【Yudanaka Onsen】
The hot springs at Yudanaka Onsen were discovered around 650 by a monk named Chiyū, who dubbed them “waters of longevity” (yōkarei). Since then, people have been drawn here in the hopes of preserving their youth. Today, the town is a bustling example of a hot spring district, with many historic Japanese inns (ryokan) and restaurants that cater to domestic and international visitors alike.
Yudanaka’s clear waters are rich in sodium chloride and sodium sulfate, both said to be beneficial for a variety of ailments including cuts, nerve pain, and chronic indigestion. The heat of the waters also soothes sore muscles.
In the afternoon, many of the ryokan open their baths to the public so that daytime visitors can try a variety of indoor and outdoor bathing facilities, including open-air baths (rotenburo). In addition, the public bath Kaede no Yu provides all-day facilities and a footbath just outside the train station where tourists can soak their tired feet.
Yudanaka Onsen is also within walking distance of a variety of interesting cultural sites, including one of the world’s tallest freestanding bronze sculptures, a 25-meter-tall statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon. Under the feet of this towering figure, 33 statues, representing Kannon’s 33 manifestations, are configured as a miniature version of the famous Saigoku pilgrimage circuit in the Kansai region.