Youth Guest House Atoma

Sorry this is a story from more than ten years ago, but I stayed here once and still remember it fondly. I took the bus from Fukushima Station, and the stop is close by. As a youth hostel, it has shared rooms. Our winter stay was warm and comfortable, and dinner was delicious. Guests had a friendly feel, like we were all gathered at a friend’s home. There were even snowmen outside. I’m from Fukushima Prefecture, though I’ve since moved to Mie Prefecture, and I hadn’t known such a lovely place was there. There was a hot spring further along, across a suspension bridge, with a beautiful view from the base of the mountain. But the thing that really stood out was the 55cm telescope. In the cold clear air, I could see Saturn in the night sky and make out its rings with my own eyes. It wasn’t big, but I was thrilled. Recommended if you enjoy stargazing.

I stayed here on a touring trip in late September 2006. It’s a youth guesthouse, a step up from the youth hostels I usually use, and the food was better than I’d expected. The stars were beautiful, and I really enjoyed talking with the owner. I heard there’s a nearby ski area with good snow that can be used almost like a private slope. I thought I’d bring my family sometime in winter, and although a lot of time has passed, I wanted to finally share this.

The owner is an astronomy enthusiast and was very kind. He gave each of us a Fukushima peach, saying he wanted us to try it because it was delicious, and it was! I stayed in early August 2019 and joined the stargazing sessions held on clear nights. Through the third largest telescope in Tohoku, I saw Saturn and the Moon. I could also pick out the Summer Triangle and Cygnus with the naked eye, which made the trip memorable. I recommend the place, as long as you understand the basics of staying in a youth hostel.

This inn gives you room to spend your time in different ways. You can chat with experienced guests or bring your own food to keep costs down. It’s a youth hostel that keeps evolving, mixing the good things about the older style with what works today. I’d recommend it if you need a place to stay in Fukushima City.