Yugawara(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Yuigahama, the top choice is Yokohama Onsen Ryokan Grand Hotel, a century-old establishment nestled in the mountains with natural sulfur-rich hot springs. Its signature feature is the rock bath (Iwa-Yu), carved into volcanic stone for an immersive traditional experience. Guests enjoy seasonal kaiseki meals featuring local yellowtail fish (Buri) and matcha desserts. Rooms facing east offer stunning sunrise views over Lake Ashi, blending nature and luxury seamlessly.

The central district of Yuigahama is the most convenient base, close to Yuigahama Station and major attractions. It hosts boutique accommodations like Yokohama Bijin and Yamanoie Yuigahama, offering modern comfort fused with Japanese minimalism. From here, it's just 20 minutes by car to Lake Ashi and Hakone, making it perfect for exploring western Kanagawa’s scenic and cultural highlights. Public transport links are excellent, ensuring hassle-free access.

Must-try dishes include Yuigahama Buri Nabe—a rich stew made with fresh local yellowtail, kombu broth, and seasonal vegetables. Another highlight is matcha sweets from Odawara Chaya, such as matcha mochi and ice cream, crafted with premium local tea. Don’t miss grilled shimeji clams or mountain vegetable tempura along the streets—these dishes showcase the region’s unique mountain-sea fusion cuisine.

Yuigahama’s hot springs are weakly alkaline sulfate springs rich in sulfur and minerals, excellent for skin health and joint relief. The standout feature is the rock bath (Iwa-Yu), where baths are built into natural cliffs, creating a meditative atmosphere. Some hotels offer nighttime open-air baths under starlit skies. Surrounded by ancient trees and streams, these springs provide a profound sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Absolutely. Yuigahama offers child-friendly amenities like Yuigahama Children’s Park and Nature Education Center, with outdoor workshops and hands-on activities. Many ryokans provide family rooms, kids’ robes, and breakfast. Nearby Lake Ashi features boat rides and horseback riding—perfect for kids to burn energy. Most shops offer free entry for children and family discounts, ensuring a stress-free, joyful trip for all ages.

Spring brings cherry blossoms at Yuigahama Park and riverside trails; summer sees lotus flowers blooming on Lake Ashi, with egrets gliding above. Autumn paints the hills in fiery reds, especially along the Yamanoie trail. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland, highlighted by the Yuigahama Snow Lantern Festival, where warm lanterns line the streets, creating a magical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere under the stars.

Guests can participate in authentic local traditions: washi paper-making classes at Yuigahama Washi Workshop, learning the art of crafting traditional mulberry paper; tea ceremony & matcha tasting in a restored farmhouse; and forest foraging tours guided by local elders, discovering medicinal herbs like Cornus officinalis and Polygonatum sibiricum. These immersive experiences reflect the town’s deep-rooted philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

Transportation is highly convenient. Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Yuigahama Station, then transfer to free shuttle buses to major hotels and attractions. By car, reach via National Route 1 or Shonan Expressway, with clear signage and Google Maps support. Local sightseeing buses cover routes to Lake Ashi and Hakone, accepting Suica cards. Many high-end ryokans also offer complimentary airport or station pickups.

Must-visit spots include Lake Ashi—Kanagawa’s premier alpine lake, perfect for boat cruises and views of Mount Fuji; Yuigahama Castle Ruins, a historic site from the Kamakura period now serving as a memorial park with stone walls; Yamanoie Museum, showcasing local history and folk artifacts; and the Yuigahama Onsen Street, lined with preserved Meiji-era buildings housing tea houses and souvenir shops. Evening walks along the lakeside promenade offer unforgettable sunsets.

For diverse preferences: choose a traditional ryokan like Yokohama Bijin for tatami rooms, private baths, and kaiseki dining; a luxury hot spring resort such as Yokohama Onsen Ryokan Grand Hotel with indoor/outdoor pools and wellness centers; or a modern boutique inn like Yamanoie Yuigahama, blending minimalist design with natural elements. Whether seeking cultural immersion, relaxation, or refined comfort, Yuigahama offers the perfect stay.