The onsen area was opened in the late 8th century, and is said to have been established by the Buddhist priest Gyōki, during the Tenpyo era. According to legend, he discovered the spot by following a bird with three legs. During the Edo period, it was popular with the Aizu samurai, and developed as a retreat area. References to the onsen appear in a traditional Aizu folksong written by Ohara Shosuke.