Yamanaka Onsen, located in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan with a 1,300-year history.
Basho Matsuo, the great haiku poet, stayed here on his journey "Oku no Hosomichi," and praised it as one of the three best hot springs in Fuso (along with Arima and Kusatsu).
In this issue, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots and routes to Yamanaka Onsen, where you can experience the beauty and healing of Japan with all your senses in harmony with the beautiful valley beauty of the four seasons and the atmosphere of a good old hot spring resort.
Why Yamanaka Onsen, one of the best hot springs in Japan, is loved by travelers
Ease of access
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen Station (approx. 3 hours), then take a local bus (approx. 30 minutes).
From Komatsu Airport: Approx. 40 minutes by direct "Can-Bus" bus
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Spectacular views from season to season
The charm of Yamanaka Onsen is truly the beauty of the changing seasons. Fresh greenery in spring, kawadoko cuisine in summer, fiery autumn leaves in fall, and the snow-covered hot spring resort town in winter.
No matter which season you visit, you will see a different, rich and beautiful expression.
Consideration for Foreign Tourists
Many ryokan and tourist facilities are now English-speaking, and visitors can receive detailed explanations of onsen bathing etiquette. Also, multilingual information boards have been installed at each tourist spot.
Highlights of Yamanaka Onsen Area
Kakusenkei (Tsurusenkei River)
This beautiful valley is the symbol of Yamanaka Onsen. There is a 1.3 km promenade along the Daishoji River, where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll while listening to the murmuring of the river.
The beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in all four seasons, and is especially breathtaking during the fall foliage season.
Walking points:
Time required: about 30-45 minutes
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Special dining experiences are available on the kawadoko (summer only).
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Ayatori Bridge
Ayatori Bridge is a beautiful S-curve bridge over the Tsurusenkei River. It was named "Ayatori" from its unique shape.
From the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful stream of the Tsurusenkei River, making it a great spot for taking commemorative photos.
Especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, the scenery is as beautiful as a painting.
Korogi Bridge
A beautiful bridge made entirely of hinoki cypress that spans the Tsurusenkei River. The name "Korogi" is derived from the word "korogi," which means a steep path across a deep valley in the past.
Today, the bridge can be crossed safely, and the beauty of the valley can be fully appreciated from the bridge.
Kiku-no-yu
Located in the center of Yamanaka Onsen, this public bathhouse allows visitors to casually enjoy the source of Yamanaka Onsen, which boasts 1,300 years of history. You will be impressed by the softness of the hot spring that will relax every cell in your body.
Usage information:
Hours of operation: 6:30-22:30
Fee: Adults 440 yen, Children 130 yen
Don't forget to bring your own towel!
Yuge Kaido (Yuge Road)
The main street of the hot spring resort. Souvenir stores, restaurants, and cafes line the stone-paved street where you can feel the traditional hot spring atmosphere.
A stroll in yukata (light cotton kimono) is recommended! It is like stepping back in time to the Edo period.
Yamanaka-za Theater
A cultural facility with a traditional kabuki stage. Visitors can regularly watch local traditional performing arts such as Yamanaka-bushi and Shishimai (lion dance), providing a rare opportunity to experience Japanese culture.
Iioji Temple
An ancient temple related to the legend of the discovery of Yamanaka Onsen. The tranquil precincts of this temple provide a perfect spot for visitors to calm their minds and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the hot spring resort area.
Kurotani Bridge
Kurotani Bridge is one of the bridges over Tsurusenkei River. With relatively few tourists, it is a quiet spot to enjoy the beauty of the valley.
Higashiyama Bonheur
A scenic spot located on a hill in Yamanaka Onsen area. The view of the hot spring resort and the surrounding mountains is spectacular, especially at sunset.
Gourmet Information
Kawayuka cuisine (summer season only: late April to late October)
Enjoy a special dining experience while listening to the murmuring of the clear streams of the Tsurusenkei River. Kaiseki cuisine served on the kawadoko is a luxurious experience that can only be had in Yamanaka Onsen.
Recommended menu:
Kawayuka bento: 2,500 yen and up
Kawayuka Kaiseki meal: from 5,000 yen
Matcha green tea and Japanese sweets set: 1,200 yen
Reservations: Advance reservations required (contact each ryokan or ryotei)
Kaga Cuisine
Traditional Kaga cuisine takes advantage of the rich ingredients of Ishikawa Prefecture. Enjoy seasonal dishes using fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and Kaga vegetables.
