The Bustling Main Street of Yamanaka Onsen
Yuge Kaido Street is Yamanaka Onsen’s main street which extends from the square at the heart of town. ‘Yuge’ means steam from hot springs, the fragrance of which heralds the arrival of a relaxing onsen. Filled with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, this elegant and picturesque street has managed to preserve the lively atmosphere of typical Japanese onsen towns. There are also specialty shops of local craft ateliers in particular, Yamanaka lacquerware with a 400-year history. The main feature of the lacquerware is the highly artisanal technique of carving the wood on a lathe. Some shops offer hands-on experiences of woodturning.
