Kaga Onsenkyo (Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Kaga Onsenkyo (Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture) is a hot spring resort representative of the Kaga region, and is the collective name for the four hot spring towns of Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Awazu Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen. Since the days of the Kaga domain in the Edo period, it has been popular with feudal lords, samurai, and merchants, and is dotted with traditional inns, day-trip hot springs, foot baths, and more. In addition to the hot springs, the area is also attractive for its traditional Kaga crafts, such as Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware, and kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. The area is characterized by a combination of natural scenery (valleys and lakes) and hot springs, and a relaxing atmosphere in a tranquil townscape.

Highlights

• Yamashiro Onsen: With a historic public bath (kosoyu) and foot baths, it's perfect for a stroll around the hot spring town. You can also enjoy staying at a traditional inn and touring the hot springs.
• Yamanaka Onsen: It is famous for the Kakusenkei Gorge and its picturesque bridges (such as the Korogi Bridge). Crafts such as mountain lacquerware and walks along the mountain stream are popular.
• Awazu Onsen: One of the oldest hot spring resorts, it has a relaxing atmosphere with a therapeutic bath. There are also temples, shrines and historical sites in the surrounding area.
• Katayamazu Onsen: A hot spring resort overlooking Lake Shibayamagata, where you can enjoy the sunset over the lake and strolls along the lakeside. You can also enjoy foot baths and sightseeing boat rides along the lakeside.
• Traditional craft experience: There are facilities where you can experience painting Kutani ware and making Yamanaka lacquerware, so you can enjoy not only souvenirs but also hands-on sightseeing.
• Local cuisine and hot spring inn cuisine: Enjoy kaiseki cuisine and local cuisine (such as Kaga vegetables) made with local ingredients from the sea and mountains.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Railway: The nearest station is Kaga Onsen Station on the JR Hokuriku Main Line (the name may change depending on the current operating system). From Kaga Onsen Station, you can take a bus or taxi to each hot spring town.
• carAccessible from Katayamazu IC or Kaga IC on the Hokuriku Expressway. Traveling between the hot spring towns by car is convenient, and it's easy to get around to the surrounding tourist attractions.
• AirThe nearest airport is Komatsu Airport (Komatsu City). From Komatsu Airport, it is about 20-30 minutes by rental car or taxi, and there are also airport limousine buses and local buses available.
• Access from the city: Approximately 40-60 minutes from Kanazawa Station by express or conventional train (travel time varies depending on the type of train). From Tokyo or Osaka, the most common way to get there is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen and transfer at Kanazawa, or by express train.
• *Local route names and timetables may change depending on the season, so please check the latest timetable and operation information before departing.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip to hot springs: Half a day to a full day (if you want to explore one of the hot spring towns thoroughly)
• Relaxing hot springs + meals and sightseeing in the area: 2 days and 1 night (enjoy dinner and breakfast at a hot spring inn, visit 1-2 tourist spots)
• Hot Spring Hopping + Craft Experience and Local Sightseeing: 2 nights or more (if you want to leisurely explore multiple hot spring towns)

Nearby spots

• Natadera Temple - This temple is known for its scenic grounds, unusual rock formations, and gardens. It's close to Kaga Onsen and recommended for seasonal strolls.
• Kutani ware kilns and museums - There are facilities scattered around the area where you can see Kutani ware exhibitions and try your hand at painting.
• Tsuki Usagi no Sato - a tourist facility and souvenir shop where you can interact with rabbits. Popular with families.
• Kaga Fruit Land and local direct sales stores - you can purchase and experience seasonal fruits and local ingredients.
• Kanazawa (sightseeing base) - Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, Higashi Chaya District, etc. It's convenient to combine day trips and overnight stays.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Busy period: Accommodation and day-trip facilities are crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, New Year's holidays, and long weekends. We recommend making reservations early for popular inns.
• Hot Spring MannersPlease observe general hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing your body before bathing, handling tattoos (some facilities may not allow you to bathe, or may have designated areas or tattoos that can be hidden), and refraining from speaking loudly or taking photos in the bathroom.
• Facility-specific rules: Opening hours, bathing times, and closing days vary depending on the inn or day spa. Please check the official website or call in advance.
• Seasonal precautions: In winter, there is a possibility of snow accumulation and frozen roads, so if you are traveling by car, be sure to bring winter tires and chains. The sights of the valley and lakeside change with the seasons, so it's a good idea to check the seasonal information.
• Local customs and environmental considerations: Hot spring towns are also places of daily life. Please take your trash with you, be quiet, and be considerate of local culture and facilities.

Kaga Onsenkyo is an area where you can enjoy traditional crafts and natural scenery while soothing yourself in the hot springs. You can make your trip more fulfilling by combining different hot spring towns based on your purpose and length of stay. Please check the latest information on specific accommodations, experience facilities, and transportation times before visiting.