Specialty Dishes:
Kaga duck: succulent and elegant
Nodoguro (bluefin tuna): premium fish from the Sea of Japan
Kaga lotus root: Crunchy texture
Zuwai crab (winter): rich sweetness
Onsen-manju (hot spring buns) (Musume-manju)
Onsen manju, a specialty of Yamanaka Onsen. They are handmade at a long-established Japanese sweets store along Yuge Highway. They are steamed using the heat from the hot spring and boast a fluffy texture.
Recommended store:
Price: From 150 yen per piece
Types: Koshian, tsubu-an, chestnut-an
Great for eating and walking around
Souvenir Information
Yamanaka Lacquerware
A traditional craft in the Yamanaka Onsen area, beautiful lacquerware with a 400-year history is a gem that combines practicality and artistry.
Recommended products:
Bowls: 3,000-15,000 yen
Stacked boxes: 10,000-50,000 yen
Small container: 2,000-8,000 yen
Chopsticks: 1,500-5,000 yen
Where to buy: Craft stores along Yuge Highway, Yamanaka Lacquer Ware no Sato Uruwashikan
Kaga stick tea
Stick tea is a specialty of Ishikawa Prefecture.
It is popular as a souvenir because of its savory aroma and mild taste.
Features:
Price: 1,000-3,000 yen
Lightweight and easy to carry
Long shelf life
Elegant packaging
Onsen Eggs
Onsen egg is a specialty produced at the source of Yamanaka Onsen hot spring.
In addition to eating them on the spot, vacuum-packed products are also popular as souvenirs.
Local Sake
Ishikawa Prefecture is famous for its sake.
In Yamanaka Onsen area, you can purchase excellent sake produced by local sake breweries.
Recommended brands:
Kagatobi: Dry and crisp
Manzairaku: Mellow and easy to drink
Tengumai: traditional Yamahai brewing
Practical advice
Onsen Manners
Bathe thoroughly and wash your body before taking a bath
Do not put towels in the bathtub
Enjoy bathing quietly
If you have tattoos, check with your accommodation in advance
Clothing Advice
Spring and fall: Light jacket or cloak
Summer: Light clothing is OK, but a light jacket is recommended to protect against air conditioning.
Winter: Warm clothing is essential, and non-slip shoes are recommended to protect against snow.
Walking: comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Language Support
English is available at major tourist information centers
English menus and information available at many accommodations
Use of the Google Translate app is recommended
Wi-Fi Environment
Free Wi-Fi available at major tourist spots and accommodations
KAGA WiFi is available throughout the city.
Recommended Model Courses
One-day course (5-6 hours)
9:00 Arrive at Yamanaka Onsen, stroll along Yuge Kaido
10:00 Hike along Tsurusenkei Trail (Ayatohashi→Koorogibashi Bridge)
12:00 Lunch at kawadoko ryori (summer) or Kaga ryori at a restaurant in the hot spring resort area
14:00 Onsen bathing at Kiku-no-yu
15:00 Pick up souvenirs at Yamanaka Lacquer Ware Village Uruwashikan
16:00 Visit Basho's House and watch a traditional performance at Yamanaka-za Theater
17:00 Departure
2-day/1-night course
Day 1:
Arrive in the afternoon → Stroll around the hot spring resort town → Dinner (Kaga cuisine dinner at a ryokan) → Bathe in the hot spring
Day 2:
After breakfast → stroll along Tsurusenkei River → experience kawadoko cuisine → purchase souvenirs → depart
Summary
We felt that Yamanaka Onsen area is one of the few places in Japan where you can experience "quality" in the true sense of the word.
There is none of the hustle and bustle typical of tourist destinations here. Instead, you will find craftsmanship cultivated over 400 years of history, beautiful valleys created by nature, and the spirit of hospitality that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The sound of the clear stream as you dine on the riverbed, the smooth feel of the lacquerware in your hands, the change in your skin as you soak in the hot springs.
All of these will deeply resonate with your senses and teach you what "real beauty" is.
Yamanaka Onsen is a special travel destination for adults that will satisfy you from the depths of your soul.
