2026 Manyo Park & Fudo Falls Cool Stroll Full-Day Course

This is a cool stroll through Yugawara along the valley of the Chitose River, which flows through the hot spring town, taking in the greenery of an old shrine, a waterfall, and a park. First, visit Gosho Shrine (五所神社), home to a great camphor tree said to be around 850 years old. The shrine grounds, wrapped in the camphor's shade, stay cool even in the morning, making it a perfect start to the trip. Next comes Fudo Falls (不動滝), where you can get close to the base of the falls; the spray and cool air help you forget the summer heat. The highlight, Manyo Park (万葉公園), is a park selected as one of Japan's 100 Selected Historical Parks, with a promenade running along the mountain stream; the sound of the river and the deep shade keep it cooler to walk through than the town center. Inside the park, the Entrance Terrace (10:00-17:30, closed the second Tuesday of each month, or the following day if that's a holiday) has a cafe and a foot bath, a perfect way to end your stroll. Visiting and entry to both Gosho Shrine and Manyo Park is free (excluding the cafe, etc.), and parking at Fudo Falls is also free. This family-friendly cool course is easily reached by bus from Yugawara Station.