Yoda-no sho

Spring Quality: Mildly alkaline simple hot spring, pH 8.1 Benefits: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery, health promotion During the Meiji era (1764–1772), several wisps of steam rose along the Nagagawa River in the village of Osawa. Upon discovering these were hot springs, villagers obtained permission from the village headman (the Yoda family) to build a bathing pool lined with Izu cut stone along the riverbank. Bathing in this water soothed the mind and eased fatigue. Furthermore, it left the skin smooth, earning it the names “Beauty Bath” and “Cosmetic Bath,” attracting the interest of ladies. Its reputation spread nearby for preventing chills after bathing and promoting deep, restful sleep afterward, drawing increasing numbers of visitors. This is said to be the origin of Osawa Hot Springs.