VISIT KANAZAWA, JAPAN - Official Travel Guide

Nestled in the verdant mountains approximately 30 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station, Yuwaku Onsen is Kanazawa's cherished "okuzashiki" – a tranquil retreat long beloved by the locals.
Boasting a history stretching back 1300 years, this ancient hot spring town is easily accessible by bus or car from Kanazawa Station and Kenrokuen Garden, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking an authentic onsen experience during their Kanazawa trip.
You'll find eight unique ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) dotted throughout the onsen town, each offering heartfelt hospitality and a relaxing atmosphere.

An Anime Pilgrimage Site In recent years, Yuwaku Onsen has gained new recognition as the setting for the popular anime series "Hanasaku Iroha" (花咲くいろは). Many fans make pilgrimages to visit the locations that inspired the anime, adding a contemporary cultural dimension to the town's appeal.

The "Himuro-biraki": A Kanazawa Summer Tradition During the Edo period, the Kaga Domain preserved winter snow in icehouses called "himuro" to present to the Tokugawa shogunate during the summer. Yuwaku Onsen continues this tradition by storing snow in a "himuro hut" every January. On June 30th, the "Himuro-biraki" event takes place, where the snow is retrieved, marking a refreshing start to summer in Kanazawa and a fascinating glimpse into local history.

Yuwaku Onsen Ryokans (Japanese Inns) 
Atarashiya
Oyado Yamashita
Yuno-de
Nihon Ryori Sakaeya
Kanazawa Yuwaku Yamane
Kogarian Hyakurakuso Kagura
Hyakurakuso Saishin

Must-See Spots in Yuwaku Onsen 
Sōyu "Shirasagi no Yu" (Heron Bath): A communal bathhouse welcoming both locals and tourists to enjoy the natural hot spring waters.
Gyokusenko Lake: A picturesque man-made lake with a 500-meter circumference. A walking path surrounds the lake, and you'll find the "himuro hut" on its shore, where snow is stored until summer.
Yuwaku Yumeji Museum: Yuwaku Onsen is also known as a place loved by Takehisa Yumeji (竹久夢二), a renowned Taisho-era romantic painter. This museum showcases his beautiful works.
Kanazawa Yuwaku Edo Village: This open-air museum preserves and exhibits traditional Edo-period (Kaga Domain) houses and farmhouses, offering a glimpse into Japan's past.