5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Katayamazu Onsen! Enjoy a Modern Hot Spring Experience

Located in Kaga City in the southwest of Ishikawa Prefecture, bordering Fukui Prefecture, the area is renowned for its hot springs as a tourist destination. Known as Kaga Shiyu and Kaga Onsenkyo, these hot springs have long been a source of healing for many people. In this article, we introduce five recommended tourist spots in Katayamazu Onsen—one of the most famous hot springs in the Hokuriku region.

Katayamazu Onsen has a history of flourishing as an entertainment hot spring, and in recent years, modern leisure developments and new entertainment facilities have transformed it into a contemporary hot spring town. The water is colorless and transparent, with high salinity that helps retain warmth and makes it less likely to cool down quickly.

1. Kaga Katayamazu Onsen Sōyu

Kaga Katayamazu Onsen Sōyu was built with the goal of fostering interaction between locals and tourists visiting Katayamazu Onsen. With its stylish exterior, it has become particularly popular with young visitors. Designed by Yoshio Taniguchi—one of Japan’s leading architects responsible for such renowned facilities as the Kasai Rinkai Suizokuen in Tokyo and the Museum of Modern Art in New York—the building’s high design quality is one of its main attractions.

True to its name, the facility offers hot spring baths in a modern, sleek setting that perfectly represents the contemporary vibe of Katayamazu Onsen.

On the second floor, there is also a café where you can enjoy cuisine and desserts made with local Kaga specialties, all while admiring the seasonal natural scenery through glass-paneled tables.

2. Shibayama Lagoon

For activities in Katayamazu Onsen, one of the representative attractions is “Shibayama Lagoon.” Counted among the Kaga Three Lakes, Shibayama Lagoon is located just a short distance from the hot spring town and offers a variety of leisure activities, making it a popular tourist spot.

Katayamazu Onsen has developed a cycling road as part of its leisure initiatives, and you can enjoy cycling around the entire circumference of the lagoon, with plenty of facilities conveniently located along the route. Feel the gentle breeze and immerse yourself in the abundant natural surroundings. Bicycle rentals are available if needed.

You can also take a ride on a traditional houseboat, enjoy a night cruise, or even try your hand at fishing with rental rods available at some facilities.

Furthermore, in summer, fireworks are launched and you can witness a fantastical scene along with the illuminated lake. Enjoy a tour at Shibayama Lagoon, where you can savor both exciting activities and the graceful beauty of nature.

3. Geiko Kenban Hanayaka

In contrast to the modern facilities of Katayamazu Onsen, Geiko Kenban Hanayaka features a traditional exterior with historical charm. Built in 1919 during the Taishō period as a practice hall for geisha, Hanayaka now serves as a venue for various events, with its first floor functioning as a tea house and its expansive 60-tatami mat hall on the second floor available for rental.

Experience interactive events such as “Akiko-zome” (a dyeing workshop inspired by a poem left by Akiko Yosano, named after Katayamazu Onsen) where you can dye handkerchiefs or scarves in a delicate lavender hue reminiscent of the poem “Kaze o okoshi, usumurasaki no nami ugoku, haru no hajime no Katayamazu kana.”

Additionally, you can participate in a “Gensen Tofu Making” workshop, where you make tofu using the natural hot spring water of Katayamazu Onsen instead of traditional coagulants—an experience that offers a unique texture not found in store-bought tofu.

4. Nakatania Yukichirō Snow Science Museum

For a fun and educational experience at Katayamazu Onsen, visit the Nakatania Yukichirō Snow Science Museum. Established to honor and promote the achievements of physicist Yukichirō Nakatania, a native of Katayamazu who pioneered the production of artificial snow and conducted significant research on freezing phenomena and anti-icing measures, this museum celebrates his contributions to low-temperature science.

Located on the shores of Shibayama Lagoon, the museum is a great stop during a cycling or walking tour. Many visitors remark, “I casually stopped by, and it was incredibly interesting!”

The museum has a modern design that feels more like a contemporary art gallery than a traditional science museum. A variety of events and experiments—such as demonstrations of diamond dust and workshops to create ice pendants—are held regularly, making it a must-visit attraction for both adults and children.

5. Katayamazu Shopping Street

To fully savor the local gourmet flavors of Katayamazu Onsen, be sure to visit Katayamazu Shopping Street. The shopping street’s website features a curated list of restaurants with delicious lunch options, bars, and souvenir shops—designed to make it easy for tourists to find what they’re looking for.

Local specialties include hot spring eggs and the signature “Katayamazu Burger.” Various shops along the street offer their own versions of the Katayamazu Burger, each with unique flavors.

Options range from the “Italian Machi Burger” featuring a special meat sauce, to the rugged “Biker’s Burger,” and even the “Duck Chibuyaki Burger” made with duck—so there’s something to satisfy every palate.

◎Modern Appeal for Young Tourists! Katayamazu Onsen

While hot springs can be found throughout Japan, modern hot spring towns like Katayamazu Onsen are rare. The surrounding tourist facilities exude a modern vibe, and the entire town feels as if it has been designed with contemporary aesthetics.

With the recent hot spring boom, more young tourists are exploring various hot spring destinations, and Katayamazu Onsen is perfect for those seeking a trendy, vibrant experience. The area is rich with stylish activities and attractions—so be sure to visit and enjoy the modern side of Katayamazu Onsen.

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5 Recommended Tourist Spots in Katayamazu Onsen! Enjoy a Modern Hot Spring Experience