Luxury Travel to Yamashiro and Yamanaka made for you

Bask in mineral-rich hot springs

Nature and culture combine in traditional hot spring towns

For more than a thousand years, Japanese holiday makers have been coming to Yamashiro and Yamanaka to soothe body and mind in their warm therapeutic waters. Two of the most celebrated hot spring resorts on the Kaga onsen circuit, the towns lie next to each other between the mountains and the sea in pretty countryside locales.

Both springs are said to have been discovered by the influential Buddhist priest Gyoki and the old ryokans and the traditional houses that sprung up around the waters have retained their authentic design with red latticework. You’ll be transported back in time to historical Japan.

The area has a rich heritage of craftsmanship, producing colourful Kutaniyaki porcelain, woodwork, lacquerware and saki and various stores offer hands-on craft making activities. While your hotels will have their own facilities, make sure you go to see the traditional public baths in each town’s centre.

Highlights

Relax in your ryokan’s onsen, soaking up the benefits of the mineral-rich waters.

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner consisting of between 12 and 15 dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients and carefully presented on beautiful plates.

Learn about local crafts, such as colourful Kutaniyaki porcelain, woodwork, lacquerware and saki.

Yamashiro Onsen is celebrated for its mineral-rich hot spring. I recommend a stay at Beniya Mukayu to restore your senses with sound bathing and basking in your room’s private hot spring bath.

Rachel O Leary

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Yamashiro and Yamanaka

There are many incredible places to stay in Yamashiro and Yamanaka. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Yamashiro and Yamanaka

Araya Totoan Ryokan

Dating back over 800 years, this ryokan is immersed in Japanese history. Relax in the hotel’s onsen which have won international acclaim. In authentic Japanese Sukita style, the 18 luxury guest rooms face the tranquil zen-designed garden. The natural beauty of the garden is echoed in the rooms, where the traditional Japanese use of light and space is evident, from the washi-paper sliding doors and tatami-mat flooring, you’ll find yourself emerged in this rich culture. During your stay you will dine in on an abundance of local cuisine, tasting delicacies from the nearby sea and the bountiful land that surrounds the area. Find yourself totally emerged in local culture, even down to your clothing, this will be an experience you will never forget.

Yamashiro and Yamanaka

Kayotei Inn Ryokan

This luxury ryokan is located in the small hot springs village of Yamanaka, which is untouched by time. Surrounded by thick forested hills and stunning natural beauty, find yourself immersed in rich Japanese culture whilst you unwind at this tranquil inn. The 10 guest rooms and suites are arranged in the traditional sukiya style of a tea ceremony pavilion. The decor is discreet and elegant from the tatami walkways to the original painted screens, the luxury and exclusive ambience of this ryokan is undeniable. During your stay relax in the natural hot springs renowned for their soothing and curative properties. The piece de resistance of this ryokan is the cuisine. During your stay you will be served in your room, feasting on the delicious true Japanese kaiseki cuisine. Taste the exquisite local ingredients you are in for a true culinary delight.

Yamashiro and Yamanaka

Beniya Mukayu Ryokan

Soak in private hot spring baths, enjoy seasonal kaiseki dining and connect with local crafts in Yamashiro Onsen.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.