What is a Ryokan? Ryokans are the best way to experience Japanese culture and enjoy the true comforts of Japanese hospitality and service.
Hot springs have a very long history in Japan, and they are an intimate part of Japanese culture. There are over 3,000 "onsen" ,or hot springs, in Japan. Many can be found at the ryokans available on Japanese Guest Houses.
Yugawara Onsen (Yugawara Hot Spring) is a historic hot spring resort town located between the Izu Hakone mountains and Sagami Bay. Yugawara has quiet, narrow streets and many picturesque ryokans and houses. The Chitosegawa River and the Fujikigawa River flow through the center of the town, and the ryokans and houses are located on both sides of these rivers. Yugawara Onsen also has many historical sites. This hot spring town is connected to the Kamakura Shogunate which was very powerful in the 13th century. Yugawara Onsen is also popular among women since its hot spring waters are said to bless women with children. The "Yukake" or water splashing festival is held every spring and attracts a lot of visitors from all over Japan. Important Travel Warning: It takes a long time to go through customs at Narita International Airport and then travel to Yugawara Onsen. If your plane lands in the early morning at Narita International Airport, you can make it to a Yugawara Onsen ryokan in time for dinner. However, if your plane arrives after 10:00am you WILL NOT be able to make it in time for dinner. You should stay at least 1 night in Tokyo and then go to Yugawara Onsen the next day.
