was adorable! Now we’re taking the free shuttle bus from the station.
Make sure to reserve your spot on the shuttle by the day before your stay. The ryokan is about a 5-minute drive from the station. Oh, there it is! That white building over there. We’ve arrived. Thank you very much. Wow, even the entrance looks impressive.
This ryokan, established in 1953, is the first ryokan to open in Ashinomaki Onsen. Located along the Ookawa River, it’s surrounded by the charm of nature, including valleys and mountains. The first thing you notice as you enter is the open-air lobby. It’s really cool!
This floating stage is also known for resembling the ‘Infinity Castle’ in the manga ‘Demon Slayer. From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, there’s also a shamisen performance here. Below, water flows, creating a beautiful visual and soothing sounds. The floating stage at the center with intersecting pathways is an artistic structure.
Beyond the bridge is the lounge “Tonbo no Niwa.” There’s a harmony of Japanese and modern atmospheres. In the middle is a stylish pentagonal fireplace, with plenty of seating available. Outside the window, you can see mountains and rivers, a beautiful natural scenery. You can enjoy drinks like sake here. Let’s come back later.
Now, our room for this stay is the “Yoimachitei Standard Room.” The price for two people was 44,300 yen (303.67 USD / € 277.22). There’s also a large souvenir shop. They sell a variety of food, knick-knacks, and alcohol. Aizu is famous for its traditional crafts and folk arts, like Aizu lacquerware and Akabeko.
They are unique and very beautiful. The first floor houses a restaurant where we plan to have dinner tonight. It’s closed now, but… It seems the stairs become accessible for going up and down at night. There are 110 rooms in total, but the inn is not crowded and feels calm.
There are two types of buildings: the 7-story Tsukimitei and the 10-story Yoimachitei. Our room is on the 7th floor of Yoimachitei. The corridors are bright with sunlight pouring in. Oh, here is our room. Ah, I often make the wrong choice in two-option scenarios. We take off our shoes before entering the room.
It’s a simple Japanese-style room with a pleasant tatami scent. Lovely. In the center, there’s a table, and by the large window in the back, there’s a kotatsu table. It’s a sunken kotatsu, so you can sit comfortably without kneeling. Japanese sweets and green tea were prepared for us. Let’s enjoy them. It’s pleasantly warm.
The Japanese sweet is a yamashio salt yokan. It’s made with salt boiled down from hot spring water. Not too sweet, with a perfect hint of saltiness. The beans inside are a nice touch. The room is equipped with a TV and free Wi-Fi. The toilet and other facilities seem to be in the back.
There are yukatas, towels, and a safety box. A vanity table. A large three-sided mirror. Here’s the washbasin and bath area. A simple and clean washbasin with a modern feel. Cups, tissues, toothbrushes, and a hair dryer are provided. In front of the washbasin, there’s a bath.
A regular bath. Probably doesn’t have hot spring water. Since there’s a public hot spring bath, we might not use this one. Opening this door takes us back to the entrance. The fridge is empty, handy for storing anything we buy. Here is the toilet.
A clean toilet with a small washbasin and a bidet system. Yukatas of various sizes are available, corresponding to different heights. If the yukatas in the room don’t fit, you can exchange them. The green yukata is cute. Let’s go to the open-air bath. The door isn’t auto-locking, so don’t forget to lock it.
We have two room keys, so it’s convenient if we go to different places. The open-air bath is open to all to 9:30 AM, and for private use after 1:00 PM. We’ve actually booked it at check-in. The private rental fee is 3,300 yen (22.62 USD / € 20.65) for a 45-minute use.
The open-air bath is on the second basement floor. Consider taking a shower in the indoor bath first, as there are no showers at the open-air bath. Suddenly, we come across a stage-like structure. It’s nice. Before COVID, they used to have mochi (rice cake) pounding shows here.
I hope they resume soon. I’d love to try mochi pounding. “The open-air bath is currently reserved for private use.” This area seems like the old wing, the atmosphere is quite different. These stairs continue for about 3 minutes, giving a sense of exploration.
It’s so cold, I wish I’d worn a coat. Let’s warm up in the onsen quickly. In the morning, the right side is for men and the left is for women. During the afternoon private hours, families can enjoy the onsen together, regardless of gender.
When it’s reserved, don’t forget to lock the door from the inside. It has a nostalgic feel to it. The changing area is spacious. There are no amenities like hair dryers. Bath towels and hand towels are provided. This is the only heating device. It’s warm. What’s this? Looks like a reception window.
