Experience the charm of Kaga Yamashiro Onsen over a relaxing three-day retreat. Stay at a luxurious five-star inn and indulge in exquisite local cuisine, featuring authentic Echizen crab and fresh yellowtail, along with other seasonal delights from Hokuriku. Enjoy comfortable travel by Shinkansen and sightseeing bus, with plenty of time to unwind in soothing hot springs while taking in the stunning scenery. Perfect for food lovers and those seeking a serene escape into nature.
- Two nights at a five-star inn in Kaga Yamashiro Onsen
- Gourmet meals featuring local specialties like Echizen crab and yellowtail
- Comfortable travel by Shinkansen and sightseeing bus included
- Relax in hot springs and explore scenic spots over three days
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 wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name
After meeting your tour conductor at Tokyo Station, you’ll board the luxurious Hokuriku Shinkansen Green Car, where spacious seats and quiet comfort set the tone for a relaxing journey. The train will depart from Tokyo station between 9:00 and 10:30 AM, and will glide through the countryside, to Toyama Station you’ll leave behind the city’s bustle and begin your adventure into the scenic and culinary treasures of northern Japan. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train/accommodation details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
Upon arrival in Toyama, you’ll transfer to a comfortable coach and head to Himi, a coastal town famous for its winter delicacy: buri (yellowtail). Here, you’ll enjoy a full-course lunch featuring freshly caught seasonal buri, prepared in a variety of traditional styles—buri sashimi, buri shabu-shabu, and rare local specialties that are only available during the cold months. The fish is exceptionally fresh, with a rich flavor and delicate texture that reflects the icy waters of the Sea of Japan. This is a gourmet experience that showcases the best of Toyama’s winter cuisine.
Continue to Yamashiro Onsen, one of the most historic and atmospheric hot spring towns in the Kaga region. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodation for the next 2 nights—either Ruriko or Hatori, both officially recognized as “5 Star Ryokan” by the Japan Tourism Newspaper. These properties are known for their refined hospitality, elegant design, and exceptional service. Your room will be either a Japanese-style room with tatami flooring and futon bedding, a Western-style twin room with beds, or a Japanese-Western hybrid room that combines the charm of tatami with the convenience of Western bedding. Please note that room type cannot be selected in advance and will be assigned at the discretion of the hotel. The ryokan features spacious indoor and open-air hot spring baths, where you can soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature. After your bath, you’ll enjoy a beautifully presented seasonal kaiseki dinner, crafted with local ingredients and served in a tranquil dining setting.
After breakfast, you’ll visit a newly opened cultural site (scheduled to open in autumn 2025). This modern facility blends traditional architecture with interactive exhibits, offering a fresh perspective on local history and craftsmanship. It’s a short visit, but a meaningful one, giving you a glimpse into the evolving cultural landscape of Hokuriku.
Next, you’ll head to Tojinbo, a dramatic stretch of rugged cliffs carved by the Sea of Japan. The towering rock formations, shaped by centuries of waves and wind, create a powerful and awe-inspiring coastal scene. On clear days, the horizon stretches endlessly, and in winter, the crashing waves add a dramatic flair to the experience. It’s a perfect spot for photography and reflection.
Then comes the highlight of the day: a luxurious crab lunch at Shirahamaso, a well-known local restaurant specializing in Echizen crab, one of Japan’s most prized winter delicacies. Each guest is served one whole tagged Echizen crab, a mark of authenticity and quality, along with additional dishes made from 2 snow crabs—including grilled crab, crab sashimi, and other seasonal specialties. The staff will assist with shelling the boiled crab, making it easier to enjoy every bite. In January and February departures, you’ll also be treated to local sake and kora-zake, a warming drink made by pouring sake into a grilled crab shell, enhancing the rich flavor of the meal. The restaurant’s warm hospitality and cozy atmosphere make this a truly indulgent experience.
After lunch, you’ll return to the same ryokan in Yamashiro Onsen for a second night. The evening is yours to relax—whether you choose to soak in the open-air hot springs first, enjoy another seasonal kaiseki dinner, or simply unwind in your room surrounded by the quiet charm of the mountains.
Your first stop is Kutani Mangetsu, a gallery and workshop dedicated to Kutani-yaki, a traditional style of Japanese porcelain known for its vivid colors and intricate designs. Here, you’ll observe master artisans at work, shaping and painting delicate ceramics with centuries-old techniques. The gallery showcases both classic and modern pieces, and the quiet atmosphere allows you to appreciate the elegance and precision of Japanese craftsmanship. It’s a peaceful and inspiring start to the day.
Next, you’ll visit Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens and a masterpiece of landscape design. Even in winter, Kenrokuen holds a quiet beauty. The iconic yukitsuri ropes, which protect the pine trees from heavy snow, create a uniquely Japanese winter scene. The garden’s ponds, bridges, and carefully arranged trees offer a tranquil space for walking and reflection. Kenrokuen’s name refers to the “six attributes” of a perfect garden—spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, artificiality, water features, and scenic views—all of which are beautifully balanced here.
In Kanazawa city, you’ll enjoy a sushi lunch prepared with fresh seafood sourced that morning from the local market. Each piece is crafted by skilled chefs who balance flavor, texture, and presentation with precision. The rice is seasoned just right, and the fish is sliced to highlight its natural taste. This is not just a meal—it’s a celebration of Kanazawa’s rich culinary heritage, served in a refined and welcoming setting.
After lunch, you’ll head to Kanazawa Station, where your journey through Hokuriku comes to a close. You’ll board the Hokuriku Shinkansen Green Car, offering a quiet and comfortable ride back to Tokyo or Ueno. As the train glides through the snowy countryside, you’ll have time to reflect on the flavors, sights, and serenity of your three-day journey—a tour filled with elegance, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Show 1 more
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.
Show more
Your guide to the flawless travel experience