How to Plan a Day Trip to Kaga Onsen From Kanazawa

A day trip to Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa is a wonderful choice for 2026. This historic area offers four unique hot spring towns. You can enjoy relaxing baths and beautiful mountain scenery. It is one of the most popular escapes in the Ishikawa Prefecture.

The region is famous for its healing waters and traditional crafts. Each town has a distinct personality and long history. You can easily reach this destination using the modern high-speed railway system. This guide provides all the steps you need for a perfect visit.

Getting to Kaga Onsen From Kanazawa

You can find the latest updates on Kanazawa City Official.

For the most up-to-date details, check Visit Kanazawa before you go.

Getting to your destination is very easy in 2026. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station. The journey takes only 15 minutes by bullet train. This fast travel time makes it a perfect side trip for busy travelers.

A local train is a cheaper option for budget travelers. The JR Hokuriku Main Line takes about 50 minutes. You will pay around 590 yen for this simple ticket. Many people choose this for the scenic views of the Japanese countryside.

Once you arrive, use the CANBUS tourist shuttle. This bus connects the station to all four hot spring towns. A one-day pass costs around 1,100 yen for adults. For more details, see our guide on how to reach Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa.

Taxis are also available outside the main train station exit. They are more expensive but offer direct routes to specific ryokans. A ride to Yamashiro Onsen takes about ten minutes. Most drivers accept credit cards or mobile payments in 2026.

Walking is not recommended between the different resort towns. The distances are quite large and hilly. Stick to the buses or local trains for a better experience. Always check the bus schedule before you leave the main station.

Morning Relaxation in Yamashiro Onsen

Yamashiro Onsen is famous for its vibrant Kutani pottery history. The town center features two very important public bathhouses. The Ko-Soyu is a beautiful recreation of a Meiji Period bath. It uses traditional wooden architecture and colorful stained glass windows.

The water here is pure and very hot. It does not have modern showers or soap facilities. This provides an authentic historical experience for all visitors. Soak in the tub and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of Old Japan.

The Soyu is the modern counterpart located just across the street. It offers modern amenities like soap and hair dryers. This bathhouse is popular with local residents and families. Both buildings are landmarks in the heart of the village.

After your bath, walk through the small craft shops nearby. You can find unique pottery and traditional Japanese sweets. Many shops offer small workshops for painting your own ceramic dishes. This is a great way to spend your morning hours.

Visit the Yakuou-in Onsen-ji Temple for a spiritual moment. It sits on a small hill overlooking the hot spring town. The temple has a long connection to the healing waters here. It is a peaceful spot for reflection and photography.

Afternoon Nature Walk in Yamanaka Onsen

Yamanaka Onsen is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley. It is known for its high-quality woodturning crafts and scenic gorge. The Kakusenkei Gorge is the most famous natural attraction in the area. A walking path follows the river for 1.3 kilometers.

You will see unique bridges like the pink, S-shaped Ayatori Bridge. Another bridge, Kurotani Bridge, offers classic stone architecture. The sound of the rushing water creates a very peaceful mood. This walk is especially stunning during the autumn leaf season.

Visit the Kakusenkei Kawadoko cafe during the warmer months of 2026. This outdoor platform sits right over the river water. You can enjoy green tea and sweets while listening to nature. It is open from April through the end of October.

The town center has many galleries showing Yamanaka Shikki lacquerware. These wooden bowls and trays are famous across all of Japan. You can watch local masters work in their small studios. These items make excellent high-quality souvenirs for your home.

Finish your afternoon at one of the free foot baths. These are located in several spots throughout the main street. They allow you to rest your tired feet for free. It is a lovely way to interact with local people.

Exploring Katayamazu and Awazu Onsen

Katayamazu Onsen sits on the edge of Lake Shibayama. The water here is known for its high salt content. This helps to keep your body warm after your bath. The modern Soyu building has a stunning view of the lake.

You can see Mt. Hakusan in the distance on clear days. The lake changes colors several times throughout the day. Take a small boat tour to see the floating fountain. This area feels more open and breezy than the mountains.

Awazu Onsen is the oldest of the four local towns. It was founded over 1,300 years ago by a monk. This town features many small, family-run traditional Japanese inns. It has a very quiet and intimate feeling for visitors.

Visit the Yunokuni no Mori traditional crafts village nearby. It is located between the main hot spring resort areas. You can try over fifty different types of traditional Japanese crafts. This include gold leaf application and glass blowing activities.

Both towns offer Excellent dining options for a late lunch. Try the local seafood caught fresh from the Sea of Japan. Snow crab is a regional specialty during the winter months. Many restaurants have English menus for international tourists in 2026.

Best Onsens Near Kanazawa Japan Ranked

Kaga is often called the best onsens near Kanazawa Japan destination. It offers more variety than smaller spring areas like Yuwaku. The four towns provide many different types of water and views. You can find everything from lake views to mountain forests.

Kaga is perfect for those who enjoy walking and sightseeing. Other nearby springs are often just for staying in a ryokan. Here, you can combine bathing with history and nature walks. It is a more active type of hot spring holiday.

The area is also much larger than other local options. You could spend several days exploring every corner of Kaga. However, a single day trip still provides a very deep experience. It is the best choice for a variety of activities.

The proximity to the Shinkansen line is a major benefit. You do not need to rent a car to visit. This makes it very accessible for international travelers in 2026. Public transport is reliable and easy to navigate for everyone.

Essential Travel Tips for Your Visit

Check the weather and packing tips before you leave Kanazawa. Mountain areas can be colder than the city coast. Bring layers of clothing for the coastal and mountain towns. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the gorge trails.

Always carry a small towel in your day bag. Some public baths do not provide towels for free. You can also use them at the many foot baths. A small plastic bag is useful for your wet towel.

Learn the basic rules of Japanese bath etiquette before arriving. Wash your body thoroughly before entering any communal pools. Never put your towel into the actual hot spring water. Keep your hair tied up and out of the bath.

Most public bathhouses in Kaga open early in the morning. They often stay open until late in the evening. This gives you plenty of time for multiple soaking sessions. Mid-day is usually the quietest time for these public facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

A day trip to Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa is a perfect 2026 escape. You will experience deep history, beautiful nature, and relaxing waters. The short travel time makes it extremely convenient for all visitors. Plan your visit today to see these amazing hot spring towns.

Key Takeaways

• Use the Shinkansen for a fast 15-minute trip from Kanazawa.
• Buy the CANBUS pass to explore all four hot spring towns.
• Visit the Ko-Soyu in Yamashiro for a historical Meiji-style bath.
• Walk the Kakusenkei Gorge in Yamanaka for stunning river views.

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