Living in Yugawara

A hot spring town that appears even in the Manyoshu, and a recuperation spot where literary figures stayed. The Ueno-Tokyo Line runs to Tokyo with no transfer but takes time, so it suits retirees and second-home demand who enjoy hot springs and nature more than daily commuting. The population is aging and shrinking, and you should keep in mind that there are few small rental units, so the sample for price data is small too.

Yugawara is a hot spring town at the far southwestern edge of Kanagawa Prefecture on the JR Tokaido Main Line, bordering Atami. It is a tourist destination famous for Manyo Park and the plum festival at Makuyama Park, where 4,000 plum trees bloom. Limited express trains stop here, but it takes over an hour to Tokyo Station, which is somewhat far for a daily commute. It is a small town of about 23,000 people with a high aging rate, and suits retirees who enjoy hot springs and nature.