Yugawa Onsen :: Towada-Hachimantai

By Lai Peixuan / Photography by Chi Binghui

Yugawa Onsen, situated within Towada-Hachimantai National Park at an altitude of 740 meters, became widely known in 1680 when hunters found that injured wild deer recovered from their injuries here, earning it the nickname “Deer Hot Spring.” Originally a sulfur mining site, it developed into a therapeutic hot spring retreat during the Meiji era, where people came to treat illnesses. The waters of Yugawa Onsen are classified as strongly acidic with a pH of 1.2 and contain the radioactive element radium, attracting many visitors seeking relief from chronic skin conditions.

Walking along the Yugawa Onsen Nature Study Trail, you’ll find a completely free open-air milky-white bath. With its vast, open views and sense of openness, it allows visitors to feel at one with nature. Although it’s available 24 hours a day, there are no lights at night, so extra caution is advised. Additionally, the area produces radioactive minerals such as Raite (北投石), a mineral containing radium, which is found only in Taiwan and Yugawa Onsen in the world, and is designated as a natural monument due to its rarity.

With advances in medical science, researchers have uncovered the astonishing benefits of Yugawa Onsen. The natural radium in the hot spring water can penetrate human cells invisibly, boosting the body’s immunity. It is even said to have significant effects on chronic illnesses, tumors, and cancer, making it a hopeful destination for many cancer patients. Some even set up tents here for long-term stays as part of extended therapy.