Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
109 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
54
Average
12
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Jenn J
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
Nov 2014 • Solo
Hands-down the best onsen town I have ever visited. It is easily accessible by public transport: just catch a train to Kagaonsen from Kanazawa and get one of the shuttle buses that frequently depart from the train station. The bus will take 30 minutes from Kagaonsen Station. It will drop you off in the middle of Yamanaka which is truly a glorious town. From the main bus terminal, turn left and walk up the hill towards the mountains. In five minutes you will reach the centre of the town. It has a feeling of "old Japan" to it with various artisan and crafts stores, traditional cuisine and music filling the air. Then as you approach the mountain/hiking trails there's the Gorge itself which provides breathtaking scenery especially in Autumn. I could even see the hot spring steam coming off the trees! There are many bath houses scattered throughout the town, it can be daunting as a foreigner to locate them as the maps are in Japanese, but the main bath house is in the centre of the town and is hard to miss. There are also ryokans and hotels closer to the Gorge that allow visitors to bathe without being an overnight guest. I went to the onsen of a hotel that was at the end of the road, closest to the mountain/Gorge. The bathing experience was highly enjoyable and offered an outdoor bath directly overlooking the river. I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants a memorable experience of Japan.
Written December 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ValentinaLongIsland
Long Island45 contributions
Dec 2010
Most tourists don't know about the fact that Japanese love their natural hot springs,and certainly they don't want to see non-Japanese naked in their worderful hot springs facilities. The facilities are divided in male and female, so there is nothing kinky about them. You have to get scrubbed-clean before you get these running natural hot springs.
This onsen also has the attraction of a wonderful river gorge and walk along it, very natural. The B&B will treat you like a king: great food. Nice small town: not all of Japan is like Tokyo.
This onsen also has the attraction of a wonderful river gorge and walk along it, very natural. The B&B will treat you like a king: great food. Nice small town: not all of Japan is like Tokyo.
Written November 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jocelyn E
Katsuyama, Japan18 contributions
Nov 2014 • Friends
I've been here multiple times, in the fall and winter. This is an amazing fall or winter retreat, perfect to refresh yourself over a weekend. In the fall, the autumn leaves are beautiful. The town itself is quaint, and has a very Japanese feel to it. In the town, there are free outdoor foot baths that you can soak your feet in (but bring your own towel).
In the fall, I highly recommend walking through the park down to the river. There are picnic tables, if you want to bring your own meal.
In the fall, I highly recommend walking through the park down to the river. There are picnic tables, if you want to bring your own meal.
Written September 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fel
Singapore, Singapore112 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
A short 20 min ride on the Shinkansen brought us from Kanazawa to Kaga Onsen, which is actually a collection of four hot spring towns, namely Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Awazu Onsen and Katayamazu Onsen. We decided on Yamanaka Onsen for of course, the onsen, and Kakusenkei Gorge. We took a connecting bus from Kaga Onsen to Yamanaka Onsen. (Pick up a useful walking map at Kaga Onsen tourist information!) Most people alighted at the Yamashiro Onsen which is on the way. For a Saturday, the streets at Yamanaka Onsen were… pretty empty.
The Kakusenkei Gorge was pretty nice to walk by. Gushing waters, various stone steps and surfaces, mini waterfalls, tall thin trees. Took about 40 min to walk from Ayatori Bridge to Korogi Bridge.
The Kikunoyu onsen is separated into male and female (2 different buildings). This onsen was very… crowded! It’s like the whole town is here xD No outdoor bath or special facilities, just a rectangular pool. But I enjoyed it because it’s hot enough :D So hot that I turned red! Prefer this to the Shin-Hirayu ones.
Near the bus terminal, we also had sake leeds and onsen tamago ice cream~ which were both surprisingly good!
The Kakusenkei Gorge was pretty nice to walk by. Gushing waters, various stone steps and surfaces, mini waterfalls, tall thin trees. Took about 40 min to walk from Ayatori Bridge to Korogi Bridge.
The Kikunoyu onsen is separated into male and female (2 different buildings). This onsen was very… crowded! It’s like the whole town is here xD No outdoor bath or special facilities, just a rectangular pool. But I enjoyed it because it’s hot enough :D So hot that I turned red! Prefer this to the Shin-Hirayu ones.
Near the bus terminal, we also had sake leeds and onsen tamago ice cream~ which were both surprisingly good!
Written March 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia293 contributions
May 2017 • Friends
Bus trip took half an hour from Kagaonsen station. Spend the whole day here, delighting in the greens of the gorge, souvenir shopping and admiring the craftsmanship, having an onsen in the women's public bath (an experience) and hanging out at cafe Bau which is slightly funky and has good coffee and a nice owner. Make sure you visit the 2500 year old cedar. Stunning!
Written May 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atq
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia22 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
Go try the public bath. Its a real experience plus many locals also go there.
