Sōkashuku Basho-an

The 12 cities and towns along with the 13 places of scenic beauty related to Matsuo Bashō’s “Oku no Hosomichi” has been recognized for influencing the scenery and lives of future people, as well as preserving the elegance and atmosphere of past times. Collectively, these areas are appointed as one of the best scenic spots in the country.

This single-floor wooden house, built using the architectural style called 'Sukiya,' has been praised and written about by the Japanese literature researcher Donald Keene. The facility now serves as a place to introduce the Sōka area's culture of tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and classical instruments such as koto and shamisen. Furthermore, the facility is also open as a resting area where visitors, at a small sum, can enjoy a cup of tea.

The Kuroyu hot spring, distinctive to the Kanto area, can be found alongside the bypass of the National Route 4. A wide variety of baths including, hot spring baths that flow directly from the source, jet baths, salt saunas, high-temperature saunas, medicated baths, utaseyu (striking water baths) can be enjoyed here.

Located on the Nakagawa Riverbed of about 13,000 square meters, the contrast between the 120 pink peach blossoms and yellow rape blossoms is beautiful to see from March to April every year. In autumn, you can enjoy red spider lily and cosmos. In late March every year, the Hanamomo Festival is held, attracting many tourists.

Natural hot springs, open-air baths, Ganban yoku which uses black silica; experience the full healing effects of 10 unique baths that are ready to wash your fatigue away. Enjoy a relaxing meal or a foot bath surrounded by the traditional townscape that will make you feel like you have traveled back in time. In addition, chiropractors, body scrub treatment, and refreshment rooms are plentiful, allowing maximum leisure! Enjoy “healing and moisture” to your heart’s content.