Kaga Onsen — A Hot Spring Region of Four Distinctive Springs in Hokuriku

Bathing while gazing at a gorge, lakeside inns, ryokan associated with the artist Kitaoji Rosanjin — Kaga Onsen in Ishikawa is a historic hot spring region gathering four springs, each with its own charm. Long loved by writers and artists, it lets visitors choose a spring to suit their mood, and paired with the rich cuisine of Hokuriku, it offers deeply restful moments.

Highlights

Kaga Onsen is the collective name for four distinctive hot spring resorts: Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu. The first three lie in Kaga City, while Awazu is in Komatsu City. All have long been cherished as places of healing, each with its own character.

• Yamanaka Onsen: A spring overlooking the beautiful Kakusenkei gorge. Said to have been visited by the poet Matsuo Basho, it offers pleasant walks along the gorge-side path.
• Yamashiro Onsen: Associated with the artist Kitaoji Rosanjin, it charms with the atmosphere of a spa town centered on its Soyu communal bathhouse. It is one of the largest hot spring towns in Hokuriku.
• Katayamazu Onsen: Rising on the shore of Lake Shibayamagata, it lets visitors bathe alongside lake views said to change expression many times a day.
• Awazu Onsen: An ancient spring said to have been discovered by the monk Taicho, with 1,300 years of history. Long-established inns of Kaga continue to tend its waters today.

Seasonal Enjoyment

Winter is especially recommended, when snow crab (Kano crab) comes into season. Sweet shrimp and rosy seabass and other treasures of the Sea of Japan grace the table. The gorge scenery of Kakusenkei in fresh green and autumn colors is also splendid, making strolls from spring through autumn a delight.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kaga City and Komatsu City, Ishikawa
• Access: Kaga Onsen Station is the gateway; reach each resort by local bus or car
• Spring quality and fees: Vary by inn and communal bathhouse
• As a base: Close to Kanazawa and ideal for an overnight stop on a Hokuriku tour

Practical Travel Notes

• The four springs are somewhat spread out, so a car or bus is convenient for hopping between them.
• Each town has a communal bathhouse called Soyu, so day-trip bathing is possible.
• The area is also a production center for Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware, making pottery workshops and craft browsing part of the trip.
• Crab is available only in winter, so check the seasonal specialties for your travel dates with your inn.

A Word of Advice

Combined with nearby sights such as Kutani ware kilns and Natadera temple, it makes for a full journey taking in the nature, cuisine, and crafts of Kaga all at once.

📚 Sources

This article is based on information published by Kaga City and Komatsu City, the Kaga Onsen resort tourism associations, and each resort's tourism cooperative and shared bathhouse (soyu). Across the Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu resorts, the water quality, fees, and hours of inns and shared baths differ and may change. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please check the official information of each resort and facility before setting out. Seasonal delicacies such as crab are available only for a limited time, so confirming with your inn is recommended.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Allow a half day to an overnight to relax at one resort, or one to several days to bathe your way around all four.
• What to bring: For day-use bathing at the shared soyu, bring small change and a towel. If you are after winter crab, confirm the seasonal availability with your inn in advance.
• Suggested route: A classic circuit takes in Yamanaka Onsen with the scenic Kakusenkei gorge, Yamashiro Onsen centered on its soyu, Katayamazu Onsen on the shore of Lake Shibayama, and Awazu Onsen with 1,300 years of history, moving by car or bus.
• Getting around: The four resorts are somewhat apart, so a car or bus is convenient.