Double your fun in Tokyo with TOYOTA

Spring outing + Driving Stunning view, gourmet, plum trees...Yugawara for a couple with Polo

Back Number

Road Map

Driving Record

Yugawara is a hot spring town surrounded by mountain chains of southern Hakone and Sagami Bay. The accessibility from Tokyo and the healing nature attract many people who want to get away from the city. Featuring two days trip with a Polo to Yugawara in spring; "Ume no Utage" Plum Festibal, the spectacular scenery, local food and delicacies of the season from mountains and sea. Why not spend a romantic time with your partners in this historical hot-spring town?

Spring outing + Driving Stunning view, gourmet, plum trees...Yugawara for a couple with Polo

1.Polo's dynamic driving and superb views just for two

8am - 10:3 am | Odawara/Yugawara TOYO TIRES Turnpike

This issue of +Driving is featuring two days trip to Yugawara. Polo can easily fit all your baggage in its spacious luggage room and off to the hot spring town! After driving through Shuto Expressway, Tomei Expressway, Odawara-Atsugi road, we arrived at the first destination; Hayakawa Toll of TOYO TIRES Turnpike (herein after Turnpike) in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Turnpike is often used as a toll road to go to Hakone and Izu, but it is actually a good route to Yugawara for avoiding traffic. In this varied course, you can utilize the "sports mode" or "manual mode" of 7 Speed DSG Transmission and enjoy the agile driving of Polo fully. Shonan View Tenbodai (observatory), which is located in 5.5km from Hayakawa Toll offers an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean and the city of Shonan. If the weather is good, Tokyo Sky Tree can be also seen. When you arrive at Daikanzan (1,011m), which is located in the area approximately 14km far from the starting point, you are already in Yugawara town. Yokoyama Taikan, a prominent painter, often painted Mt. Fuji from here and the spectacular view of Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) with Mt. Fuji in the back is beyond description. There is a lounge where you can have a panorama view of them and we recommend you to stop by for a break.

DATA
TOYO TIRES Turnpike
Address
Yugawara / Odawara, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-23-0385
Hours
5:30am - 10:30pm (last admission time 10pm) Open 7 days a week.
Admission
700 yen (one way)

Operating hours may vary depending on the weather.

It is said that the original path of Turnpike was used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to attack Odawara Castle (1590).

The body is compact, but its luggage room is spacious enough for overnight trip.Polo comfortably drives through the Turnpike.With majestic Mt. Fuji in the background, Polo's flashing red body stands out.An amazing view from the observatory. You can see a building cluster of Tokyo in the back left. Many people like to come just for the night view.Overlooking the beautiful Mt. Fuji and Ashinoko
MyToyota.jp Special Privilege

You will get a drink ticket of the lounge for two people if you tell the staff at Hayakawa Toll you saw "MyToyota". (February 1st, 2011 - March 31st, 2011).

*Also, if you present receipts from Hayakawa Toll at a day spa "Kogome-no-yu" located next to Manyo Park, you will get 10% discount when visiting on the day.

Back To Route Map

2.Driving through camellia to a power spot of romance

10:30am - 12pm | Tsubaki Line - Atami, Shizuoka Tsubaki Temple

Prefectural road Route 75, so called Tsubaki Line will take you to the center of Yugawara from Daikanzan. There are approximately 5,000 camellia trees on the sideway of the road and they generally start blooming from early February and last until early April. After driving down the road as making stiches on the mountain side, Tsubakidai will appear in your sight. A spectacular panorama view of the town of Yugawara, Sagami Bay and Izu islands can be looked across if the weather is good.

Tsubakidera temple is a popular "power spot" for romance. After crossing Ochiai-bashi bridge on Chitose River near Manyo Park, the entrance to the temple will appear. You will have to go up over 300 hundreds of stairs made of stones to reach the precinct where the main hall stands. The temple is not so big, however, this place is known as a romantic spot, surrounded by 5,000 tress and 250 kinds of beautiful flowers such as plum, various kinds of cherry blossoms, and alpine rose.

A small Tsubaki Temple stands in a silence.Lots of Ema (wooden plaque) on a side of the temple."Kannon of marriage" is surrounded by a quiet atmosphere.
Overlooking Sagami Bay from Tsubakidai, which is located in halfway of Tsubaki lineCamellia's blooming season is from mid-February to early April.Many bands with people's wishes
DATA
Tsubakidai
Address
Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa (at midway of Tsubaki line, near the bus stop of Shishido-no-Iwaya)
Parking
Available for several cars
Tsubaki-dera (Camellia Temple)
Address
232 Izumi, Atami-shi, Shizuoka
Tel
0465-62-3894
Parking
Available near Yugawara Tourist Center (100 yen/hour)

Tsubaki-dera is approximately 15 min. walk from Yugawara Tourist Center parking.

