Yugawara Manyo Park is a tranquil park with abundant greenery and a nice trail by the river. It is located in hot spring resort Yugawara, hence it could also serve as a good place for an evening stroll for visitors staying in nearby inns. At the end of the trail, there is a foot bath facility “doppo no yu”.

The walk by the river was especially enjoyable, with a plenty of photo-worthy scenery.

There was a raccoon shrine somewhere in the middle of the park. The raccoons were local guardians of the Yugawara hot springs. Hence, they were used as mascot characters by the Yugawara hot spring association.

The foot bath facility “doppo no yu” was definitely the highlight of Manyo Park. There were 9 different types of foot baths here, each with different properties; health benefits, temperature, ground surface.

It only cost a mere 300 yen to use the foot baths. Lockers could be used with a 100 yen coin which would be returned at the end.

Here’s a look of the park.

The hot spring water flew from this wooden pail (yuoke in Japanese). This pail sure added a lot to the atmosphere in my humble opinion.

My favourite was the bubbly foot bath. The bubble streams gave my calves a good massage.

I will recommend visiting Manyo Park for half a day. Have a leisurely stroll in nature, followed by a relaxing foot baths and perhaps a full body bath in one of Yugawara’s many hot springs inns afterwards.

By Desheng.

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* This article was written by a trainee from overseas. Please note that there might be spelling and grammar mistakes.