Summary
Exploring Yamanaka Onsen
The resort town of Yamanaka Onsen, located approximately 325 miles west of Tokyo, boasts a long-standing tradition of attracting visitors. For around 1,300 years, people have flocked to its restorative hot springs, beautifully nestled among misty mountains. While the springs are the primary attraction, another notable feature is the town’s rich craft community.
The Vibrant Craft Community
Yamanaka Onsen is renowned for producing Yamanaka shikki, a distinctive type of lacquerware that showcases the beautiful wood grain of hand-crafted bowls, cups, and teaware. The tradition originates from the 16th century when skilled wood craftsmen settled in the region’s dense forests to access their materials. Over time, these artisans moved closer to the hot springs, offering their beautifully crafted souvenirs to visitors.
Traditional Lacquerware Shops
Today, visitors can explore numerous shops along the main street, Yuge Kaido, which are filled with lacquerware for sale. Notable shops include Bunpeido, known for traditional pieces with ornate gold embellishments, and Gato Mikio, which offers modern designs featuring matte finishes. Additionally, both shops provide a lesser-known product called wagatabon, intricately carved trays made from a single piece of chestnut. Travelers can delve deeper into the crafting process by visiting artisans’ workshops with companies like Craftour, or they can craft their own bowls at Mokume.
Kaiseki Dining Experience
For those seeking a unique dining experience, a kaiseki dinner served on Yamanaka shikki can be arranged at one of the town’s ryokan, such as the Kayotei or Hanamurasaki. Another delightful option is to visit a cozy bar named Engawa, where proprietor Yusuke Shimoki expertly serves regional sakes in his exquisite collection of lacquerware cups, carefully selecting bottles that align with the season and weather.
A version of this story first appeared in the September 2023 issue of iBestTravel under the headline “Bowled Over.”
