- Yugawara is one of the few places in Japan that appears in the Man'yōshū, the oldest existing poetry anthology of the country, which inspired the naming of local landmarks.
- The city has served as a secluded retreat for famous Japanese writers like Natsume Soseki and Kunikida Doppo, who sought the area for its therapeutic hot springs.
- Yugawara maintains a unique local tradition of 'Tenmaku' or outdoor tea ceremonies held during the plum blossom season in the mountains.
- The town's architecture and layout are strictly regulated to preserve the 'Ryokan' style aesthetic, preventing the high-rise sprawl found in larger nearby cities.
About Yugawara
Yugawara is a coastal hot spring town nestled between the mountains and the Sagami Bay, renowned for its long history of attracting poets and writers. The town is famous for the plum blossoms of Makuyama Park and the scenic serenity of Man-yō Park. Visitors often frequent the reflective structures at Enoura Observatory or the quiet grounds of Jōganji Temple. Its unique geography allows for both beachside relaxation at Iwa Beach and alpine views from the Mt. Taikan Observation Deck.
Highlights of Yugawara
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
The park hosts thousands of plum trees that bloom in vivid shades of pink and white during late winter.
Museums
This modern observatory features architectural installations designed to align with the solstice sun.
Parks
Visitors can wander through wooded walking paths and a traditional footbath area fed by local hot springs.
Places of interest
The deck offers a panoramic vantage point over Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountain ridges.
Places of interest
A short, accessible path leads to this tranquil waterfall tucked within a forested ravine.
Places of interest
This quiet stretch of coastline is known for its clear waters and proximity to rugged coastal rock formations.
Temples
The temple is historically significant for its role in the Genpei War and the survival of Minamoto no Yoritomo.
Temples
This site is known for its quiet contemplative gardens and traditional temple architecture.
Top things to do in Yugawara
The 113 highest-rated places in Yugawara, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
Hakone Checkpoint is a meticulously reconstructed Edo-period military station located on the original route of the Tokai...
2
Places of interest
Mt. Taikan Observation Deck offers a panoramic vantage point situated atop the Hakone caldera rim, providing an unobstru...
3
Places of interest
Hakone-en is a multifunctional resort and leisure facility located on the eastern shore of Lake Ashi. The site features...
4
Temples
Hakone Jinja Heiwa-no-Torii is a vermilion-lacquered torii gate constructed directly in the waters of Lake Ashi. It serv...
5
Parks
Hakone Park, known officially as the Hakone Onshi-Hakone Park, occupies the former site of the Hakone Imperial Villa. Th...
6
Museums
Designed by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, the Enoura Observatory is a sprawling art installation integrated into...
7
Museums
Narukawa Art Museum is distinguished by its expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide a direct, panoramic vi...
8
Museums
The Hakone Ekiden Museum commemorates the annual Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race, one of Japan's most promin...
9
Places of interest
Cape Manazuru is a rugged headland extending into Sagami Bay, characterized by its unique 'Mitsuishi' rock formations. T...
10
Zoos
Hakone-en Aquarium is recognized as one of the highest-altitude aquariums in Japan, situated at approximately 723 meters...
11
Parks
Man-yō Park is a scenic valley park in Yugawara, centered around the Chitose River and the Gensen-no-Yado area. The park...
12
Natural attractions
Hakone-en Station serves as the primary base station for the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, located on the eastern shore of...
13
Places of interest
Fudo Fall is a 15-meter waterfall located in the Miyakami district of Yugawara, Japan. The site is known for its histori...
14
Places of interest
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake formed in the wake of the Mount Hakone volcanic eruption approximately 3,000 years ago. It i...
15
Parks
Makuyama Park is a volcanic park situated at the base of Mount Makuyama in Yugawara, renowned for its extensive plum gro...
16
Natural attractions
The Komagatake Ropeway Top Station serves as the summit terminal for the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, providing access to...
17
Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Museums
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Parks
22
Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
25
Temples
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Places of interest
27
Museums
28
Museums
29
Historical places
30
Parks
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Yugawara on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Yugawara
February and March are ideal for viewing the early spring plum blossoms at Makuyama Park and enjoying the temperate climate before the humid summer.
2-3 days, providing sufficient time to explore the coastal trails and inland mountain hot spring resorts.
The city is best navigated by the local bus network connecting the train station to mountain parks and coastal areas, though many town center sights are walkable.
Stay in the Yugawara Onsen district to be within reach of traditional hot spring inns and mountain hiking trails.
Mid-range; while luxury ryokans can be expensive, many local eateries and park attractions remain accessible.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 113 curated attractions in and around Yugawara, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hakone Checkpoint is the highest-rated place to visit in Yugawara right now.
The largest category is temples, with 27 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
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