According to legend, the hot spring in Yuki town, in western Hiroshima Prefecture, was discovered way back in the sixth century, when villagers noticed an injured heron bathing in the waters. Somewhat later, the Asano lords, who ruled the Hiroshima area from 1619 till 1869, used to enjoy a break in this area.

Today, Yuki town is Hiroshima's most renowned onsen (hot spring) resort, and its waters are now known to have one of the world's highest radon contents, good for rheumatism, stomach troubles, skin diseases and generally soaking your stress away. It has been a designated National Recreational Hot Spring Resort since 1955.

History aside, the promise of healing waters, fireflies, mountains, waterfalls and forest (which accounts for 90 percent of the Yuki area) — just an hour's drive from central Hiroshima — sounded like the ideal antidote to a sweltering summer in the city.