Yugawara Onsen

Rising near the border with Shizuoka at the southwestern edge of Kanagawa, Yugawara Onsen carries a long history, having been praised in the Manyoshu, the poetry anthology of the Nara period. From the Meiji era it was loved by many writers, including Kunikida Doppo and Natsume Soseki, and Manyo Park at the heart of the spa town still conveys that cultured atmosphere.

Highlights

- Manyo Park, home to a poem monument tied to the Manyoshu and a memorial to the writer Kunikida Doppo - Waterfalls along the parks mountain stream and brilliant autumn leaves - The Doppo no Yu footbaths, a circuit of nine stone paved pools - The so called healing water, mainly sodium chloride springs

Enjoying the Seasons

From winter into early spring the plum trees of the Yugawara plum grove bloom, announcing the arrival of spring to the spa town. The fresh green season makes strolling along the stream a pleasure, and autumn brings stunning foliage to Manyo Park. Being close to both sea and mountains, you can enjoy seasonal delicacies alongside your bath.

Access and Basic Information

- From Tokyo Station via the Tokaido Shinkansen and a local line to Yugawara Station in about one hour at the fastest - Buses from Yugawara Station toward the spa town and Manyo Park - Manyo Park sits at the center of the spa town and is listed among Japans notable historic parks - Main water types are sodium and calcium chloride springs and sulfate springs

A Quick Tip

Yugawara is also a town of literature. Walking through Manyo Park to trace the poem monuments and the footsteps of past writers, then resting your feet at the Doppo no Yu footbaths, lets you feel in your body why this water has drawn people for so long.