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.
A word from one of our experts
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.
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:
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Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Yamashiro and Yamanaka example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Where to go
Hakone
Endowed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, Hakone in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a town with water at its heart.
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Hiroshima has emerged from its nuclear past as a thriving and internationally minded community.
Ise Shima National Park
From its magnificent vistas, to its peaceful coves, to it’s stark mountains and dense forest, the park is a cultural and culinary landmark in Japan.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Jigokudani is the ultimate and privileged location to watch snow monkeys interact, bond and just chill out.
Kanazawa
A thriving historical centre, Kanazawa escaped destruction in World War II leaving it standing as a beautifully preserved example of medieval Japan.
Kyoto
Kyoto is where you’ll find ancient and contemporary Japan collide in a fascinating cultural hub.
Matsumoto
The charming town of Matsumoto offers an attractive departure point for hikes in the beautiful deep mountain domain of Kamikochi.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan‘s highest mountain, a picture-perfect snow-capped cone that dominates the landscape of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Mount Koya
Revered as a dwelling place of the gods since ancient times, Mount Koya rises mysteriously from the Kii peninsula.
Naoshima Island
Its laid back pace, beaches and bright weather give it a wonderfully Mediterranean atmosphere, but it’s art enthusiasts more so than sun-seekers that flock here.
Okinawa
With a dreamy subtropical climate and some of the best beaches in Japan, most come to Okinawa for its sunny weather and beachside relaxation.
Osaka
Osaka is a full bodied metropolis brimming over with contemporary architecture, animated nightlife and delicious street food.
Sado Island
Sado is a rural summer getaway of rocky coasts, green hills and quaint fishing ports far away from the frenzy of the mainland.
Shikoku
A wonderful place to appreciate some of Japan’s most beautiful natural scenery and sacred sites.
Takayama
Takayama's remote location means that it’s remained somewhat isolated from the rest of Japan, creating and conserving a unique cultural character.
Tokyo
A city of excitement and bright neon lights set against the backdrop of the vast and towering Mount Fuji.
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When to visit Japan
Japan is a year-round destination. Visit in March and April to catch the cities cloaked in cherry blossom and from October to November to see the maple trees explode in clouds of orange and red.
Cherry blossoms
March–April
Autumn leaves
November–December
See Mount Fuji
November–February
Japan travel guides
Plan your trip to Yamashiro and Yamanaka
Whatever you want from your adventure in Yamashiro and Yamanaka, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
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We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
