Yugawara Hand Bath (ゆがわらの手湯)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This hand bath sits in the plaza in front of JR Yugawara Station. The plaza was designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, the firm also behind the New National Stadium, and was completed in October 2017. Wooden benches and the hand bath line up beneath a large, light-filtering roof, and dipping your hands into the town's hot spring water lets you feel the essence of Yugawara the moment you arrive. Since the area around the coast gets very crowded on the night of the fireworks festival, it's reassuring to take your time here on the street leading to the hot spring district and finish your dinner and souvenir shopping first.

Tips

About 15 minutes on foot from Joganji Temple. Shops near the venue get very crowded on the night of the event, so an early visit is recommended. Plan on about a 20-minute walk from here to Yoshihama Beach.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours needed. Around 5 p.m. is a good time to visit, just before the crowds start to build

Access & map

〒259-0303 神奈川県足柄下郡湯河原町土肥１丁目１−１