Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Wakura Onsen, located in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the most well-known hot spring resorts on the Noto Peninsula. Facing Nanao Bay, it has long been popular as a therapeutic hot spring and seaside resort, with its attractive views from its location close to the sea and its high-quality hot springs. The waters are mainly chloride springs (sodium chloride springs), which are known for their excellent heat retention properties and are suitable for those with poor circulation and for recovering from fatigue. The area is lined with hot spring inns, including the long-established Kagaya Inn, and the charm of the hot spring town and the kaiseki cuisine that makes use of seafood are also major attractions.
Highlights
- Hot Springs Tour: In addition to the large public baths at accommodation facilities, you can easily bathe at Wakura Onsen public baths and foot bath spots. Many accommodations also have open-air baths overlooking the sea.
– Kagaya: A luxury inn renowned both domestically and internationally. Experience the quality of the inn and its hospitality (reservations required).
– Yuttari Park/Footbath: There are free or low-cost footbaths that you can stop by during your stroll through the hot spring town, making it a great place to take a break.
– Nanao Bay scenery: Enjoy the sunset and the port scenery. Walking along the promenade and the seaside is pleasant.
- Seasonal events: There are seasonal events such as summer fireworks displays and festivals in the hot spring town.
- Seafood gourmet: Enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood caught in Nanao Bay (crab, yellowtail, sweet shrimp, etc.).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: Get off at Wakura Onsen Station (JR Nanao Line). From Kanazawa, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Kanazawa Station, then transfer to the JR Nanao Line (transfer required). The estimated travel time from Kanazawa is approximately one hour (varies depending on the type of train).
- By car: Take the Hokuriku Expressway or the Noto Satoyama Kaido. It takes about an hour from Kanazawa city (depending on traffic). Free parking and parking at the inn are available.
- Bus: There are local buses and express buses that run directly from major stations and airports or via Nanao City. Please check the schedule and operation in advance depending on your itinerary.
- Airport: After flying into Noto Airport (towards Wajima) or Komatsu Airport (towards Kaga), it is convenient to travel by rental car or bus.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: 2-4 hours (public bath, foot bath, stroll around the hot spring town, lunch or day trip to the hot springs).
- 1 night: 2 days and 1 night (ideal for enjoying the hot springs at night and seafood for dinner and breakfast). If you want to take it easy, you can also stay 2 nights and explore the surrounding area.
- Staying overnight and sightseeing: If you plan to visit other spots on the Noto Peninsula, we recommend staying at least one to two nights.
Nearby spots
Noto Island: A tourist island accessible by bridge. Home to the Notojima Aquarium and the Glass Art Museum, it's popular with families. It's about a 20-30 minute drive.
– Nanao Fisherman's Wharf Market: A place to buy local seafood and eat.
- Wajima Morning Market and Wajima Lacquerware Workshop: Although it is a little far away, you can enjoy Noto's traditional crafts and morning market (over an hour and a half by car).
- Noto (sightseeing drive): Access to scenic spots throughout the Noto Peninsula, including Noto Kongo, Ganmon, and Senmaida rice terraces.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Over Golden Week, summer vacation, Obon, and New Year's holidays, as well as on weekends, both overnight stays and day trips to the baths tend to be crowded. We recommend making reservations early for popular inns.
- Manners: Please observe general hot spring manners, such as always pouring water over yourself and washing your body before bathing, not putting towels in the bath, and refraining from speaking loudly inside the bath. Photography is often prohibited inside the bath.
- Tattoos: Some inns and public baths prohibit the exposure of tattoos. Cover them with stickers or check with the facility in advance.
– What to wear and what to bring: In winter, roads may be icy and snowy. If traveling by car, be sure to bring winter tires and chains. Comfortable walking shoes are also useful.
- Transportation: There are sections with special schedules, cancellations, and limited regular bus service. Please check the latest timetable before going.
– Natural environment: There can be strong winds along the coast, so please dress warmly and take measures against the wind when outdoors or walking around.
By taking the above into consideration and adjusting your accommodation schedule, transportation, and visit time, you can fully enjoy the charms of Wakura Onsen. If necessary, we can provide specific transportation routes (e.g., directions if your departure point is ____) and individual recommendations for inns and day-trip bathing facilities. Please let us know what information you would like.
