The hot spring area of Kaga Onsen is made-up of four towns: Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Awazu and Katayamazu. Boasting a 1300-year history, the region is one of Central Japan’s best known and most popular onsen areas. Each town has its own ‘soyu’ (public bathhouse) located near the center. Typical of most hot spring towns in Japan, each is also home to many guesthouses – with their own in-house hot springs – ranging in price from budget to luxury.

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

1 Day Tour

Kanazawa Walking Tour: Experience Gold Leaf, Japanese Sweets and Ninja Stars
Period	All Year Round
Time	08:30 – 17:00
Meeting Place	Kanazawa Station
Adult Rate	¥20,800
Child Rate	¥16,700

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 maccha, 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.