I can see inside. Don’t know what it is, but it’s interesting. Let’s warm up quickly! A relaxing open-air bath. The stone bathtub has a natural feel to it, nice. This bath is built jutting out towards the gorge. It offers a view of the natural landscape. This onsen is sulfate spring water.
It’s clear and colorless, with a faint scent. My body was cold, so I’m feeling a tingling sensation all over. It feels so good. That was wonderful. Let’s head back now. Oh, I hear some traditional Japanese music. It seems the shamisen performance that starts at 4 pm has begun! Wow. Amazing!
Wow, this strikingly resembles a moment in ‘Demon Slayer’ where a character plays a traditional instrument. But I think this is captivating for anyone, even those unfamiliar with the anime. It’s unrealistically beautiful. It’s amazing how the shamisen can produce such a variety of sounds. The warm sounds are comforting.
The shamisen performance is from 4 pm to 6 pm, and the monthly schedule is announced on website. When staying here, checking the performance dates and arrival time is a must. Suddenly we are in the mood for some sake, so let’s go to the lounge.
You can buy a special coin for 450 yen (3.08 USD / € 2.82) each at the front desk. Then choose your favorite sake and press the button to get 100ml. I chose a sake from Aizu, and my husband chose an Aizu wine. It’s soothing. Good.
Enjoying sake while listening to the shamisen, such an adult luxury. It’s almost dinner time, so let’s head downstairs. Thank you for the wonderful performance. We’ll be having a Japanese kaiseki meal at the restaurant “KAWADOKO.” The floating shamisen stage we saw earlier is close by.
Wow, amazing. This is what it looks like from below. This is the stage. The red part is strictly no shoes allowed. The restaurant features a special kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients sourced from Aizu. There are private and semi-private dining rooms, and we have a private room. Looks good!
>> Waitress: Let me explain the dishes. >> Waitress: This is a medicinal hot pot with turnip buns. >> Waitress: The meat is wagyu sirloin from Fukushima Prefecture. >> Waitress: The sashimi, from left to right, is red shrimp, sea bass, yellowtail, and trout.
Alongside fried crab, steamed chicken, and soba noodles, there are various other dishes as well. Now, let’s eat. This is ankimo (monkfish liver) with ponzu jelly. Good! Sashimi with fresh seasonal fish, beautifully arranged. The fish is fresh with firm flesh. The hot pot is warming up now.
The fish in the hot pot is snapper. Full of vegetables, it’s gentle on the body and warming. A big shrimp! Soba noodles are one of the Aizu gourmet specialties. If desired, white rice is also available. The aroma and texture are perfect. A flawless soba. A delicious and blissful time.
>> Waitress: Thank you for waiting. They’ve started heating the meat dish hot pot. First, butter on the hot plate. Then, Fukushima Prefecture wagyu sirloin. Smells great. It’s bound to be delicious. Besides the meat, there are mushroom, pumpkin, bell pepper, wheat gluten, and sanche.
This is a miso sauce with citrus juice. The mild acidity is just right. Even the fat and sinew of the meat are tender and good. Cooking it ourselves is also fun. Dessert is pudding, sake lees bavarois, and fruit. The pudding, made with hot spring water salt, is refreshing. Perfect after the meal.
Thank you for the meal! It was good. Enjoying Fukushima’s local produce in moderate portions was great. On the way back, the stairs were open, so let’s go up. The stage is impressive every time I see it. Now, we’ve come to the separate baths for men and women.
This spa offers massage machines, a sauna, and an esthetic area. It’s spacious. The grape shampoo smelled amazing. The bath is spacious! There’s a large window, so you can enjoy the natural scenery. Going down the stairs on the side, you’ll find the open-air bath. Wow! There are three bathtubs arranged in a step-like formation. Beautiful.
The lowest one is right in front of the mountain, offering an impressive view. The water is clear, so you can see the stones on the floor of the bath clearly. In other seasons, the changing colors of the trees must be beautiful too.
The women’s sauna is a stone sauna where you can lie on stones. After the bath, should we have a bottle of milk? I was undecided, but… I want ice cream! I wanted to eat matcha flavor. But it’s sold out. Hmm… I chose caramel classic instead. Toasting in front of the lounge fireplace.
It’s a real fire, so if you’re not careful, the ice cream will melt. We’re back in our room. Oh, the futons are laid out. Thank you. Toothbrush. Every time I stay at places like this, I’m touched by the traditional Japanese architecture, scenery, and hospitality.
