[1] According to legend, the hot springs were originally discovered by a fisherman who noticed an injured crane bathing its wing in the warm water.

[citation needed] There is a monument called the "Hot Water Reservoir of Wakura," located in the center of the onsen town "commemorating a heron resting in the ocean that led to the discovery of the hot springs.

"[2] The onsen was first mentioned in early Heian period documents, however full scale development initiated with the improvement of railway access in the Meiji period.

There are several ashiyu (foot baths) that are scattered throughout town that are available for public use without a fee.

Across from a large ryokan complex is a hiroba (public square) with a hot spring sourced fountain, a shrine, and a park.