Guida
Yugawara Onsen is located in Yugawara Town, Ashigara District, Kanagawa Prefecture. The hot springs emerge from the eroded caldera of the Yugawara volcano, which ceased activity hundreds of thousands of years ago. The area boasts a diverse range of water qualities, including simple springs, weak saline springs, and gypsum springs. With source temperatures ranging from 30°C to 88°C, the waters are highly regarded for treating skin diseases, muscle pain, neuralgia, and sensitivity to cold. Unlike the neighboring Atami, which is characterized by large-scale hotels, Yugawara maintains a calm and sophisticated atmosphere dominated by traditional Japanese-style inns (Ryokan).
There are several legends regarding the discovery of Yugawara Onsen. Historical accounts attribute the discovery to figures such as En no Gyoja, Hozumi Nokomi-maro, Gyoki, or Kobo Daishi, and even local legends involving a raccoon dog. The area's deep history is also reflected in the Manyoshu, an ancient collection of Japanese poetry that contains verses about these hot springs. Since the Meiji era, Yugawara has been a sanctuary for many famous Japanese writers and literary masters who visited the area to find inspiration for their work.
The primary charm of Yugawara Onsen lies in its diverse spring types and excellent day-trip bathing facilities. There are five main day-use facilities within the town, allowing visitors to choose based on their preferences, such as municipal facilities or those with attached heated swimming pools. Additionally, near the town, you can visit the 'Doppo-no-yu' footbath at Manyo Park, a perfect way to relax during a stroll. The hot spring town spreads along the valley of the Chitose River, offering a scenic landscape shaped by the natural topography.
Yugawara Onsen can be enjoyed year-round. The most pleasant times to visit are from March to May and from September to November, when the climate is mild and comfortable. Since the operating hours for day-trip facilities and local shops vary, it is highly recommended to check the schedules in advance. You can enjoy different atmospheres depending on the time of day, from the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the hot spring town at night to the refreshing scenery during daytime walks.
In addition to staying at traditional Japanese inns, you can easily enjoy the hot springs through day-trip bathing. You can also experience the warmth of the springs casually at local footbath facilities. Walking through the natural surroundings of the hot spring area is another unique way to experience the local environment. By visiting different springs with varying water qualities, you can truly feel the different textures and therapeutic benefits of each.
Access to the hot spring area begins at Yugawara Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line. It is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station to the entrance of the hot spring district, and about 30 minutes to the central area. Alternatively, you can take a bus from the station, which takes about 10 minutes to reach the Okuyugawara or Fudo Falls areas. For those traveling by car, you can use the route via the Ishibashi Interchange on the Seisho Bypass or descend from the Hakone area via the Yugawara Parkway.