YUGAWARA
Yugawara is a spa
town located close to Hakone and not far from Mt Fuji. Yugawara is
town steeped in history.
Yugawara is a quiet
haven nestled peacefully between the natural beauties of the Izu - Hakone
Mountains and Sagami Bay. Located in the most south - westerly
corner of Kanagawa Prefecture, this historic spa town reflects the
traditions and tranquillity of a by - gone era. With its quiet,
narrow streets, picturesque houses, and hospitable inns, Yugawara
invites the visitor to come and relax a while, and enjoy the many
pleasures that make Yugawara a hidden treasure to be discovered.
Doppo-no-yu foot spa complex, Yugawara
Yugawara is rich in
tradition and history. It is proud of its close ties to Japan's
first samurai government
established in Kamakura by Shogun
Yoritomo Minamoto in 1192. It was his aide, the Yugawara warlord,
Sanehira Doi, who helped Yoritomo raise an army strong enough to
establish Kamakura as the center of
Japanese political and cultural life.
Yugawara is located in south of Hakone (20
minutes by JR) and Yugawara makes an ideal base from which to make
excursions to the Fuji – Hakone - Izu National Park area (including Mt.
Fuji).
Yugawara, featured in the Japanese collection of poetry
"Manyo-syu" was the first ever collection of Japanese poems. It
contains about 4,500 poems, all written in the 7th and 8th centuries
and revolving around the eternal themes of love and nature's beauty.
One of these old verses makes special mention of the hot springs of
Yugawara.
Yugawara, the spa district, beloved of master writers and artists
Many well-known authors and intellectuals, such as Soseki
Natsume, return to Yugawara year after year to enjoy its scenic
charm and restful atmosphere. Through their writings, they have
introduced the beauties of Yugawara to the literary world. Today, in
Manyo Koen Park, you will find an impressive collection of many of
the flowering plants and shrubs described in the "Manyo-syu".
Volcamic origins of the hot springs
The waters that feed Yugawara's springs are heated by molten
magma lying deep in the heart of the neighbouring volcanic region of
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National park. However, the mineral content of the
water's source. Some springs are composed of "virgin water" which
originates in the fiery volcanic magma whereas other springs come
from water that has seeped down to the water table. Some spas boast
fonts of "fossilized seawater" water which has been trapped for eons
below the earth's surface.
Yugawara hot springs - proven effective for many types of ailment
Since ancient times, the hot springs of Yugawara have enjoyed a
reputation for their healing powers. One folk tale tells of the
priest Gyoki of Nara Yakushiji Temple. One night, while crossing
through the Hakone Mountains, he came upon an old man lying under a
tree suffering greatly with festering sores all over his body. Gyoki
took him gently on his back and carried him back to Yugawara where
he lowered him into the soothing waters of a hot mineral spring.
Instantly the old man transformed into Yakushi-nyorai, guardian
spirit of paradise and physician of souls. He commanded the monk to
build a spa where people suffering from incurable diseases could
come and be healed. Ever since then, the hot spring has been known
as "Yakushi-no-yu", or Yakushi's hot spring.
It is also said that in medieval times, Yoritomo Minamoto, who
established the military government at
Kamakura, healed a sword wound inflicted on him in battle by
bathing it in the hot springs of Yugawara.
Manyo Koen (Manyo
Park)
20min from JR
Yugawara station by bus, 1min walk from Fudotaki stop
A people place with locals and tourists alike, Manyo Park is rich in
both natural beauty and literary history. Named after "Manyo-syu",
the oldest Japanese collection of poetry, the park is dedicated to
Japanese writers and their literary works. The flowers and shrubs
collected here are the same as those which inspired the poets of the
"Manyo-syu."
Fudotaki Waterfall
20min from JR
Yugawara station by bus, 5min walk from Fudotaki stop
This beautiful waterfall appears in front of you at the end of the
pretty Manyo Park track. Close by this attractive 15m (49ft)
waterfall is a stone statue of Fudomyo-o, a powerful god associated
with averting evil.
Fudotaki Water fall, Yugawara
Doppo-no-yu (Doppo
Foot Spa)
10min from JR
Yugawara station by bus
Admission fee: 300yen
Open hours: 10am-6pm, close on the last day of every month
What is foot spa? – Simply slip off their shoes and socks and
immerse your weary feet in ankle-deep pools filled with hot water
and minerals. The experience offers many of the same benefits as a
traditional hot-spring bath - a beautiful setting, a sense of calm –
but requires much less time, money and disrobing. At the Doppo Foot
Spa, foot bathers can enjoy nine low spa pools in a forest park. The
water contains sodium and calcium, among other minerals, and the
town claims each bath helps a different body part, such as stomach,
kidney, liver, nerve, skin, ears, nose and brain. You can also get a
massage after bathing your feet.
Doppo-no-yu foot spa complex, Yugawara
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