Yamanaka Onsen (山中温泉) is a hot spring resort town located in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan. It is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, with a history dating back approximately 1,300 years.
The town is situated along the scenic Kakusenkei Gorge and is renowned for its natural beauty and traditional Japanese architecture. The hot springs in Yamanaka Onsen, known for their gentle and skin-friendly simple spring water, are said to have therapeutic properties and are believed to be beneficial for the skin and overall health.
Yamanaka Onsen is also famous for its traditional Japanese inns, or ryokan, many of which are located along the riverside and offer stunning views of the surrounding nature. Visitors can experience authentic Japanese hospitality and cuisine, including kaiseki, a multi-course meal served in small portions and featuring seasonal local ingredients.
In addition to the hot springs and traditional inns, Yamanaka Onsen is home to several cultural and historical sites. The Mori Mitsuko Ichiza Theater features traditional Japanese puppetry shows, and the picturesque Koorogi Bridge over the Kakusenkei Gorge, a spot visited by the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho, has been recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. The town also has a public bathhouse called “Soyu” in the center of the town, which was renovated in 2000 with a modern design, and “Kiku no Yu,” another public bathhouse opposite Soyu with a historic atmosphere.
Visitors can stroll along “Yuge Kaido,” a stone-paved street between Soyu and Kiku no Yu, lined with souvenir shops and cafes. The Kakusenkei Gorge, formed by the Daishoji River flowing through the hot spring town, has well-maintained walking trails offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. For those interested in haiku, Basho’s House, a museum exhibiting materials related to Matsuo Basho, is a recommended spot.
Getting there
By Train and Bus
- Take an express train from JR Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station (about 30 minutes)
- From Kaga Onsen Station, take a bus bound for Yamanaka Onsen (about 30 minutes, 410 yen)
Direct Bus
Direct bus available from Kanazawa Kenrokuen-shita to Yamanaka Onsen
- Travel time: About 1 hour 25 minutes
- Two services daily (departing at 11:45 and 16:00)
By Car
- About 1 hour from Kanazawa
From the Airport
- Shuttle bus available from Komatsu Airport to Yamanaka Onsen (reservation required)
- Travel time: About 40 minutes
Kiku no Yu Public Bath
| Hours | 6:45 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 490 yen Age 6-11: 130 yen Age 3-5: 50 yen |
| Phone | +81 761-78-4026 |
| Address | 〒922-0124 Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanakaonsen Yunodemachi, １ |
| Resources | https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/about |
