Yamashiro Onsen beckons with its soothing hot springs and rich cultural atmosphere. This 4-day retreat offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and unwind at Ruriko, a five-star ryokan recognized by Kanko Keizai Shimbun, one of Japan’s leading travel industry publications. Renowned for its hospitality and open-air hot spring baths surrounded by natural beauty, Ruriko provides an ideal setting for relaxation. Spend your days at your own pace—whether that means soaking in the healing waters of Yamashiro Onsen, strolling through the charming hot spring town, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Ideal for travelers seeking a tranquil escape, this retreat lets you experience the timeless appeal of one of Japan's beloved onsen destinations.
Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff holding a flag with our company logo.
The tour ends at Tokyo Station, with arrival expected between 1:52 PM and 2:52 PM. Exact arrival time will be confirmed 1 week prior to the tour date.
Your journey begins at Tokyo Station, where you’ll board the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Hakutaka” in a reserved standard seat bound for Kaga Onsen Station. Enjoy a smooth and scenic ride through the Japanese countryside, watching the landscape shift from cityscapes to peaceful rural views. Upon arrival, a free hotel shuttle bus will take you to your accommodation in Yamashiro Onsen, one of Hokuriku’s most historic hot spring towns. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the hotel. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
Yamashiro Onsen has been a healing retreat for over 1300 years and once served as the official hot spring resort of the Maeda Clan, rulers of the Kaga Domain. You’ll stay at Ruriko, a certified “5 Star Ryokan” known for its refined hospitality and elegant atmosphere. The men’s open-air bath features natural rock formations and a garden waterfall, while the women’s bath is crafted from fragrant hinoki cypress, offering a graceful and serene experience. The soft, mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxing after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a seasonal set meal dinner featuring beautifully arranged local dishes. Then, at 9:00 PM, gather in the hotel’s event space for a spectacular drum performance held nightly. Local drummers wearing traditional ogre masks perform a powerful and rhythmic show that echoes through the halls, bringing energy and excitement to the quiet mountain night. It’s a unique cultural experience that adds a dramatic and unforgettable touch to your first evening
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at your leisure or just spend it in Ruriko, your five-star ryokan, where the retreat continues beyond sightseeing. This is not just a place to sleep—it’s a space designed to immerse you in the quiet beauty of Japanese hospitality. The ryokan’s architecture blends traditional design with modern comfort, and its peaceful garden paths invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Inside, you’ll find quiet lounges for reading or tea, and a serene atmosphere that encourages reflection. The open-air baths—crafted from natural rock and fragrant hinoki wood—offer a deeply relaxing experience, especially in the evening when steam rises into the cool mountain air. As part of your retreat, you’ll enjoy another seasonal set meal dinner, prepared with care and artistry. And at 9:00 PM, the nightly ogre-mask drum performance brings a burst of energy and tradition, reminding you that even in stillness, Japan’s cultural heartbeat is alive.
Your final day at Ruriko is a chance to fully embrace the spirit of this retreat. Soak once more in the mineral-rich waters, sip tea in your room, or take a quiet walk through the garden. The ryokan offers a space to reflect on the cultural experiences you’ve gathered. Dinner is another seasonal set meal, served with elegance and warmth. It’s a fitting end to a journey that has blended relaxation, culture, and discovery—exactly what a retreat should be.
After breakfast, you’ll depart Yamashiro Onsen by hotel free shuttle, heading to Kaga Onsen Station. From there, you’ll board the Hokuriku Shinkansen “Hakutaka” in a reserved standard seat for your return journey to Tokyo. As the train glides through the countryside, you’ll have time to reflect on the peaceful hot spring retreat, the cultural experiences, and the warm hospitality that made your visit to Hokuriku truly special.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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