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Yamanaka Onsen in Kaga, Ishikawa, is a famous hot spring resort. Its main street, "Yuge Kaido," is the perfect walking spot. It blends old hot spring town charm with refined traditional crafts and rich food culture.
Imagine strolling through this atmospheric town in a yukata robe. Here, we introduce three must-visit spots: a stunning lacquerware shop, a bar for the best sake experience, and a convenient launderette for travelers.
Charm of Yuge Kaido Street in Yamanaka Onsen
"Yuge Kaido" is known for its elegant streetscape lined with traditional Japanese-style buildings. The street is full of lacquerware galleries, cafes, and restaurants. You can enjoy the skills of Japanese artisans and enjoy street snacks (there is a lot of ice cream!).
The street is a compact 600 meters long. You can fully enjoy a leisurely walk in about 1 to 3 hours. Many stores close or close down in the evening, so it is best to visit from around noon to early evening.
Bus Access & How to Ride
From JR Kagaonsen Station, take the Hokutetsu Bus "Onsen Yamanaka Line" (approx. 30 mins). Get off at "Yuge Kaido" or "Kikunoyu / Yamanaka-za" bus stop.
📍 Kikunoyu / Yamanaka-za bus stop
How to Use the Local Bus
The system is Enter Back, Exit Front, Pay Later. Major transport IC cards like Suica or PASMO are NOT accepted. However, credit cards with touch payment (contactless) can be used.
Getting On (Back Door):
Cash: Take a "numbered ticket" from the machine near the door.
Credit Card (Contactless): Touch the reader.
Getting Off & Paying (Front Door):
Cash: Check your fare on the front screen matching your ticket number. Put the ticket and exact cash into the fare box.
Credit Card (Contactless): Touch the reader to complete payment.
3 Must-Visit Spots on Yuge Kaido
Yamanaka Onsen is famous for crafts like "Yamanaka Lacquerware" and "Kutani Ware." Here are recommended spots to visit while walking the street.
Yamanaka Lacquerware: "Gato Mikio Shouten"
This is a must-visit shop for high-quality traditional crafts.
Address: 2-3-7 Koorogi-cho, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, 922-0128
This isn't just a souvenir shop. Stepping inside feels like entering an art museum.
Founded in 1908, this shop uses 400-year-old techniques to create lacquerware that is both beautiful and practical for modern life. They have won international design awards. Their refined items are truly works of art.
Japanese Sake: "Washu BAR Engawa"
Located just off the main street, this bar is a calm space renovated from an old folk house. They offer about 30 kinds of local Ishikawa sake.
Ro 82, Yamanaka Onsen Minami-cho, Kaga, Ishikawa 922-0129, Japan
Why we recommend it:
Great for beginners and lovers alike to taste local sake.
The owner is a certified sake expert and can select the perfect drink for you.
Enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of a hot spring town.
Visiting in a yukata robe is welcome!
A tasteful old private house has been renovated and is stylish.
Lots of Japanese sake to choose from! So they consulted with you for recommendations. The master chooses based on the season, weather, and inspiration from their chat.
Sake is served in artistic vessels that match the sake. Sake that you feel with all five senses is exceptional! You will be impressed.
The counter seating is also fun to chat and enjoy talking with your friends!
Traveler's Friend: Laundromat
Sometimes when you are traveling, you think, "It would be nice to be able to do laundry. There is a laundromat in the Yuge Kaido area.
1 Yamanaka Onsen Yunode-cho, Kaga, Ishikawa 922-0124, Japan
Yamanaka Onsen's public bathhouse, "Kiku-no-Yu" is located near here. It is recommended to enjoy the hot spring at "Kiku-no-yu" while waiting to do laundry at the laundromat.
How to use
You can use the washing machine and dryer with cash (coin-operated). Put them in and they start working; bring lots of 100-yen coins with you! Business hours are 5:00 AM-11:00 PM.
Washing: 400 yen
Drying: 100 yen for 8 minutes
Detergent: 30 yen
Summary
Yuge Kaido offers a classic hot spring town atmosphere in a compact, walkable size. With crafts, bars, and convenient facilities, it has everything a traveler needs for a relaxing stroll before or after checking into a hotel. Enjoy exploring Yamanaka Onsen!
