Introducing the four hot spring towns that make up Kaga Onsen-kyo, a popular hot spring area in Ishikawa Prefecture

In the cities of Kaga and Komatsu in Ishikawa Prefecture, you'll find Kaga Onsen-kyo, a collection of popular hot spring towns. With Komatsu Airport nearby, the area is easily accessible by plane, making it a recommended hot spring destination in the Hokuriku region that you can visit with ease.
This time, we’ll introduce the recommended sightseeing spots and hotels in the four hot spring towns that make up Kaga Onsen-kyo. If you’re planning a trip to Hokuriku, be sure to use this as a reference.

1. Yamashiro Onsen

Located in the southwestern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, Yamashiro Onsen is one of the largest hot spring towns not only in Ishikawa but in the entire Hokuriku region. It’s accessible in about 30 minutes from Kanazawa Station, the central transportation hub of Ishikawa. Yamashiro Onsen is known for its nearly 1,300-year history, with a legend stating that it was opened in 725 by the monk Gyoki. It is also famous for its association with the renowned artist Kitaoji Rosanjin.

◆ Recommended lodging in Yamashiro Onsen: Araya Totoan

The recommended inn here is Araya Totoan. Deeply connected to Kitaoji Rosanjin, many of his works are still displayed within the building. Though it is located in the heart of the town, the guest rooms offer a serene, quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and easing travel fatigue.
Among its many charms, the highlight is the special bath Karasu-yu. The mist rising from the hot spring creates a fantastical atmosphere that can only be experienced here.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spot: Rosanjin's Temporary Residence – Iroha Soan

The place where Kitaoji Rosanjin once lived is now open to the public as a tourist attraction called Rosanjin’s Temporary Residence – Iroha Soan. Inside, visitors can still feel the atmosphere of the time and view displays of his work.

2. Yamanaka Onsen

With a history spanning about 1,300 years, Yamanaka Onsen is also located in Kaga City like Yamashiro Onsen. Inns line the Daishoji River that flows through the center of the town, offering beautiful views. The uniquely designed Ayatori Bridge and the symbolic Koorogi Bridge over the river are well-known sightseeing spots.

◆ Recommended lodging in Yamanaka Onsen: Kagari Kissho-tei

Kagari Kissho-tei is a stylish Kaga-modern inn built along the Daishoji River. It offers views of local attractions like Kakusenkei Gorge and Koorogi Bridge, letting you enjoy the changing seasons in comfort. Guests can enjoy various types of baths such as standing open-air baths, rock baths, and private baths.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spot: Yuge Kaido

If you want to enjoy gourmet food and shopping in Yamanaka Onsen, you can’t miss Yuge Kaido.
As the main street of Yamanaka Onsen, Yuge Kaido features eateries, cafes, and galleries showcasing Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani ware. Among them, the croquettes from the local butcher shop are especially famous. Freshly fried and piping hot, they are popular enough to attract lines.

3. Katayamazu Onsen

Katayamazu Onsen is a hot spring area in Kaga said to have been discovered by Lord Maeda Toshiaki of the Kaga Domain. It is especially popular among women for its beautiful lake views—said to change color seven times a day—and its water, which is known for its warming effects that help with sensitivity to cold.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spot: Shibayamagata Lakeside Park

When visiting Katayamazu Onsen, be sure to stop by Shibayamagata Lakeside Park. Here you can relax on the lawn while overlooking Lake Shibayamagata. In the center of the lake is the area’s symbol—a large fountain—which sprays several times a day. For a more romantic experience, we recommend visiting in the evening when it is lit up.

Note: As of December 2024, the large fountain at Lake Shibayamagata is not operational due to underwater cable damage caused by an earthquake. Please check the Katayamazu Onsen official website for the latest updates.

4. Awazu Onsen

Awazu Onsen is a hot spring town located in Komatsu City. It boasts a 1,300-year history since its opening in the Nara period. All accommodations here feature their own private hot spring sources, allowing guests to enjoy fresh hot spring water no matter where they stay.

