Hot springs, known as onsen, have the power to relax not only your body, but your mind as well. It is perhaps for this reason onsens play such an important role in the lives of busy Japanese people. Nikko also has a famous onsen. The hot spring town of Yumoto Onsen lies to the north of Yunoko Lake, the source of the Yukawa River, deep within Senjogahara. It has a long history starting with its discovery by Shodo Shonin more than 1200 years ago. As you immerse yourself in this onsen that has maintained its popularity for more than 1200 years, spend a moment to reflect on its eternal history.