Emperor Keikō
Iizaka traditional hot spring town features over 40 traditional "ryokan", and 9 public baths, including one of Japan’s oldest community bathhouses, Sabakoyu (鯖湖湯 or "Mackerel Lake Baths"). Sabakoyu was originally spelled 佐波来湯 when, according to legend, Yamato Takeru, prince of the Yamato dynasty and son of semi-legendary 12th Emperor Keikō, visited the area and was cured of his sickness after bathing in the hot springs. Matsuo Bashō, the famous Edo period poet, visited Sabakoyu in 1689.