Yamanaka Onsen, a hot spring resort in Ishikawa Prefecture loved by writers and artists [Yamanaka Onsen] Recommended sightseeing spots

  • Ishikawa
  • Sightseeing
Kasano-Dew, a footbath in Yamanaka Onsen, a symbol of the central town of Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen has a history of 1,300 years, and is a hot spring resort where nature and traditional culture still remain. It is said that Matsuo Basho, a haiku poet of the early Edo period known for his work "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), admired the area and stayed there for a long time! You can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town with its crafts, local sake stores, and valleys. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to some of the sights that you should visit when strolling in Yamanaka Onsen, a hot spring resort full of emotion.
Tsurusenkei Gorge in the autumn leaves © Ishikawa Tourist Federation

Yamanaka Onsen So-yu "Kikuno-yu

Yamanaka Onsen So-yu "Kiku-no-yu" is named after a haiku written by Matsuo Basho. It is a public bathhouse located in the central area of the hot spring resort, and it is said that it is rare in Japan to have separate buildings for men's and women's baths. It is said that many locals use this bathhouse. The hot, yet refreshing, water will refresh you after a quick bath!

Matsuo Basho, who visited Kiku no Yu on his way to "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), wrote "Yamanaka yaya chrysanthemum no tebirajisu (The smell of the hot water)". This haiku means, "In Yamanaka Onsen, you can expect longevity just by smelling the fragrance of the hot water, without relying on the dewdrops of chrysanthemums. This haiku is based on an ancient Chinese legend called "Kiku-jidou," in which a boy drank a drop of water that fell from a chrysanthemum leaf and lived a long life. This is where the name "Kiku-no-yu" comes from.
Men's hot spring

Yamanaka-za, the base for sightseeing in Yamanaka Onsen Town

Yamanaka-za" attached to the women's bath of Yamanaka Onsen So-yu "Kiku-no-yu
Visitors can experience traditional performing arts such as Yamanaka-bushi, a folk song of Yamanaka Onsen and one of the three most popular folk songs in Japan. It is attached to the women's bath of Yamanaka Onsen So-yu "Kiku-no-yu". The space offers the full appeal of Yamanaka lacquerware, including lacquered pillars, lattice-door style walls, elbow rests on seats, and the maki-e lacquered lattice ceiling in the lobby. This facility is also used as a convention hall!
Seats of Yamanakaza
Lacquer painting on the ceiling

Korogibashi Bridge, a bridge made entirely of cypress

Entrance to the Korogibashi Bridge
Stone monument across the Korogibashi Bridge
The cypress bridge over Kakusenkei, one of Yamanaka Onsen's most famous scenic spots. According to a theory, the name comes from the crickets that chirp on autumn nights.... The view of Kakusenkei from the Korogi Bridge is also spectacular! If you visit in the fall, you can enjoy the autumn leaves.
Korogibashi Bridge" in autumn leaves © Ishikawa Tourism Federation

Tsurusenkei promenade - Tsurusenkei riverbed

Tsurusenkei Kawayuka (riverbed) ©Ishikawa Tourist Federation
Tsurusenkei Gorge is a 1.3-kilometer promenade along the Daishoji River that runs alongside the hot spring resort area. You can walk along the 1.3-kilometer promenade while enjoying the murmuring of the river and the scenery. It is recommended for a stroll after breakfast and before checking out! Also in 2023, "Tsurusenkei Kawayuka" will be set up from April 1 to November 30. There are chairs and plank seats available, and you can enjoy sweet dishes and kawadoko bento lunches in the serene scenery!
Daishoji River flowing along the hot spring resort

Unique S-shaped bridge "Ayatori-bashi

This S-shaped bridge was designed by Hiroshi Teshigahara, the headmaster of the Sogetsu school of ikebana, in the motif of "Ayatori" (a Japanese game of cat's cradle). It is also known as a unique bridge in Japan!

Both the view from the riverbed of Tsurusenkei and the view from the top of the Ayatori-bashi are enchanting with the beauty of the valley. Be sure to stop by when strolling in Yamanaka Onsen! In addition, Ishikawa Prefecture has the highest annual consumption of ice cream per household in Japan, and you can enjoy original ice cream only available in Yamanaka Onsen at "Yamanaka Onsen Ice Cream Street"! Be sure to try this one, too!
Beautiful curves
A mysterious bridge with three-dimensional, wiggly lines.

Strolling in the hot spring resort town

We have introduced Yamanaka Onsen, a great place for a stroll. Yamanaka Onsen is not only a hot spring spa, but also a place where you can experience the traditions of Yamanaka Onsen and the natural beauty of Yamanaka Onsen. How about Yamanaka Onsen for your next onsen trip?
JR East View Dynamic Rail Package" for train + accommodation in Ishikawa area.
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