◆ Recommended lodging in Awazu Onsen: Houshi

The recommended lodging is Houshi, the oldest traditional inn in the Hokuriku region. Some of its buildings are designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties, exuding a rich sense of history and charm. You can enjoy a peaceful time while gazing at the Japanese garden surrounded by four buildings.

◆ Recommended sightseeing spot: Awazu Ossho-be Park

A must-visit sightseeing spot in Awazu Onsen is Awazu Ossho-be Park. Known as a “lover’s sanctuary,” the Bell of Happiness within the park is said to grant wishes based on how many times it is rung.

◎ Access to Kaga Onsen-kyo

The main access routes to each hot spring in Kaga Onsen-kyo are as follows. Some inns and hotels offer free shuttle service from the nearest station, so be sure to check their websites for details.

◆ Yamashiro Onsen

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.307014,136.354129&z=13&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&saddr=%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E9%A7%85%E3%80%81%E3%80%92922-0423%20%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82%E4%BD%9C%E8%A6%8B%E7%94%BA%E3%83%AF&daddr=%E5%B1%B1%E4%BB%A3%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E3%80%81%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82&dirflg=d

Nearest station/airport/IC Estimated travel time
Kaga Onsen Station Taxi (approx. 10 minutes)
Komatsu Airport Taxi (approx. 30 mins). Express to Kaga Onsen Station (approx. 25 mins) + taxi (approx. 10 mins)
Kaga IC Approximately 10 minutes by car

◆ Yamanaka Onsen

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.286379,136.36015&z=12&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&saddr=%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E9%A7%85%E3%80%81%E3%80%92922-0423%20%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82%E4%BD%9C%E8%A6%8B%E7%94%BA%E3%83%AF&daddr=%E5%B1%B1%E4%B8%AD%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E3%80%81%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82&dirflg=d

Nearest station/airport/IC Estimated travel time
Kaga Onsen Station Taxi (approx. 20 mins), route bus (approx. 30 mins)
Komatsu Airport Taxi (approx. 35 mins). Express to Kaga Onsen Station (approx. 25 mins) + taxi (approx. 20 mins)
Kaga IC/Katayamazu IC Approximately 30 minutes by car

◆ Katayamazu Onsen

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.333456,136.357122&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&saddr=%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E9%A7%85%E3%80%81%E3%80%92922-0423%20%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82%E4%BD%9C%E8%A6%8B%E7%94%BA%E3%83%AF&daddr=%E7%89%87%E5%B1%B1%E6%B4%A5%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E3%80%81%E3%80%92922-0412%20%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82&dirflg=d

Nearest station/airport/IC Estimated travel time
Kaga Onsen Station Taxi (approx. 10 minutes)
Komatsu Airport Taxi (approx. 15 minutes)
Katayamazu IC Approximately 10 minutes by car

◆ Awazu Onsen

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=36.333164,136.398941&z=12&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&saddr=%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E9%A7%85%E3%80%81%E3%80%92922-0423%20%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%8A%A0%E8%B3%80%E5%B8%82%E4%BD%9C%E8%A6%8B%E7%94%BA%E3%83%AF&daddr=%E7%B2%9F%E6%B4%A5%E6%B8%A9%E6%B3%89%E3%80%81%E7%9F%B3%E5%B7%9D%E7%9C%8C%E5%B0%8F%E6%9D%BE%E5%B8%82&dirflg=d

Nearest station/airport/IC Estimated travel time
Kaga Onsen Station Taxi (approx. 20 minutes)
Komatsu Airport Taxi (approx. 25 minutes)
Komatsu IC/Kaga IC Approximately 20 minutes by car

Kaga Onsen-kyo, with its long history, offers not only diverse hot spring experiences but also unique and attractive sightseeing spots. Since the hot spring towns are located relatively close to one another, visiting multiple towns to compare and enjoy their differences is highly recommended.

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Introducing the four hot spring towns that make up Kaga Onsen-kyo, a popular hot spring area in Ishikawa Prefecture