What is Kaga Onsen?
Kaga Onsen is Ishikawa Prefecture's premier onsen areas. The four towns were first discovered by monks making a pilgrimage to Hakusan 1300 years ago and became famous for their pure water. The water is so pure, in fact, it is said to have healing properties.
Kaga Onsen had a massive boost in the 1980s when Japan experienced a huge local tourism boom. As other onsen towns have faded from the zeitgeist, Kaga Onsen's towns have continued to flourish. Highlights for visitors include the extremely high quality of the onsen water and the proximity to some hidden gems like Natadera, which make a night in Kaga Onsen a standout experience on a trip to Japan.
Visiting Kaga Onsen
The entire Kaga Onsen area is quite spread out. However, a shuttle bus service called ‘Canbus’ connects each of the onsen towns as well as the airport and Natadera temple, costing JPY1100 for a 1-day pass or JPY1300 for a 2-day pass.
Each of the towns has something unique to explore so try to see them all! Yamashiro Onsen is fairly close to the station and has a famous 'soyu' or public bath that is inspired by Meiji Era(1868-1912) hot springs. It has beautiful colored glass for you to look at as you bath in the hot water. Yamanaka Onsen is nestled in the mountains with a beautiful path along the river where you can even have matcha tea and sweets. Awazu Onsen has a history of over 1300 years, said to have been founded by the famous monk, Taicho Daishi. Katayamazu Onsen sits on a lake with nice views of the mountains and at night, lights brighten the surface.
For accommodation options, refer to our 'Kaga Onsen Area' hotel page. There are many ryokans, hotels and guest houses in the area that can help you enjoy your stay. Be aware that not all onsens are available to the public. Some only allow staying guests to use their facilities. The 'soyu' in every onsen town will be available for anyone to use, so make sure to check those out if you aren't staying in Kaga Onsen.
If you aren't staying in Kaga Onsen then it's probably Kanazawa. Are you interested in going deeper when exploring Kanazawa? Join one of our guided tours around this beautiful city! See the geisha district, DT Suzuki Museum, Ishiura Shrine and as well as experience Kanazawa gold leaf, sweets making and throwing ninja stars and all in one day!
KANAZAWA EXPERIENCES WALKING TOUR / January through November
The wealth of the Kaga domain was the greatest of all the daimyo and that shows in the art and culture that was produced in Kanazawa over the course of the Edo period. These traditions are still alive in the city today and you can try them out for yourself. The art of gold leaf is a special one to Kanazawa, which is 99% of Japan's production. Here you can experience the craft for yourself and make a plate with gold leaf elements on it. If Japanese sweets are your things, on the tour you will make the sweets that go the best with matcha, wagashi. Finally, you will get to try ninja throwing stars and needles. There is something for everyone to enjoy as you walk around the city and see parts that are not as commonly explored. We'll also explore the Higashi Chaya District, see the beautiful water mirror garden at the D.T. Suzuki Museum and see real weapons used by Japanese assassins at the Ninja Weapon Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kaga Onsen worth visiting?
If you, like many others who visit Japan, enjoy a relaxing bath in the onsen, Kaga Onsen is a perfect place to visit. As it is a little off the beaten track, the onsen are usually much quieter than many in busier cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
How can I get to Kaga Onsen?
If you are coming from Kyoto, transfer at Tsuruga Station to the shinkansen and get off at Kaga Onsen.
If you are coming from Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen is on the shinkansen line. From Kanazawa Station, it takes around 15 minutes. From there, there are buses to each of the four towns.
I have tattoos, can I still visit the onsen?
Traditionally, tattoos are banned in onsen. However, they have become much more accepted in the last 10 years. The public bathhouse (soyu) in Yamanaka and Yamashiro are both tattoo friendly.
If you're looking for more recommendations for tattoo-friendly onsen in the region, check out our "Tattoo-friendly Onsen Around Kanazawa" page!
Other than onsen, what is there to do in Kaga?
Other than onsen, the area is known for a variety of crafts. Most prominent among these are kutani yaki porcelain and Yamanaka lacquerware. Kutani yaki is the region's most well-known craft, famous for using just five colours and often featuring delicate flowers, intricate insects and vivid designs. Yamanaka lacquerware, meanwhile, is painted with equally-intricate detail.
There are plenty of places to try your hands at both of these crafts, creating something to take home with you and treasure forever. The towns are also nestled in nature, so enjoy taking a stroll through the historic townscape, heading out into the nature trails, then coming back to a relaxing dip in the bath.
No onsen experience is fully complete without some sake-tasting. Ishikawa boasts some of Japan's best sake thanks, in part, to Mt. Haku. Several distilleries use the sacred mountain water to make sake - originally as gifts to the gods.
How long should I spend in Kaga Onsen?
We recommend spending a day-and-a-half in Kaga Onsen. Staying in a traditional ryokan is an overnight endeavour, while some time in the town the afternoon before and morning after will give you some much needed rest and relaxation for the rest of your Japan journey!
