Discover Yamanouchi partner city of Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc

Yamanouchi is famous for its onsens, notably Shibu Onsen and Yudanaka Onsen. These thermal baths have a long history, dating back centuries, and are renowned for their mineral-rich waters with healing properties. The onsens are often surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, offering a serene, relaxing atmosphere. Shibu Onsen, for example, is a charming spa village with cobbled streetsand traditional ryokans, where visitors can enjoy a circuit of nine public baths, each with its own unique features. Yudanaka Onsen, meanwhile, is famous for having welcomed famous writers and artists seeking inspiration in its thermal waters. The public baths at Yudanaka Shibu Onsen are a must-see attraction for those wishing to discover Japanese bathing traditions. Yudanaka Onsen offers public baths accessible to all, often adorned with magnificent sculptures and traditional decorations. These baths are open to visitors, who can wander around the village and discover them one by one, while enjoying the historic architecture and charming atmosphere.

The Yamanouchi region is a paradise for hiking and nature lovers. The surrounding mountains, such as Shiga Kogen, offer a multitude of well-marked hiking trails, suitable for all levels of ability. In summer, the mountains are transformed into a mosaic of colors with varied alpine flora, while the forests are home to diverse wildlife, including deer and rare birds. Popular routes such as the Yokoyu Valley Trail offer spectacular views of rivers, waterfalls and mountain landscapes. In autumn, the forests take on golden and red hues, making hiking a particularly enjoyable and visually captivating activity. The Shiga Kogen region, including the Tanohara wetland, is rich in biodiversity and unspoilt natural landscapes. These areas are home to a variety of plant and animal species, making up a unique and precious ecosystem. Walking through these marshes and ponds allows visitors to connect deeply with nature, while enjoying the peace and quiet of this protected area.

Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Yamanouchi’s most iconic attractions. Set in a mountain valley, this park offers a fascinating view of the snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, who come to bathe in the hot springs in winter. The macaques have learned to use the onsens as a means of warming themselves, providing unique and captivating scenes for visitors and photographers alike. The park is accessible via a picturesque trail through dense forest, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area too. In winter, the sight of monkeys surrounded by snow, basking in the warm waters, is particularly magical and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Yamanouchi has a rich cultural and historical heritage, reflected in its many temples, shrines and traditional buildings. The village of Shibu Onsen, for example, is known for its cobbled streets lined with historic ryokans and public baths, some dating back over 400 years. Visitors can stroll these picturesque streets, dressed in traditional yukatas, and discover Shibu Onsen’s nine public baths, each with its own legend and specific benefits. The region regularly organizes festivals and cultural events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions, such as tea ceremonies, folk dances and Noh theater performances.

A rich agricultural heritage

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Yamanouchi’s economy, with production ranging from apples and grapes to mountain vegetables. Local farms often practice sustainable farming methods, and it’s possible to visit some of them to learn about traditional cultivation techniques.