Kihoku(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Yonago Town, the standout accommodation is Yamano-Sato Minshuku, a traditional Japanese guesthouse nestled in a serene valley surrounded by mountains. This family-run inn offers wooden cabins with tatami mats and serves farm-to-table meals using locally grown vegetables and citrus fruits from Ehime Prefecture. Guests can participate in seasonal events like the Yonago Bamboo Festival and explore nearby hiking trails through ancient forests. The hosts often share stories of local folklore and offer guided tours to hidden shrines, making it an authentic immersion into rural Shikoku life.

The best area for tranquil and scenic stays in Yonago Town is Ono District, located along the Yonago River. Here, Ono-no-Sou Inn stands out with its minimalist design blending modern architecture and traditional Japanese elements. From spacious rooms with panoramic views of flowing streams and green hills, guests enjoy peace and natural beauty. The district is close to Yonago Forest Park and ancient burial mounds, ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Locals warmly welcome visitors to join tea ceremonies and craft workshops, offering a genuine taste of quiet, rural Japan.

Must-try cultural experiences in Yonago Town include hands-on workshops at the Yonago Paper Workshop, where you learn to make washi paper from kozo tree bark—a craft passed down for generations. Another highlight is the annual Yonago Autumn Festival in October, featuring sacred dances, torchlight processions, and local food stalls. Visitors can also pay respects at Ono Shrine and take part in blessing rituals with hand-written talismans. These activities offer deep insight into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Shikoku.

Yes, many hotels in Yonago Town provide immersive culinary experiences. Yamano-Sato Minshuku serves seasonal kaiseki meals featuring fresh mountain vegetables and Ehime oranges, prepared with ingredients harvested daily. Some lodges even host family-style dining nights where guests cook together using local recipes like Yonago tofu and bamboo-steamed rice. Hosts often share stories behind each dish, turning meals into cultural exchanges. These intimate dining moments are central to the town’s hospitality tradition.

For families, Ono Family Minshuku is highly recommended. This homestay features spacious tatami rooms, private gardens, and a small animal corner where children can interact with rabbits and chickens. It offers themed workshops such as forest scavenger hunts and nature crafts, perfect for engaging kids in outdoor learning. The staff provides child-safe gear and picnic baskets for day trips. With low noise levels and warm locals, it's an ideal escape for multi-generational travel.

Accommodations in Yonago Town are designed to harmonize with nature. Yamano-Sato Minshuku features open-air onsen baths fed by natural mineral springs, surrounded by lush forest. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows facing mountain vistas, encouraging morning meditation or stargazing. Guided nature walks lead through primeval forests, identifying ferns and bird species. Some lodges even provide outdoor grills and fire pits, allowing guests to cook under the stars. This seamless integration with nature enhances relaxation and mindfulness.

Nighttime in Yonago Town is magical. Join the Stargazing Night Event, where the clear skies reveal stunning views of the Milky Way—among the best in Japan. Some lodges lend telescopes and offer expert-led sessions. At Ono Shrine, the Lantern Procession lights up the night with paper lanterns carried slowly through the village. Many inns also host bonfire storytelling nights, where elders recount local legends and farming traditions, creating a mystical atmosphere under the stars.

Yes, reaching major hotels in Yonago Town is straightforward. Buses from Matsuyama City take about 45 minutes to reach Ono Station, the main access point. Most inns offer free shuttle services, and some even feature EV charging stations for eco-friendly travel. For deeper exploration, rent bicycles or compact cars to drive through scenic routes like the Yonago River Bridge and Bamboo Tunnel. HopeGoo transfers in advance is advised, especially during peak festivals.

Absolutely. Yamano-Sato Minshuku offers private cabins designed for solo travelers, complete with reading nooks and quiet balconies ideal for journaling or reflection. The inn hosts regular Solo Traveler Meetups, where guests gather for dinner and share stories over local dishes. Nearby trails and secluded hot springs allow for peaceful solitude. With minimal crowds and strong community spirit, Yonago Town is a sanctuary for independent explorers seeking calm and connection.

Guests in Yonago Town can join authentic craft workshops such as washi paper making at the Yonago Paper Workshop, where you transform kozo fibers into handmade sheets. At Ono Pottery Studio, you’ll shape clay into functional ceramics using traditional techniques. There’s also bamboo weaving classes, teaching how to create baskets and wall hangings from locally sourced bamboo. All materials are sustainably sourced, promoting eco-conscious creativity. These hands-on sessions result in unique souvenirs and meaningful memories.