Nestled in the heart of the Kaga region in Japan, Yamashiro Onsen is the perfect escape to experience the beauty of nature, culture, and relaxation. As the tourism ambassador for this serene onsen town, I’m always eager to explore its charm through the changing seasons.

Today, I want to share with you a perfect day in Yamashiro Onsen, filled with autumn leaves, art, history, and delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy Autumn Leaves Without the Crowds

Yakuoin-Onsenji-Temple

One of the best-kept secrets of Yamashiro Onsen is Yakuoin Onsenji Temple, a peaceful and serene spot that’s perfect for viewing the stunning autumn foliage. Unlike the busy, overcrowded spots typically found during fall, Yakuoin Onsenji Temple offers a tranquil atmosphere where you can take in the rich reds and golds of the season at your own pace. The temple’s history and spiritual ambiance make it an ideal spot to connect with nature and take a peaceful stroll through its grounds.

Visit Rosanjin’s Iroha Soan: A Historic Villa

Iroha-Soan

For those with a love of art and culture, a visit to Iroha Soan, a historic villa that once housed the legendary Japanese artist Rosanjin Kitaoji, is a must. This beautiful space, which was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2001, is a tribute to Rosanjin’s mastery in ceramics, calligraphy, and traditional Japanese cuisine. 

Here, you can explore different rooms in the villa, including his workspace, and admire some of his famous works. Sitting down for a cup of freshly brewed tea with seasonal sweets overlooking the garden after exploring was such a calming experience—I felt a deep connection to both the artistry and the history of the place. The peaceful ambiance and history of the villa make for a truly unique experience that feels like stepping into a living piece of art.

Stay at Housyotei: A Family-Friendly Traditional Japanese Inn

No trip to Yamashiro Onsen is complete without staying at a traditional ryokan, and Housyotei offers the perfect combination of authentic Japanese hospitality and family-friendly amenities. Certified as a “Welcome Baby Inn“, Housyotei meets over 70 of their 100 child-friendly criteria. The inn is designed with families in mind, offering baby food options for all weaning stages, a play area, and a private bath with 200 floating rubber ducks. For families traveling with babies, baby gear rentals like yukata and jinbei are also available, making your stay even more convenient.

After settling into your room, be sure to enjoy their mineral-rich hot springs, known for their healing properties that leave you feeling rejuvenated and relaxed. The comfortable tatami mats in the bathrooms add warmth and safety, ensuring a cozy and relaxing experience for all ages. Housyotei is also home to whimsical themed rooms which will delight both adults and children although this time, I picked the classic, non-themed one with a private outdoor bath. This is a place where everyone can relax and have fun while experiencing the best of Japanese hospitality and culture, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Dine on Kappo Ryori at Kappo Morimoto

Kappo-Ryori

For an unforgettable culinary experience, head to Kappo Morimoto for a taste of Kappo Ryori, a refined Japanese dining style that emphasizes seasonal ingredients and the freshest local produce and seafood. As the seasons change, so does the menu, with autumn being a particularly delightful time to indulge in dishes made with the freshest catch of the season. I still remember watching the chefs at work, their precision and artistry turning each dish into a masterpiece. The crab dishes, in particular, stood out—fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. It was such an intimate and special experience, and I left feeling like I’d tasted the very essence of Hokuriku’s cuisine.

Kutaniware Painting Experience

Kutaniware-Painting

What better way to remember your time in Yamashiro Onsen than by creating your own souvenir? At Gallery Coco, you can participate in a Kutaniware painting experience, where you’ll learn to decorate your very own piece of traditional Kutani porcelain. Kutaniware is a famous style of Japanese pottery known for its vivid colors and intricate designs. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll have the chance to create a one-of-a-kind piece to take home as a reminder of your journey through Yamashiro Onsen. The process was both relaxing and rewarding, and I now have a beautifully hand-painted piece to remind me of my time in Yamashiro. It’s such a fun and meaningful activity—I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a hands-on experience.

Try Autumn's Most Popular Dessert Flavor

Autumn-Dessert

As autumn settles in, the flavor of sweet potatoes takes center stage in many desserts across Japan. At Monta-Yu, a local favorite in Yamashiro Onsen, you can indulge in various sweet potato-based treats. One of my personal favorites was the Sweet Potato Mont Blanc dessert, which was absolutely delicious. It had a crunchy cookie base, followed by a light meringue, frozen cream, and, of course, the rich and creamy sweet potato Mont Blanc. The dessert was topped with crispy cookie bits and a hint of citrus zest, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. From rich, creamy sweet potato cakes to delicate pastries, Monta-Yu’s offerings are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while experiencing a beloved seasonal flavor.

Yamashiro Onsen offers more than just hot springs—it’s a destination where you can immerse yourself in nature, art, history, and culinary delights. Each visit to Yamashiro brings a fresh perspective and unique experiences that make this onsen town one of my favorite places to visit throughout the year.

As always, I recommend checking Yamashiro Onsen’s Website for updates on shop hours and any special events to make sure you can make the most of your visit. With its peaceful atmosphere and endless charm, Yamashiro Onsen is the perfect place to unwind, explore, and create lasting memories. 

Happy travels, and I hope you enjoy your time in Yamashiro Onsen as much as I do! 🍁