Back To Route Map

3.Local gourmet: Tantan Yakisoba & famous bakery

12:30pm - 2:30pm | Dohi, Yugawara

Not only products from the mountains and the ocean are what Yugawara can offer. One thing the hot spring town is recently known for is a spicy fried noodle called Tantan Yakisoba (The first Tantan Yakisoba Festival is going to be held on February 20th, 2011). We went to "Gyoza shop" in the Dohi area to try Tantan Yakisoba. The spicy sauce, the exquisite flavor of shrimps and the wavy noodles are well matched. It is not so surprising to hear that some customers come from far away just to try this noodle with unusual taste.

Spicy sauce with curly noodles are well mixed.You can see many raccoon dog statues which is one of Yugawara's icon.
MyToyota.jp Special Privilege
Other local gourmets will be also participating in Tantan Yakisoba Festival.

You can get a flyer with three discount coupons if you tell the staff at the front office of Tantan Yakisoba Festival (see DATA) venue on February, 2011, you saw "MyToyota" (one coupon for one shop, valid only for the day).

Another item the town is proud of is baked goods from a bakery in the same Dohi area "Bread & Circus". The bakery was awarded the "2010 Best Bread (All About Baker's popularity vote by readers) for four consecutive years. Since the shop is not so big, only eight people can go into the shop at the same time, and thus, there is often a long line outside of the bakery on the weekend. Everything looked so good. According to the shop staff, Pain de mi is the most popular item followed by Pain de campagne and breads with fruits, but in general, they are all gone soon.

What is Tantan Yakisoba?

The common feature of Tantan Yakisoba is spicy flavor of sesame paste and Tobanjan (spicy Chinese bean paste). There are mainly two kinds of Tantan Yakisoba. One is "Yugawara citrus type", in which locally grown citrus is used as a secret ingredient. The other one is "hot spring egg type", in which eggs cooked in hot springs are served.

DATA
Tantan Yakisoba Festival
Address
2-21-1 Chuo, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-63-0111 (Yugawara-machi Commerce and Industry Association)
Date & Time
February 20, 2011, 10am - 4pm (the event will be held in case of rain unless there is a storm)
Parking
Nearby parking lot
Gyoza Shop
Address
2-7-20 Dohi, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-62-4758
Hours
9am - 7pm (open 7 days a week)
Price
650 yen (Tantan Yakisoba noodles)
Parking
Please ask for staff at the shop
Bread & Circus
Address
4-2-16 Dohi, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-62-6789
Hours
11am - 5pm (shop may be closed earlier in case all items are sold out)
Holiday
Closed on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday
Parking
3 cars
The cute exterior with a green roof and red flames of door and windows.Many kinds of bread are lined-up in the shop. Big breads will be cut in the size of your preference.

Please be warned that Bread & Circus is closed three days a week; Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Back To Route Map

4.Plum trees covering the hillside of Makuyama and amazing night view

3pm - 4:30pm | Yugawara "Ume no Utage," (Makuyama Park)

Polo heading to Makuyama ParkApproximately 4,000 plum trees coloring the mountain slopes is an incredible view.Illuminated plum tree forest is romantic.Polo driving near the parking lotYou may be able to see a wild bird on a plum tree.It is beautiful to see plum trees covering mountains, but a closer look of red plum and white plum is also beautiful.
MyToyota.jp Information

Please keep the half-slip of your entrance ticket to the garden if you are planning to stay a night in the town. You will get the entrance fee refunded when you check out your hotel.

"Ume-no Utage", a plum festival, is the 16th year this year. It seems that the event has been drawing more attentions of people each year. This time of the year, approximately 4,000 red plums and white plums cover the hillside of Makuyama and on the venue, there will be Yugawara hot spring's geisha dance, Japanese dram play as well as the trial classes and many other events. Also, there will be many shops that will be selling local products, and also Tantan Yakisoba stall will be open during the festival.

While the atmosphere of the plum garden during the day time is lively, it is fantastic at night. The scent of plum floating in the silent air sinks into people's mind more deeply than the day time.

DATA
Yugawara Bairin Plum Orchard "Ume no Utage" Plum Festival
Address
923 Kajiya, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-63-2111 (Yugawara Tourist Office)
Hours
February 5th - March 13th, 9am - 4pm
Light-up is from February 19th through March 6th, 6pm - 9pm
Admission fee
200 yen (free during light-up time)
Parking
There are several parking spaces around the park entrance (total 298 cars, 300 / 500 yen)

Usually, the best time for the plum season is from mid-February to early March.

Back To Route Map


5.Spectacular views, hot spring and delicacies of the season

5pm | Yugawara Hotel Akane

We chose Hotel Akane to enjoy the great landscape of Yugawara. It is one of a very few hotels in Yugawara with the Ocean views. From each room and the giant bathrooms on the second floor, you can see the Manazuru Preninsula as well as Mitsuishi on the sea. You will enjoy the view and the hot spring with weak salt water and dishes with seasonal seafood and vegetable.

The large bathroom overlooking Manazuru Peninsula, Sagami Bay and the city of Yugawara.The hotel also confidently serves dishes using seasonal ingredients.Popular open-air baths
Hotel parking is located on a hill.Spacious rooms provide a relaxing space.Some rooms overlook the mountains in Izu.
DATA
Hotel Akane
Address
705 Miyashita, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
Tel
0465-63-2255
Fare
12,000 yen / person (with 2 meals, excl. tax)

**Please note that the accommodation costs may vary depending on day and time.
Nature of spring: sodium, chloride and sulfate spring
Indications: Neuralgia, myalgia, arthralgia and many others.

