The Kokowa Hot Springs are a series of onsen and a ski resort where Genma and Nodoka Saotome honeymooned years ago that labels itself as the “Village of Encounters”. Genma carved his and Nodoka’s names onto a large tree that is still there when he and Ranma fall into one of the hot springs after triggering an avalanche on a nearby mountain they are camped on. Nodoka also happens to be visiting Kokowa at the same time and runs into Ranko and Mr. Panda, who for some reason have the coats that she made for her husband and son years ago. The two manage to keep their true identities secret, although their coats are lost. This marks the first time that the Saotome family is all together exclusive of Nodoka’s visits to the Tendo Dojo.