200yen for towels. 100yen for soap. Entry is 440yen.
Or if you are short of time, there is a free foot onsen outside the bathouse. Also there is a mechanical clock outside the bathhouse. Everyhour little dolls will give a small performance.
A lot of restaurants around the area.
Easily accessible from Kagaonsen Station by CAN Bus. Yama(Mountian) route. 1day pass 1000yen.
200yen for towels. 100yen for soap. Entry is 440yen.
Or if you are short of time, there is a free foot onsen outside the bathouse. Also there is a mechanical clock outside the bathhouse. Everyhour little dolls will give a small performance.
A lot of restaurants around the area.
Easily accessible from Kagaonsen Station by CAN Bus. Yama(Mountian) route. 1day pass 1000yen.
Written March 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canmaninjapan
Kamakura, Japan943 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
We popped out of Kanazawa city and headed west to Yamanaka Onsen (hot spring). The walk along the river took about and a half. It was nice to feel the cool breeze of the water flowing and be surrounded with greenery. There is so much to see in the way of small waterfalls, a raised tatami tea/sweet shop right on the river and footbridges. Like another reviewer said, it is a best kept secret. I had been to Kanazawa about half a dozen times, but had yet to go there. Next time we will stay at one of the lovely hot spring hotels. It is not wheelchair friendly, mind you. It is a good day trip from Kanazawa and a good way to burn off some of the calories from Kanazawa's awesome food. Enjoy!
Written August 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kel_au
Brisbane, Australia384 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Yamanaka is small sleepy town famous for several traditional Osen (or bath houses). You will see locals carrying their towels and soap and heading to the public bath. If you have not experienced an Osen in Japan you should try it at least once. Beware of the rules and etiquette of using an Osen. There are many sites online which explain.
Walking along the river and gorge is a major attraction. The scenery is beautiful and relaxing. There is a spot along the river you can stop and take tea and cake for around ¥500. This location is magnificent. A must do!
There is also a very small shopping street for local goods.
This is well worth the journey from Kanazawa. Use the local CAN bus (loop service) to get around. Study the timetable, carefully and choose your stops as this service is not super-frequent.
Walking along the river and gorge is a major attraction. The scenery is beautiful and relaxing. There is a spot along the river you can stop and take tea and cake for around ¥500. This location is magnificent. A must do!
There is also a very small shopping street for local goods.
This is well worth the journey from Kanazawa. Use the local CAN bus (loop service) to get around. Study the timetable, carefully and choose your stops as this service is not super-frequent.
Written April 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GIT
Melbourne, Australia447 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
We came here originally for the onsen and loved the surroundings. There is the gorge, the nature walks, and the bridges. Then there are the lacquer wares where one can get the best make in Japan from Kaga. There is factory down the road from the bus station and you can see lots of wares and they are relatively cheaper than Tokyo. When here, do also visit Yamanaka-za (Theatre) and watch The Japanese Geisha dance. The 2 ladies were amazing and will impress you. Dance only on Sat,Sun,PH: 3.30-4.30pm, and weekdays 11-11.30am.
Written April 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anonymous
Singapore, Singapore23 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Was recommended to stay in Yamanaka Onsen instead of staying in Kanazawa . The autumn colours were awesome even though it was raining for the 2 days , as expected of autumn weather . The highlight photo-spot is the bridge behind the Kagari Kisshotel ryokan . We stayed 1 nite and another ryokan Ohanami Kyubei for another nite. Both were nice ryokans with good rooms , service and good kaiseki dinners . The village Main Street has interesting handicrafts shops . We took about 2 hrs to drive from Shirakawago in the raining weather in mid nov . Easy drive to see Tojinbo Cliffs along the coast . Would recommend tis beautiful onsen town .
Written November 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does kikunoyu have a towel rental? How about the other onsens?
Written February 2, 2020
A Tripadvisor member
Honolulu, Hawaii
Hi Jenn: Thanks for your informative 2014 review of Yamanaka Onsen. I am planning to make the trip in late April 2018. Do you have a recommendation for a ryokan in the area? I want to spend one night in the area. Is this one of those towns were you can go from onsen to onsen or do you book a ryokan and are "stuck" with the ryokan's onsen? THANKS
Written January 9, 2018
Can I know which bus to take from Kaga Onsen to Yamanaka Onsen? And when reach Yamanaka Onsen, how go to Kakusenkei Gorge and Kikunoyu hot spring?
Written August 25, 2015
Hi, would you mean Kaga Onsen Station? From the station, there is a bus calls 'Onsen Yamanaka Line' (try to search '温泉山中線') would take you to Yamanaka Onsen. As well, Yamanaka Onsen is a collective name of all Onsens, hotels and shops around that area. Kakusenkei and Kikunoyu are all inside it. I couldn't find out a map in English and hope you could find out an outline of Yamanaka Onsen through by search '山中温泉 マップ'.
Written August 26, 2015
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