Located in the town of Yugawara on the western edge of Kanagawa Prefecture's coastline, the hot springs gush out along the valley of the Chitose River, which flows out of Hakone Mountain. The river borders the prefecture, and there are several hot spring resorts on the south side that belong to Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. There are only a few large hotels. Most of the inns are upscale, ikkenyado-style Japanese ryokan (inns with only one house standing quietly and secludedly), which keep the image of an emotional hot spring resort.
This is the only hot spring that appears in Japan's oldest collection of waka poems," Manyoshu." There is the "Manyo Park" here that commemorates a poem by a man who composed a poem about his thoughts of love using the hot water (or steam, according to another theory) that gushes out of this Yugawara a motif. Since the Meiji era (1868-1912), the area has been loved by many great writers, including Kunikida Doppo, Natsume Soseki, and Nishimura Kyotaro, one of the most famous mystery writers of the Showa era (1926-1989).
There are many natural and historical attractions, including Fudo Falls, a 15-meter drop, and Shitodo no Kutsu, a cave where Minamoto no Yoritomo is said to have hidden. In early spring, the "Yugawara Plum Grove" boasts 4,000 red and white plum blossoms, and in autumn, "Momiji no Sato" is home to 540 maple trees that turn red.
Photo courtesy of Yugawara Town Tourism Division
Highlights
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The image of a good old Japanese hot spring resort remains intact.
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The area is blessed with various seafood from the sea and mountains. It is also known as a gourmet hot spring resort, with many famous restaurants offering Japanese cuisine and ramen, French cuisine, Italian cuisine, sweets, bread, and more.
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There are many sightseeing spots where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the sea, mountains, and rivers. The beautiful seasonal scenery of flowers and autumn leaves can be enjoyed.
