Yunokawa Onsen (Hokkaido)

Its origins are said to date back to 1653 when a lord of the Matsumae clan was healed of an incurable illness by bathing in its waters.

Legend says that Seiryoin (清涼院), the 9th Lord of Matsumae Domain's mother, had him bathe for medical purposes in the Yunokawa Onsen in 1653.

Having recovered from illness, and she had the Yakushido (薬師堂) rebuilt to honor his recovery and it was dedicated to Waniguchi (鰐口).

It is believed the water can treat nerve and joint pains, fatigue, sprains, women’s diseases, among other health problems.

[2] In the nearby Hakodate city area there is a tropical botanical garden where a population of Japanese snow monkeys live.