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

In Ono City, the top choice for traditional Japanese ambiance is Ono Castle Hotel, located just steps from the Ono Castle Ruins. This boutique hotel blends Edo-period architecture with modern comfort, offering tatami-matted rooms, kaiseki-style dining, and a private onsen bath with views of ancient stone walls. Another excellent option is Echizen Washi Ryokan, a heritage guesthouse where guests can stay in authentic paper-walled rooms and participate in Echizen washi paper-making workshops. Both properties emphasize cultural immersion, making them ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Fukui Prefecture experience rooted in history and craftsmanship.

The central district of Ono City, around Ono Station, offers the most convenient hotel stays. It’s within walking distance to key attractions like Ono Castle Ruins, Ono City Museum, and local food streets. Hotels such as Ono Premier Hotel and Hotel Ono Plaza provide easy access to public transport, shopping, and dining. The area also hosts seasonal events like the Ono Festival, adding vibrant charm. With well-connected bus routes and proximity to nature trails along the Ono River, this neighborhood strikes a perfect balance between urban convenience and tranquil surroundings—ideal for both leisure and business travelers.

Visitors to Ono City can immerse themselves in the Ono Festival, held annually in summer, featuring traditional taiko drumming, illuminated float parades, and night lantern ceremonies. At the Ono City Museum, explore rare artifacts from the Yayoi period, including ancient pottery and tools. For hands-on culture, join a Echizen Washi paper-making workshop at a local artisan studio, learning techniques passed down for centuries. Walking through the Ono Castle Ruins, especially during cherry blossom season, offers a profound connection to Japan’s feudal past. These experiences highlight Fukui Prefecture’s rich heritage in a deeply personal and memorable way.

While Ono City itself lacks natural hot springs, nearby Echizen Onsen Area (about 30 minutes by car) offers exceptional onsen resorts. Stay at Echizen Onsen Yuki no Yakata, a luxury ryokan with open-air baths overlooking snow-capped mountains and mineral-rich waters known for skin rejuvenation. For a more intimate experience, Ono Castle Hotel features a small indoor onsen with wooden interiors and views of a garden courtyard. Both options blend relaxation with tradition, allowing guests to unwind in serene settings while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of northern Japan’s geothermal waters.

For families, Ono Premier Hotel stands out with spacious family rooms, a dedicated children’s playroom, and kid-friendly breakfast menus. Located near Ono River Park and Ono City Museum, it offers easy access to outdoor activities and educational exhibits. The hotel hosts regular hands-on workshops like making Echizen washi lanterns or rice-dumpling crafts, engaging kids in local traditions. With high chairs, baby cots, and allergy-conscious meal options, it ensures comfort for all ages. Its central location makes exploring Ono City with children both safe and enjoyable.

Must-try dishes in Ono City include Echizen beef, prized for its marbled texture and rich flavor, often served in wagyu steaks or sukiyaki. Another highlight is Echizen crab, freshly caught and enjoyed in hot pots at Ono Central Market. Don’t miss Ono Yakisoba, a grilled stir-fry with a unique sweet-savory sauce and fresh vegetables, popular among locals. For dessert, try matcha ice cream made with locally grown Echizen matcha, available at street stalls near Ono Station. And for souvenirs, pick up Echizen Washi confections—delicate sweets wrapped in handmade paper—perfect for sharing memories of your visit.

The best times to visit Ono City are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Ono River, creating dreamy photo spots. Autumn paints the Ono Castle Ruins and surrounding hills in vivid reds and golds. Both seasons offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer hosts the lively Ono Festival, with nighttime illuminations and music. Winter, though cold, provides quiet beauty—especially when visiting Echizen Onsen under snowfall. Each season reveals a different facet of Fukui Prefecture’s character, making Ono City a year-round destination with distinct appeal.

Start your day at Ono Castle Ruins, walking the historic stone walls and taking photos at sunrise. Visit the Ono City Museum next to learn about Yayoi-era relics and Echizen washi paper. Enjoy lunch at Ono Central Market with fresh Echizen crab hot pot or Ono Yakisoba. In the afternoon, stroll through Ono River Park, then take part in a washi paper-making workshop at a local craft studio. Return to town for evening tea at a traditional teahouse near Ono Station. If time allows, attend a brief folk music performance at a local inn. This balanced mix of history, culture, and nature offers a full day of meaningful exploration in Ono City.

Yes, Ono City is well-connected via JR West's Hokuriku Main Line, with Ono Station serving as the main transit hub linking to Fukui City, Kanazawa, and beyond. Local buses connect major sites like Ono Castle Ruins and Ono City Museum. For flexibility, rent a car via Fukui Free Kippu (Fukui Pass), which covers tolls and public transport. The city also offers guided tourist buses during festivals. With clear signage, English support at stations, and frequent service, navigating Ono City is straightforward for international travelers seeking efficient and scenic journeys.

Photography lovers will adore Ono Castle Ruins, especially at dawn when mist rises over ancient stone walls, creating a mystical mood. The Ono River Park in spring, lined with cherry trees and arched bridges, offers stunning floral backdrops. The Ono City Museum’s modern timber-and-glass façade casts elegant shadows, perfect for architectural shots. Inside, the Echizen Washi Paper Studio provides surreal scenes—paper pulp floating in basins, drying sheets hung across beams. At night, Ono Station Front Street glows with traditional lanterns along cobblestone paths, capturing the essence of rural Japan’s quiet elegance. These locations deliver unforgettable visual stories of Fukui’s heritage and beauty.