5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kaga City! Enjoy Touring Kaga Onsen Region

Kaga City is located in the southwestern part of Ishikawa Prefecture, bordering Fukui Prefecture, and has a population of approximately 70,000. With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access has become more convenient. Kaga City offers a variety of tourist attractions and is bustling with many visitors every year.
Of course, the fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan in the Hokuriku region is a major draw, but the city also boasts rich natural beauty, historical sites, and a wealth of traditional crafts such as Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware. Additionally, the “Kaga Onsen Region,” which includes Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen, is known throughout Japan.
Here, we’ll introduce a carefully selected list of Kaga City's most captivating sightseeing spots.

1. Amagozen Cape

One of the classic sightseeing spots in Kaga City is Amagozen Cape (Amagozen Misaki). This cape is known for the legend that during Yoshitsune's flight from the capital, a woman named Amagozen, who feared she would become a burden to the group, threw herself into the sea from this coast.
The area around Amagozen Cape is equipped with walking trails through beautiful forests and grasslands, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. From the coastline stretching north to Chizaki and Shiohama, visitors can enjoy majestic cliff views, while the sandy beach to the south is a lively swimming spot. The exposed brown and yellow-white rocks offer a unique coastal landscape different from typical shorelines.
There are walking paths leading from the Amagozen Service Area on the Hokuriku Expressway, making it a great place to stop for a stroll during a drive—a perfect spot for sightseeing in Kaga.

2. Ukichiro Nakaya Museum of Snow and Ice

Dr. Ukichiro Nakaya, a famous scientist from Kaga who once said, "Snow is a letter sent from heaven," conducted snow research at Hokkaido University. Born in Kaga, he was captivated by the beauty of snow and became the first person in the world to artificially create snow crystals, gaining international acclaim.
He pioneered the science of snow and ice and conducted research in places like Greenland. This museum focuses on his diverse achievements and the subsequent development of snow and ice studies, with exhibits and observation devices that are easy to understand. It’s a great learning destination for families with children.
You can learn about the principles behind diamond dust, experiments using supercooled water, and more—all in a modern facility perfect for those interested in science or who want to learn something during their visit to Kaga.

3. Tsukiusagi no Sato (Moon Rabbit Village)

A soothing spot for all visitors—whether couples, families, or solo travelers—is Tsukiusagi no Sato. In the park, around 50 rabbits roam freely in the garden, and you can feed them by purchasing food.
In Nagai-cho, where Tsukiusagi no Sato is located, there’s a local story of a rabbit saving the village from a flood, symbolizing that rabbits bring good fortune and luck in Kaga. This has made them deeply loved in the region.
There are also many rabbit-themed goods and original sweets available, so even just browsing the shops is enjoyable! If you’re looking for some fluffy relaxation, be sure to stop by Tsukiusagi no Sato in Kaga.

4. Yamanaka Onsen

Yamanaka Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Kaga City and a key part of the “Kaga Onsen Region.” Said to have opened about 1,300 years ago, it has long been known as a healing spa area and remains popular with tourists today.
According to legend, in the Kamakura period, a white heron was seen healing its wounds in the hot spring water, prompting Hasebe Nobutsura to rediscover the spring. It’s also said to have been cherished by the poet Matsuo Basho.
Surrounded by mountains, Yamanaka Onsen offers a nostalgic countryside atmosphere with scenic views of mountains, valleys, and rivers. Inns line the gorge of the Daishoji River, and the area known as Kakusenkei is also a well-known scenic site. Landmarks like the symbolic Korogi Bridge and the uniquely shaped Ayatori Bridge delight many visitors.
There are also day-use bathhouses, making it a great place to relieve fatigue while sightseeing in Kaga.

5. Yuge Kaido (Yuge Street)

With a unique name, Yuge Kaido is a sightseeing area centered around Hasebe Shrine, the spiritual origin of Yamanaka Onsen. This charming street is lined with galleries and eateries that focus on Kaga’s Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani ware. From everyday items to high-end pieces, there’s a wide selection of traditional crafts—perfect for finding your favorite souvenir!
In addition, you’ll find general stores, cafés, souvenir shops, and sake stores, creating a lively area for people of all ages to enjoy walking around.
The peaceful townscape harmonizes with the rich nature, history, and culture of Yamanaka Onsen. You can enjoy food, shopping, and the serene, elegant streets of the onsen town at a leisurely pace. Wearing a yukata and taking a relaxed stroll adds a nice traditional touch.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some of the many charming sightseeing spots in Kaga City. Did any catch your interest?
There are still many more attractions in Kaga that we couldn’t cover here. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in 2015, access has become more convenient, making Kaga sightseeing even more enjoyable. Be sure to visit Kaga City and explore its many unique attractions for yourself!