Chubu · Kaga, Ishikawa
♨ Yamanaka Onsen
A gorge-side town praised by Basho, famous for lacquerware and the Kakusenkei gorge walk.
Quick facts
- Location: Kaga, Ishikawa (Chubu region)
- Water type: Sulfate spring
- Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
- Directions: Open in Google Maps
The water
A calcium-sodium sulphate spring with a faint scent.
History
The poet Matsuo Basho stayed here on his 'Narrow Road to the Deep North' journey. He ranked Yamanaka with Arima and Kusatsu as one of the 'three famous springs of Fuso (Japan)'. The communal bath Kiku-no-yu is named after one of his haiku.
Getting there
- From: Kanazawa
- Route: JR or Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kagaonsen, then bus
- JR Pass: Train covered; bus not covered.
Check current timetables and fares before you travel.
Famous for (meibutsu)
- Yamanaka lacquerware (craft): Japan's leading wood-turned lacquer
- Kutani-yaki (craft): brightly painted Kaga porcelain
- Kaga bocha (food): roasted twig tea
Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Kaga
Find Kaga tours on GetYourGuide
Affiliate note: some links on these pages are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I'd suggest to a friend.
See it on the onsen mapAll 50 onsenOnsen how-to
← Bessho Onsen · Wakura Onsen →
Printables for your soak
Get the free one-page Onsen Etiquette Cheat Sheet, or collect stamps at all 50 onsen with the Onsen Passport.
Free etiquette cheat sheetOnsen Passport
NorthWest Wa