Not Just Hot Springs! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yugawara

Yugawara is an old mountain hot spring town that was even celebrated in the Man'yōshū. In the past, many literary figures and painters stayed here, and many masterpieces were born in this place. When you think of Yugawara tourism, the image of hot springs is strong. However, Yugawara offers a variety of other attractions as well. With excellent access—only about two hours by train from Tokyo—here are eight recommended tourist spots in Yugawara that you shouldn’t miss.

1. Manyō Park

Manyō Park is a quintessential Yugawara tourist spot loved by many writers. Within the park, plants mentioned in the Manyōshū (the ancient collection of Japanese poetry) are planted to delight visitors’ eyes. In addition, there is the Manyō-tei, a thatched-roof building that reproduces ancient architecture from the Manyō period; stone monuments engraved with waka and haiku by literary figures associated with Yugawara; and even a large foot bath called Dokuhō no Yu. You can stroll around and enjoy various points of interest. Manyō-tei now functions as a tea room where you can savor authentic matcha. It is conveniently located right after you get off the bus at “Ochiai-bashi” on the bus bound for Fudō-taki and Oku-Yugawara from Yugawara Station.

2. MAZDA Sky Lounge

Popular as a destination for drives and motorcycle tours, if you’re visiting Yugawara by car or bike, be sure to stop by the MAZDA Sky Lounge located along the Tsubaki Line. This spot not only serves as a rest area but also offers a 360‑degree panoramic view of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, Hatsushima, Ōshima, Miura Peninsula, and Bōsō Peninsula. With a large, free parking lot available, you can enjoy the view at your leisure. There’s also a direct-sale section for fresh vegetables and fruits inside the building.

3. Nishimura Kyotaro Memorial Museum

The Nishimura Kyotaro Memorial Museum is dedicated to one of Japan’s leading mystery novelists, Nishimura Kyotaro, who lived and worked in Yugawara. This museum exhibits over 300 manuscripts from all his works, large-scale dioramas, and private, treasured collections. Many precious items that you can only see here are on display—an absolute treat for fans. One of the exhibits is a large N‑gauge railway model diorama that even hides a murder scene. Feel like the protagonist of a mystery novel as you solve the clues. There is also an attached café where you can enjoy the author’s favorite, authentic coffee.

4. Yugawara Art Museum

Yugawara Art Museum, operated by the town of Yugawara, is a small museum that has been cherished by many artists over the years. Its collection focuses on works by artists associated with Yugawara, such as Takeuchi Seiho, Yasui Sotaro, and Miyake Katsumi. In the “Heimin Reiji-kan,” where works by the honorary director, renowned Japanese painter Reiji Hiramatsu, are exhibited, you can also participate in studio tours to catch a glimpse of the creative process. An elegant café is also attached so you can enjoy a meal or tea while touring. The museum is conveniently located about a 10-minute bus ride from Yugawara Station.

5. Hoshigeyama Park – A Breathtaking Spot to Feel the Sea Breeze

Yugawara’s nature park, Makuyama Park, offers a variety of views throughout the seasons that are sure to delight visitors. In spring, you can admire cherry blossoms and yamabuki; in summer, hydrangeas and sursberi; in autumn, kinmokusei and vibrant fall foliage; and in winter, daffodils. No matter when you visit, the scenery is always stunning. A recommended highlight is the "Ume no Utage" (Plum Festival), which runs from February to mid-March when about 4,000 plum trees are in full bloom—a perfect complement to a trip to Yugawara.

For access by regular bus, take the bus from Yugawara to Kajiya and get off at the Morishita Park stop, then walk an additional 25 minutes. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes suitable for a sightseeing stroll. (During the Ume no Utage season, a temporary bus runs from the station to the plum grove.) There is also a parking lot for tourists near the park, so you can also get there by car or taxi.

6. One of Yugawara’s Most Famous Power Spots! Goshō Shrine

Goshō Shrine features an ancient kusunoki tree estimated to be 850 years old. It is said that Minamoto no Yoritomo prayed here for victory in battle. Reflecting its history of providing blessings for health, safety, and victory, this shrine is a perfect spot for tourism. You can directly touch the massive kusunoki tree to receive its power. Another huge tree facing the shrine is called “Myōjin Kusunoki,” so be sure not to miss this attraction. The shrine is accessible via bus from Yugawara Station (approximately 5 minutes by Izu-Hakone and Hakone Tozan buses from Bus Stop No. 2), and free parking is available.

7. Yugawara Municipal Art Museum – A Treasure Trove of Exhibits

The Yugawara Municipal Art Museum, operated by the town of Yugawara, is a small but impressive museum showcasing various artworks that have been loved by artists for generations. The collection primarily features works by artists associated with Yugawara. In the “Reiji Hiramatsu Hall,” which is dedicated to the works of the renowned Japanese painter and honorary director Reiji Hiramatsu, visitors can also take part in studio tours, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process. An elegant café is attached so that you can enjoy a meal or tea while touring. The museum is conveniently located about a 10-minute bus ride from Yugawara Station.

8. A Breathtaking Scenic Spot to Feel the Sea Breeze! Hoshigeyama Park

Hoshigeyama Park, located in Yugawara, is a scenic attraction from which you can see the Miura Peninsula, Izu Peninsula, and on clear days, even the distant Bōsō Peninsula. In early June, the “Satsuki no Sato” area within the park bursts into bloom with satsuki azaleas, and it is highly recommended to enjoy them along with the stunning view. During the satsuki viewing season, a temporary bus runs from Yugawara Station, taking about 25 minutes to reach the park. Outside of this season, if you are driving from the Atsugi IC on the Tomei Expressway via the Odawara-Atsugi Road, it takes about 2 hours. Please note that there are no shops or vending machines at the summit, so be sure to bring your own drinks.

◎ Summary

We have introduced a selection of tourist spots in Yugawara that perfectly capture the serene atmosphere of a hot spring town. Once celebrated in the Man'yōshū, Yugawara has continued to inspire countless artists. With abundant natural beauty and art that nourishes the soul, you can also’t miss the power spot Goshō Shrine, which is associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo. When visiting Yugawara, let the hot springs, seasonal nature, and diverse art soothe both your mind and body. Enjoy your time exploring Yugawara!

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Not Just Hot Springs! 8 Recommended Tourist Spots in Yugawara