What defines responsible tourism that can benefit both the local region whilst providing temporary visitors with deeper, long lasting memories and enriching experiences? 

One such example in Japan is a new retreat program Yamanaka Onsen Retreat developed by Kohei and Manami Yamada, owners of storied ryokan Hanamurasaki located in Yamanaka Onsen, in collaboration with Hannah Kirschner of Mokkei Yamanaka, a 100-year-old renovated traditional kominka (folk house) hosting culinary retreats and food-writing workshops.

Focussed around created a bridge to provide guests with a deeper connection to the town’s skilled artisans, brewers, home cooks and chefs, the retreat leans into the rich culinary, cultural, historical and artisanal beauty of Yamanaka Onsen in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture.

Yamanaka Onsen Retreat takes guests into private spaces not often accessible to the general public. These unique experiences are made possible through the personal relationships that both Hanamurasaki and Mokkei have as core local creatives of the town. 

Each retreat accommodates an intimate group of 6–8 guests, staying at Hanamurasaki for three nights (dining at their on-site Sabo tea salon and traditional kaiseki restaurant) with daytime activities centred around Mokkei Yamanaka and their open air garden kitchen in addition to neighbouring collaborator homes, studios (such as woodworking artist Mako Yamada) and private spaces (such as exclusive group dining at bar Engawa).

Surrounded by mountains nestled in Shinotani-machi, a calm corner within Yamanaka Onsen located beside the picturesque Kakusenkei Gorge, Mokkei Yamanaka is step back into time. As a renovated traditional kominka constructed over 100 years ago, the site now welcomes a brand new life and purpose as a ‘kitchen studio’ and community space where knowledge and skills are exchanged.

The Retreat is segmented into themes for each day. The first focussed on Japanese sake (nihonshu), the second on broth (dashi), whilst the third is focussed on tea & Japanese sweets (wagashi) with a workshop led by Japanese confectionary store Sankaido’s staff member. Uniquely, guests will be able to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony with Kirschner’s own sado (tea ceremony) teacher in his private home located a few minutes walk away from the workshop.

Over the days of workshops and activities with local experts on food, craft, and ecology, the Retreat is an exceptional program that was spawned from the amalgamation of the program organiser’s deep passion for their region and also the unique configuration of the town, where spaces are within close proximity — often walking distance — within the other. Like many spaces, the most exquisite people and spaces are often nestled behind closed doors, and this is exactly where Yamanaka Retreat Onsen offers exclusive access to.

YAMANAKA ONSEN RETREAT
by Mokkei Yamanaka & Hanamurasaki

Yamanaka Onsen Retreat (Spring) is scheduled for April 26–29, 2026.
This 3-night, 4-day package starts at JPY ¥750,000 per person (depending on the room).