When considering Yugawara as a travel destination, you can choose among cultural sites, a waterfall, a beach, and seasonal landscapes. The time of year makes the choice especially clear: Makuyama Park is known for its plum trees and annual festival, while Ikemine Momiji no Sato is known for its characteristic autumn foliage.
Culture at Specific Places
Manyo Park is located in Yugawara’s central hot spring district. More than 80 plant species mentioned in the Man’yōshū grow there. The park thus combines botanical diversity with a literary connection: it is not just about individual plants, but about a collection of species that appears in the Japanese poetry anthology. If you would like to take in nature and culture together, this connection offers a clear way to experience the place.
At Gosho Shrine, a single tree takes center stage: the sacred tree is 36 meters tall and estimated to be 850 years old. The two places offer different highlights: at Manyo Park, the range of plant species mentioned is what matters; at Gosho Shrine, it is the height and estimated age of one tree.
Waterfall and Landscape
Fudotaki Waterfall is 15 meters high, and a walking path leads close to it. On the way to Fudotaki, a teahouse serving amazake and a footbath overlooking the waterfall may also be options to consider. Check in advance whether these are available.
Around 4,000 red and white plum trees grow in Makuyama Park. The Ume no Utage plum festival is held there annually from early February to mid-March. Check the dates and program for your chosen year. Makuiwa, a rock formation in the same park, is also suitable for climbing; climbing conditions and access may vary. The park therefore offers three distinct highlights: seasonal scenery, a recurring festival, and an opportunity to climb.
A different season defines Ikemine Momiji no Sato, where around 540 Japanese maple trees grow. Autumn foliage can usually be enjoyed from mid-November to early December. Compared with the plum festival in late winter, the focus here is firmly on late autumn.
Beach and Regional Experiences
Yoshihama Beach has water quality rated AA, the highest classification. It is also recognized and certified as a JLA Beach by the Japan Lifesaving Association. The beach’s two specific features are therefore its rated water quality and JLA certification.
Mandarin orange picking is also available in the wider region. The fruit ripens from early October to late December; the growing areas are on sunny mountain slopes between Oku-Yugawara and Hakone, overlooking Sagami Bay. Picking times, weather-related closures, and operating arrangements vary from year to year. Check with the organizers when planning your visit.
Choosing When to Visit and Where to Stay
When searching for hotels in Yugawara, your travel dates are a practical starting point: the plum festival runs from early February to mid-March, while autumn foliage at Ikemine Momiji no Sato can usually be enjoyed from mid-November to early December. Check the festival dates for your chosen year before planning your trip around them.
Discover more destinations: Miyakami, Hadano, Ashigarashimo District, Chuo, Yokohama, Hakone, Sagamihara, Yamato
For the broader travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.