Today, too, I could spend a heartwarming day in this lovely ryokan. I’m really happy if I could share a bit of this healing experience with all of you. It’s time to sleep now. Good night. Good morning. It’s time for breakfast. Today’s breakfast is a buffet in a different venue from last night’s dinner.
Thank you. The ceiling is high, and the place feels beautiful. The menu includes Japanese, Western, and Chinese options. So many choices. There are sausages, quiche, grilled fish… what to choose. A great selection of fruits and drinks too. Let’s start picking what we like. For staples, there’s bread and…
Also egg over rice prepared by the chef right in front of you. Fluffy meringue with rich Aizu chicken yolk. Then they torch it! Thank you. We brought various dishes. Looks good. Let’s eat. Yes, it’s nice! If the bill is already settled, just returning the key to the box completes the checkout.
The return bus is at 11 AM, so with some time to spare, let’s visit the souvenir shop. The Aizu crafts are truly beautiful. Local toy Akabeko. Cute. Okiagari-Koboshi dolls (Roly-poly toys). After much deliberation, I chose cinnamon and Akabeko collaboration socks. There seem to be many foreign customers.
While few staff are fluent in English, they are very polite and kind. Having a translation app just in case can make the stay easier. It’s a very nice ryokan and highly recommended! Okawa-so viewed from a bridge: impressive mountain slopes. On the way back, it started to snow! How delightful.
Thank you for watching! See you next time.
*This video was filmed with permission in all places including the public bath.
📌It’s Time to Travel Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1jon84Y-_3WyjALR0oQSPBDFw3KPLcLA&usp=sharing
💻Website
https://www.ookawaso.co.jp/
🗒How to book
Agoda: https://px.a8.net/svt/ejp?a8mat=3TLBA5+BIDQL6+4X1W+BW0YB&a8ejpredirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.agoda.com%2Fookawaso%2Fhotel%2Faizuwakamatsu-jp.html%3Fcid%3D1844104%26ds%3DmjT5%252FH8nUOkb2bR8
Hotel.com: https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/4z76VsO
Trip.com: https://www.trip.com/hotels/aizuwakamatsu-hotel-detail-6063624/okawaso/?Allianceid=3822208&SID=21734476&trip_sub1=&trip_sub3=D133940
🚃🚶♀️How to get to there
5 minutes from Ashinomaki Onsen Station by free shuttle bus.
*A cat stationmaster works at Ashinomaki Onsen Station!
MAP: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zw3mfkkc6BfqH46a8
💰Price
It costs 44,300 yen (303.67 USD / € 277.22) for two people.
*Prices vary depending on plan and season.
🚃JAPAN RAIL PASS is the economical and convenient means of traveling throughout Japan by rail!!
https://click.jrpass.com/aff_c?offer_id=19&aff_id=1038
⌛️Time Stamp
0:00 Opening
0:42 How to Get to the Inn
3:40 Arrival at the Inn
4:90 Beautiful Lobby
6:59 Room Tour
10:32 Directions to Private Open-Air Bath
12:13 Private Open-Air Bath
13:55 Shamisen Performance (Demon Slayer’s Infinite Castle)
16:31 Dinner Time
21:17 Public Bath Area
22:59 Getting Ready for Bed
25:02 Good Morning & Breakfast
27:06 Souvenir Shop
♫Ending Music
Akira Okumura (https://lit.link/akiraxxxx)
#demonslayer #onsen #infinitycastle #hotspring #japantravel #vlog #asmr #CC_for_Subtitle
————————————————————————
・Titles, descriptions and subtitles done by auto translation so may not be correct.
・The price in the video uses the exchange rate at the time of editing.
・Prices may change depending on the season.
・We may be using affiliate links.
38 Comments
To meet the cat stationmaster, I recommend using Ashinomaki Onsen Station 🐱(The stationmaster has irregular days off).
If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to hit that like button, leave a comment, and share it with your friends☺Thank you so much.
🔻 Japanese Onsen Ryokan Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8s0IirUameYLXQyIE-dhrmwrWk5urihL
As a woman who loves heavy metal music, I cannot help but hear a striking resemblance between the Shamisen music and the music that I love, absolutely wonderful.
Arigato gozaimasu 🤘🥰🤘
🇦🇺💖🇯🇵
福島県に来てくれてありがとうございます！
One room its not KIMETSU NO YAIBA JUST….. FREE PUBLICITY FOR YOU
Most dreamy designed onsen
You and your husband always produce the best content. I love how quiet you all are and respectful of privacy. Please do more!
Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel Ookawaso
984, SHIMODAIRA, ASHINOMAKI, OOTOMACHI, AIZUWAKAMATSU,
FUKUSHIMA
会津芦ノ牧温泉 大川荘
福島県会津若松市 大戸町大字芦ノ牧字下平984
Magnifique endroit je crois que c est le plus beau haul d entrée que j ai vue ou ll extérieur et l intérieur se confonde et qu elle démesure incroyable les prestations sont simples mais efficaces rien à redire validé et aussi un grand bravo à cette demoiselle pour sa prestation musicale parfais
Thank you
disappointed because i couldn't find any michael jackson jokes
Dream 💜
Wow another amaaazing ryokan. 🤩👍
Thank you for the video
أعجبني الفندق إنه تحفة فنية 😊 الغرف على الطراز الياباني مريحة 🤗 شكرا لكما 💜💜💜
台湾は 千と千尋で 日本には 鬼滅もあるんですね ゾッとした スゲーΣ(￣ロ￣lll)
I didn't realise shamisen was so calming and soothing. No wonder you enjoyed some good sake while listening.
amongus slayer castle
no dead things eating. eat the jain hindu food way
The Shamisen performance was out of this world. I can't believe how aesthetic the whole stage is. The places I want to got to when I visit japan one day just keep stacking up, and this place is definitely high up on the list🌟
i've seen the anime but i really really appreciate you not "spoiling" the certain scene and certain character, etc etc that the shamisen performance resembled!!! very thoughtful of you for the watchers that havent seen the anime yet ^^
Amazing place that made me miss Japan again! Every inch of this place exudes Japanese style elegance.
Incredible
Love the Demon Slayer nails too ❤🔥
Gorgeous, and very sumptuous. But also still warming and approachable.
Im also a huge fan of the walking dead series. The series was filming at Senoia Georgia, 5 mins drive from my sub division. We regularly seen the actors and production team dined in Peachtree City Avenue Mall. Love all your videos, thank you for the producing them.
upon entering this in I will yell this is awesome ganpachiro
Your videos make me want to get on a plane to Japan.
reminds us of the halo reach map, "reflection"
It was an absolutely beautiful video,its like we are there with you…thank you very much,was a very pleasant moment❤❤❤
Very nice vid…..you guys impresss as always enjoying yourselves in whatever place/activity. I especially like the Ginzan Onsen vlog, so many youtubers go there seeminly without preparations, only to find themselves without food, lodging and transportation🤯 in freezing or near freezing temps. Good job guys….like someone else commented makes me want to book a flight to Japan.🎉
I have the impression from watching videos from Japan that the environment and temperature in northern part of Japan is similar to the west coast of Norway.
24:53 😊
This place don't hold back on the luxury. I would love to spend a couple of days there and try the food.
Hi I want to leave a testimony of mine here, I hope to make you happy on your day and give you hope, a long time ago my life was empty and I had a great deprecation in my heart and I went through addictions to add my heart to that emptiness, but one day I was home alone and felt like talking to God, I was not a Christian nor did I attend any church, but I prayed to Jesus Christ and said; I prayed to Jesus Christ and said: "Jesus, if you're real, take that emptiness away from me, and at that moment a very good peace came into my life and I began to cry, and I prayed again for God to confirm that it was him who was sending me that peace and days later what I asked for specifically happened in detail I want to tell you that Jesus loves you, he wants to do the same for you, he heals you, he gives you a happiness that you have never felt anywhere else, I want to tell you that Jesus loves you, he wants to do the same for you, he wants to heal you, he wants to give you happiness that you've never felt anywhere else, a prayer from you can change everything, he wants to hear you, and don't forget to ask for his salvation an example I want to leave here, but pray with your heart that God he is faithful and he heard you (Jesus Christ today I ask for your salvation in my life, heal me and cleanse me of all my mistakes I surrender my life into your hands) thank you for reading I believe that God has a great story for your life Jesus loves you
Another know how stolent from China they don't tell you that do they because they know that is shameful thing to do like katakana?
Soooo mesmerizing 🤩
無惨様レベルだと旅館住みなんだな。
Very nice video ❤❤❤❤❤it’s amazing
初めまして😊
鬼滅の刃大好きなので、めちゃくちゃ良かったです❣️
紹介の仕方もでしゃばってなくて見る側の人の事を考えてて下さり、泊まってる気分になりました❣️
これからも応援しますので、お身体ご自愛ください❤
キルビルや