MyToyota.jp Special Privilege
"Bunroku Shiraume" is a confection designated by Kanagawa Prefecture.

You can get Yugawara's special sweets if you tell the staff you saw "MyToyota" when you check in at the hotel.

If you get up early, you will get to see the amazing sunrise from the room (depending on weather).

Back To Route Map

6.Visiting the sights of Yugawara

Yugawara

There are many shrines, temples, parks and museums along the Prefectural road Route 75. We decided to stop by some of the places on our way back to Tokyo. Besides those places we went, there are many other great sites to visit in Yugawara. We recommend you to ask hotel staff or the tourist office for where to go.

Junipers at Joganji Temple

A stem of a tree estimated to be 800 years old is amazing.

Joganji is a family temple of Dohi Sanehira, a military commander, who served for Minamoto Yoritomo. Junipers at the temple are planted by Sanehira himself and it is estimated to be 800 years old. Today, it is officially designated as a national natural treasure.

Buddha head at Fukusenji temple

Where the rest of the part went is still unknown.

The Buddha statue made of ceramic was originally kept at Nagoya Castle and after the war moved to Fukusenji temple. It is said that the statue used to have the body part when it was at Nagoya Castle. Very mysterious.

Manyo Park

Folklore says a tanuki (racoon dog) found the first hot spring in Yugawara. Here the tanuki is enshrined.

There is only one poem about hot spring in 4,500 poems from "Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves)" and it is about Yugawara hot spring. This park with forests and lakes is named after the poem. Many people come here for walking, and there are also "Doppo no Yu" for footbath and "Rifuku Shrine" with a folklore; a raccoon dog (Tanuki) found a hot spring there which magically healed his wounds.

Manyo Park Area

The stream of Chitose River that flows along the park.

Next to the park, there is a day spa "Kogome no yu" and "Koufuso", which is the site of "February 26 Incident." Morning market where you can buy fresh seafood and vegetables as well as local souvenirs is held every Sunday from 6 am to 9 am in front of Yugawara Tourism Center.
*Show the receipts from Hayakawa Toll of TOYO Tires Turnpike at Kogome no yu. You will get 10 % off for spa (valid only for the day).

Back To Route Map

Model:Polo

The front view became more virile image than the former model.The 7-speed DSG(R) transmission produces a smooth acceleration. In manual mode, you can also quickly shift up.Featuring simple decor in pursuit of beauty of a German vehicle

Polo TSI Comfortline(Body Color: Flash red)

  • Drivetrain
    2WD
  • Capacity
    5 people
  • Fuel Efficiency
    20.0 km/L (10.15 mode)
  • MSRP
    2.130M yen (consumption tax included)
  • Dealer
     DUO TOKYO

* MSRP is a vehicle price and options are not included.

Comment from Driver

The route we took this time had narrow streets with many slopes and curves. When we shifted the gear to sports mode on an up-hill area, the engine started running faster than usual and that was when we felt the power of the model. On the other hand, we changed the gear to manual mode on a down-hill area and experienced stable driving. No wonder this car was chosen as a "2010-2011 Imported car of the year", we could enjoy surprisingly powerful driving with only 1,200cc engine.

Comment from Passenger

I think this model looks more virile than previous ones. I liked the simple interior too. Polo was surely suitable on both highways and narrow roads with many curves. It was a perfect model for the road trip we took.

Dealer Introduction

Please feel free to visit. No. 1 sales staff of 2010 (DUO Tokyo Vehicle Sales)

Volkswagen Tokyo Suginami Branch

Address
5-14-12 Miyamae, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 168-0081
Access
On Inokashira-dori, next to Nittsu Driving School
Tel
03-3334-4301
Hours
9:30am - 7pm (closed on Tuesday)
Comment from 2010 No.1 Sales staff(DUO Tokyo vehicle sales)
New Polo has become more stylish since the front face that Volkswagen's new brand visual identity consists of a flat grill and head lights was applied. Equipped with downsized 1.2 TSI engine and 7 Speed DSG®, New Polo accomplished the fuel efficiency of close to that of hybrid vehicles, amazingly 20km/L (10:15 mode). Polo has high driving performance and world's top class safety which German cars are excel at. Please visit us for test drive.
Volkswagen Tokyo Suginami branch is friendly shop and located in a quiet residential area. We fully support our customers with our motto, "Enjoy car-life with Volkswagen". Please feel free to drop by our branch anytime.

* All information in this content is as of January 2011.
* Required driving time and the mileage are for reference.

LEXUS ver.

日本語

MyToyota.jp Staff talk

MyToyota.jp Customer Service staff picks up a variety of interesting and beneficial car related information especially for non-Japanese residents in Japan and introduce them in this section.

TOYOTA launches Pixis Epoch

2012/5/17

RUSH Partial Improvements

This partial improvement changes the shape of headrest (front seats) and install...

2012/5/14