Yunishigawa Onsen in Nikko City is one of the places where the Taira clan, defeated in the Genpei War, went into hiding. “Taira no Sato,” which I visited this time, is a facility that has been restored to preserve and pass on the way of life of Lord Taira no Tadamichi and his clan, who took refuge here.
There are nine houses and a shrine in the forest, and the site features exhibits on many secret stories, legends, and ways of life. When there are no other visitors, it feels as if you’ve traveled back in time 800 years.
There are various events held here, including the “Kamakura Festival” in winter, the “Bamboo Evening Festival” in July, and “Aurora Fantasy” in August. If you happen to be here during one of these festivals, you’re sure to have a great time.
By car, it takes about 40 minutes from Kinugawa Onsen; by train, it’s about a 20-minute bus ride from Yunishigawa Onsen Station on the Noiwa Railway’s Aizu-Kinugawa Line.
As you enter Heike no Sato, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a quiet, cool space surrounded by trees. Why not soak in the hot springs at Yunishigawa Onsen during the hot summer months and then spend some leisurely time at Heike no Sato, admiring the thatched roofs?
© Source travel watch