In 1180, Yoritomo Minamoto raised an army to destroy the Taira family and revive the Minamoto family. He lost the Battle of Ishibashiyama, and guided by Sanehira Doi, hid in “Shitodo-no-Iwaya” (Shitodo Cave). Springwater flows down there and the rocks have become covered in moss. The cave, where it is cool even in summer, has an enchanted atmosphere as it contains rows of statues of Kannon and stone pagodas. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Motohakone for about 40 minutes The cave is a 10-minute walk from the Shitodo-no-Iwaya Iriguchi bus stop
On February 26, 1936, this site was part of an attempted coup d'état unparalleled of in modern Japanese history. Kofuso is the only location linked to the February 26 Incident outside of Tokyo. Kofuso was a former property of Itouya, a traditional old Japanese inn, and it is now used to exhibit items related to that period such as items belonging to residents, photos, and newspapers. Guided tours are given by volunteers (reservations are required for weekday tours). Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entrance at 2:30 p.m.) Reservations required for weekday visits (please book at least one week in advance) *We are open on every year on February 26. No reservations required. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Okuyugawara or Fudo-Taki for about 12 minutes We are one minute's walk from the Koen Iriguchi bus stop
We exhibit artworks produced through the use of fire, including antique chinaware and swords, that were collected by the Doctor of Engineering Kazuyoshi Kimura and his wife Doctor of Science Kinuko Kimura based on their conviction that ”the light and heat of the flame brings out the function and beauty of an object, while at the same time creating the beauty and culture that will last the longest in this world.” Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Kajiya for about 5 minutes We are a two-minute walk north from the Miyato-Bashi bus stop
[Takes around two hours 15 minutes at a regular pace - suitable for regular walkers] Known as the ”stone Buddha walking course” as stone Buddhas have been placed along the route to show you the way. Start from Jukkokutoge-sancho Station, which overlooks all ten of surrounding ancient kingdoms of Japan, namely Izu, Suruga, To'otoumi, Kai, Shinano, Musashi, Sagami, Awa, Kazusa, and Shimofusa. The station also affords a great view of Mr. Fuji.
We are a privately-owned modern art museum opened in November 1988. We have a range of exhibitions, mainly of oil paintings, but also sketches, photos, sculptures, objets d’art and other works. The museum encourages visitors to engage with art through the experience of not only looking at, but also touching and moving the items on exhibit, or making them produce sounds. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Kajiya for about 15 minutes We are seven minutes' walk from the Kajiya bus stop
Tenshozan Shrine was founded in 1931. It honors the Japanese gods Ameterasu, Sarutahiko, and Taisei, and people from all over Japan come for the festival held each year on May 22, briefly creating a lively atmosphere. Located deep within the forest, the shrine comes alive in each season with flowers and foliage. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Motohakone for about 40 minutes The shrine is a 30-minute walk from the Shitodo-no-Iwaya Iriguchi bus stop
This waterfall is only 15 meters high, but a large volume of water flows through it. A Migawari Fudoson (a guardian who acts as a substitute to take on people's illnesses and other bad health) has been enshrined on the left side of the waterfall, and the right side has a Shusse Daikokuson which supports wealth and success. There is also a teahouse near the waterfall. Yugawara zeolite was discovered at the Fudo Waterfall by Dr. Kinichi Sakurai in 1931. The Yugawara zeolite discovered was found to belong to the oldest Neogene Yugashima Group on the Izu Peninsula. Zeolite has also been discovered in Okuyugawara, near the Yugawara water purification plant and Jatai Bridge near the upper part of the Fujiki River where the Yugashima Group is exposed, but Fudo Waterfall has also produced zeolites such as laumontite, mordenite, epistilbite and chabazite. Yugawara’s zeolite is thought to have a close relationship to the Yugawara hot springs as the areas in which it is found share the same water source as the hot springs. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Okuyugawara or Fudo-Taki for about 20 minutes The falls are next to the Fudo-Taki bus stop
The mountain streams passing through the town are a paradise for fishing. Enjoy fishing for Japanese salmon, as well as ayu once the season begins in early summer. Japanese salmon: Season opened on Sunday March 4, 2018 Ayu: ・Season opened on Sunday June 3, 2018 (Chitose river: river mouth - Kawaseki bridge) from one hour before sunrise ・Season opened on Sunday June 17, 2018 (Chitose river: Kawaseki bridge - Ochiai bridge) from one hour before sunrise The season for both Japanese salmon and ayu closes on October 15, 2018 (however, ayu can be fished from December 1-31)
Held early every Sunday morning in front of Yugawara Tourist Hall. Naturally you can find produce unique to the seas and mountains around Yugawara as well as goods you can only buy directly from the producers or manufacturers at bargain prices. Enjoy haggling with the stall owners and maybe you will get a great discount or a little something extra. Held every Sunday Business hours: 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. (cancelled during stormy weather) Venue: The open area in front of Yugawara Tourist Hall Products available: local specialties, dried fish, vegetables, tangerines, seafood, accessories, home-made bread, pickles, and many other things Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Okuyugawara or Fudo-Taki for about 10 minutes. We are right next to the Ochiaibashi bus stop.