Yamanaka Onsen Kakusen-kei: Famous Hot Spring Gorge Also Loved by Matsuo Basho

Hot Spring Loved by Basho

Yamanaka Onsen is located in Kaga City, Ishikawa, an ancient hot spring resort with 1,300 years of history. Matsuo Basho stopped here during his Oku no Hosomichi journey, known for composing the haiku "Yamanaka ya / kiku wa taorana / yu no nioi." Basho is also said to have praised this hot spring resort as "a famous spring alongside Dogo and Arima."

Four Seasons of Kakusen-kei

Kakusen-kei gorge along Daishoji River flowing through the center of Yamanaka Onsen is a walking spot known for four-season beauty. Spring has fresh greenery, summer has refreshing mountain streams, autumn has autumn leaves, and winter has snowy scenery — different expressions throughout the year.

Kohrogi Bridge and Kawadoko

The wooden "Kohrogi Bridge" spanning Kakusen-kei is Yamanaka Onsen's symbolic bridge, with autumn leaves surrounding it creating picturesque scenery. "Kakusen-kei Kawadoko" has teahouses set up May-October for enjoying matcha and sweets while viewing the mountain stream.