5 Reasons to Visit Manyo Park in Yugawara

A green prescription for the 'somehow exhausting daily life.'
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the scenery through your smartphone screen won't truly soothe your soul. That's when you should visit Manyo Park in Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture. With the gentle murmur of the river and the rich history of Manyo blending together, this park is truly a 'healing retreat for the heart.' It's not just an ordinary nature park; its depth and tranquility can only be understood once you experience it. Here are five compelling reasons to visit Manyo Park, along with some fascinating tidbits you'll want to share with others.

1. A park named after Japan's oldest anthology of poems, the Manyoshu
The name 'Manyo Park' is derived from Japan's oldest collection of waka poems, the Manyoshu, compiled during the Nara period. Within the park, you'll find stone monuments inscribed with poems, creating a unique space where ancient words and nature intertwine.

2. The birthplace of Yugawara Onsen, offering a 'footbath tour'
This park is actually the source of Yugawara Onsen. Inside, you'll find a free footbath facility called 'Doppo-no-Yu,' featuring nine footbaths themed around traditional Eastern medicine. It's a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

3. A 'natural therapy' space where the sounds of the river and forest restore your mind
The Chitose River flows through the park, allowing visitors to enjoy its soothing sounds while strolling along well-maintained walking paths. The forest therapy effect, felt through all five senses, is exceptional and helps you forget urban stress.

4. Nighttime illuminations that transform the park into a magical world
In autumn, the park showcases vibrant foliage; in summer, lush greenery; and at night, enchanting illuminations. The autumn 'Maple Night' event is particularly stunning and perfect for social media, offering a completely different atmosphere from daytime.

5. A literary haven once visited by modern Japanese writer Akiko Yosano
The area around the park was once a retreat for many cultural figures and literary greats. Akiko Yosano is said to have composed poems here, and the tranquil surroundings exude a 'literary fragrance.'

🧳 Summary
If you're looking to 'relax,' 'take a walk,' or 'venture a little farther,' Manyo Park in Yugawara is the perfect destination. This serene spot, where nature, culture, and hot springs gently intersect, is brimming with invisible 'soothing elements.' Why not let go of your mental fatigue and pay a visit?

Post by mana358 | Jun 13, 2025