Yamanaka Onsen

The hot springs of Yamanaka Onsen are said to have been discovered over 1,300 years ago. Since that time, they have long been a haven for weary travelers and sea merchants. During his journey through the region in 1689, the famous Edo-era poet Matsuo Basho praised its waters—alongside those of Arima (Hyogo Prefecture) and Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture)—as among Japan’s three great hot springs. He spent nine days enjoying the baths and composing haiku, a legacy that still shapes Yamanaka’s cultural identity.
The town stretches along the scenic Kakusenkei Gorge, where visitors can stroll past lush forests, the fuchsia-colored Ayatori Bridge, and the elegant wooden Ko-orogi Bridge. At the town’s heart, you’ll find the communal bath Kiku-no-Yu, surrounded by traditional inns, shops, and nostalgic streetscapes that retain an Edo period atmosphere.
Yamanaka is also a center of traditional arts. Its lacquerware is prized for fine craftsmanship, and the nearby region is the birthplace of Kutani-yaki pottery, a roughly 300 year-old art celebrated worldwide for its vivid colors and designs. You may also hear the melodies of Yamanaka-bushi which developed from the songs of visiting sailors.
Yamanaka’s culinary culture also benefits from the town’s proximity to the Sea of Japan. Local inns serve seasonal seafood such as snow crab, amberjack, and sweet shrimp. Visitors can also enjoy the Basho no Yakata Museum and tours of places associated with the poet. This blend of hot spring relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural richness has made Yamanaka Onsen a poetic destination for centuries.