Explore Yugawara
Seaside Serenity Southwest of TokyoIsland Hopping, Kite Surfing, and Waterfalls
Prefecture: Kanagawa
Population: ~20,000
Area: ~41km2
Yugawara is a town of quiet contrasts, where steamy onsen culture meets a thriving scene of creative hospitality. Its hills and coastlines cradle a variety of places to stay, from traditional ryokan with tatami rooms and open-air baths to sleek guesthouses and eclectic Airbnbs. Whether you’re visiting for a night or staying for weeks, the accommodations reflect the same care and intentionality that runs through the town’s food and drink scene.
Restaurants in Yugawara channel deep respect for local ingredients while embracing diverse culinary influences. You’ll find sushi counters with Sagami Bay’s morning catch, rustic Italian kitchens, inventive game meat specialists, and Peruvian comfort food served with Japanese precision. The same goes for drinks. Yugawara’s bars are full of character, from riverside craft beer stands to moody cocktail lounges and karaoke-fueled retro snacks. There is no single aesthetic or agenda, just a shared sense of craft, intimacy, and pride.
Yugawara has a rare balance, deeply rooted and quietly experimental. It does not try to impress you, it simply is what it is, and that is the magic. The more time you give it, the more it gives back.
– Matt Ketchum, Akiyaz
Yugawara's Best Restaurants
Yugawara may be known for its hot springs, but its culinary scene is quietly exceptional. From sea to mountain, the town draws on an abundance of local ingredients: fresh fish from Sagami Bay, wild game from forested hills, and vibrant produce nurtured by volcanic soil. Here, small-scale restaurants channel deep regional pride into innovative, seasonal menus that go far beyond expectations. Whether it is an intimate sushi counter, a woodsy game kitchen, or a Peruvian hideout with Japanese soul, Yugawara’s chefs craft experiences that are as thoughtful as they are delicious. It is a town where every meal feels personal and worth the journey.
Where to Stay in Yugawara
Yugawara offers a diverse range of lodging options to suit every style of traveler. Traditional ryokan provide a timeless experience with tatami rooms, onsen baths, and multi-course kaiseki meals. For those seeking something more modern, chic hotels and cozy Airbnbs are tucked throughout the town, blending comfort with convenience. Longer stays are supported by friendly sharehouses and guest homes, often run by locals eager to share Yugawara’s charm. Whether you’re here for a quick soak or a creative sabbatical, the town’s accommodations combine hospitality and atmosphere in ways that make it feel like more than just a weekend escape.
Yugawara Nightlife
Yugawara’s nightlife may be low-key, but it’s full of character and local flavor. Tucked between quiet streets and mountain paths, you’ll find intimate bars, retro snack lounges, and spirited karaoke joints where regulars and newcomers mix with ease. For a dose of nostalgia, there’s even a classic bowling alley with charm to spare. Many spots serve local drinks and homestyle dishes late into the night, creating a laid-back scene that invites conversation and connection. Whether you’re unwinding after the onsen or starting the night with good company, Yugawara delivers its own quiet brand of after-hours fun.
