Kaga City: Add a Hot Spring Experience to your Kanazawa Visit

Kaga City, located near Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture, is known for its rich cultural heritage influenced by the Kaga feudal clan. It consists of six distinct regions: Daishoji, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, Hashitate, and Iburibashi. Each region offers unique historical and cultural experiences.

Stretching from the Sea of Japan’s curving coastline up into rugged, mountainous terrain, the picturesque Kaga City area, situated along Japan's popular tourist route between Tokyo, Shirakawa-go, and Kyoto, is renowned for its abundant onsen (hot springs) and diverse natural landscapes.

The onsen towns attract numerous visitors seeking relaxation and cultural experiences. Meanwhile, Hashitate is a tranquil port town with a rich history tied to the Kitamae Bune shipowners, and Daishoji features a picturesque castle town adorned with temples.

Hot Springs

The hot springs in the Kaga City area are clustered around 3 towns.

Katayamazu Onsen

Located on the shores of Shibayama Lagoon, Katayamazu Onsen offers stunning views of Mt. Hakusan. The lagoon is said to change color seven times a day. The modern "Soyu" bathhouse features two bathing areas:

• "Lagoon Bath," which gives the illusion of soaking in the lagoon, and
• "Forest Bath," surrounded by greenery. Visitors can enjoy the view of the fountain, which shoots water up to 70 meters high and is beautifully illuminated at night. Seasonal fireworks over the lagoon are also a highlight.

Katayamazu Onsen features stunning scenery with a mountain range and the color-changing Lake Shibayama. A fountain shoots water 70 meters high hourly, and the illuminated Ukimido Temple adds to the charm. Visitors enjoy lake views from the public bathhouse and hotels. Summer highlights include nightly fireworks and the Yu-no-Matsuri Festival in late August, with street stalls, performances, and a grand fireworks display.

Yamashiro Onsen

Yamashiro Onsen has a history of about 1300 years and is known for its traditional onsen culture. The "Soyu" bathhouse and the nostalgic "Ko-Soyu" are central to this onsen town. The "Ko-Soyu" offers an old-fashioned bathing experience, while the "Soyu" is characterized by its large skylight and Kutani ceramic tiles. The town's "Yunogawa" district, with its inns and shops, retains the charm of old onsen towns.

Yamanaka Onsen

Discovered by the high priest Gyoki about 1300 years ago, Yamanaka Onsen is praised for its scenic beauty, especially in the Kakusenkei Gorge. Visitors can enjoy the "Riverbed" dining experience along the gorge from spring to autumn. Notable sights include the Korogi Bridge, the Kurotani Bridge, and the modern S-shaped Ayatori Bridge. The onsen town also offers unique experiences with its local crafts, such as Yamanaka lacquerware.

Yuge Kaido Street in Yamanaka Onsen is the bustling heart of town, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops selling local crafts like the renowned Yamanaka lacquerware, known for its intricate wood carving techniques developed over 400 years.

Sightseeing

Kaga City offers interesting, historical places of interest to complement a relaxing bathhouse experience or an overnight stay at a traditional ryokan away from the crowds.

Daishoji

Daishoji is a small castle town with historical and cultural significance. It was the center of the Daishoji Domain, a branch of the Maeda family. The town has retained much of its historical layout, and visitors can explore the "Yamanoshita Temple Area," which preserves the ambiance of the past. The town is also known for Kutani ceramics, which have a rich history and artistic value.

Hashitate

Hashitate, nestled along Hokuriku's coastline, offers a serene retreat steeped in maritime history. This quaint fishing village boasts stunning views of the Sea of Japan and is renowned for its seafood, particularly the prized snow crab and sweet shrimp. Visitors can explore its bustling port, lined with fishmongers and restaurants showcasing the day's fresh catch. Beyond the harbor, winding backstreets reveal remnants of Hashitate's prosperous past, including opulent Kitamae Bune ship owners' mansions that now serve as museums. Clifftop vistas from Cape Amagozen and Cape Kasa no Misaki offer breathtaking panoramas of the rugged coastline, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in Hashitate's natural beauty and rich maritime legacy.

Hashitate was a prominent hub for the Kitamae Bune trading ships, which sailed between Osaka and Hokkaido. The town retains its traditional appearance with grand homes of shipowners, characterized by red-tiled roofs and stone-paved streets. The area is known for its fresh seafood, including the famous "Kano Crab" and various other seasonal delicacies, including amberjack, sweet shrimp, making it a top destination for culinary enthusiasts. The port's picturesque charm, bustling with fishing boats, offers visitors a nostalgic atmosphere and excellent photo opportunities.

A labyrinth of winding streets reveals remnants of its maritime legacy, including grand mansions once owned by Kitamae Bune shipowners, showcasing Hashitate's prosperous past. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Kitamae Bune Ship Museum and Zorokuen, experiencing the town's affluent heritage. Nearby, Cape Amagozen and Cape Kasa no Misaki provide breathtaking cliff-top views and scenic trails, making Hashitate a captivating coastal retreat.

Iburibashi

Iburibashi was a bustling post town during the Edo period. The town's name comes from the bridge over the river, which swayed as people crossed. The area still has historic establishments like sake breweries and tea shops, which have been in operation for centuries. Notable spots include the Hashimoto Sake Brewery and Maruhachi Tea Shop, known for its Kaga Bocha tea.

Seasonal Activities

Kaga City offers a rich tapestry of experiences across its various regions, making it a destination with something unique for every season.

• Spring: Cherry blossoms in Kakusenkei Gorge.
• Summer: Fireworks at Katayamazu Onsen, riverbed dining in Yamanaka Onsen.
• Autumn: Stunning autumn foliage in Yamanaka Onsen.
• Winter: Fresh seafood, especially Kano Crab, at Hashitate.

In Kaga, near the serene Lake Katano, the tradition of sakaami hunting thrives among nature and tradition. Dating back over 300 years to the Edo period, sakaami hunters pursue ducks using Y-shaped nets, a skill passed down through generations. This practice occurs in near darkness, each catch a testament to skill and respect for the ducks. Despite challenges from changing conditions, these hunters maintain the integrity of their craft, providing prized ducks for Kaga's renowned cuisine and preserving a cultural legacy cherished by the community.

Access

From Kanazawa:

By Train:

1. JR Limited Express:
   • Take the JR Limited Express Thunderbird or Shirasagi from Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.

From Kyoto:

By Train:

1. JR Limited Express Thunderbird:
   • Take the JR Limited Express Thunderbird from Kyoto Station to Kaga Onsen Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours.

By Shinkansen and Local Train:

1. Shinkansen and Limited Express:
   • Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Maibara Station (about 20 minutes).
   • Transfer to the JR Limited Express Shirasagi from Maibara Station to Kaga Onsen Station (about 1 hour and 20 minutes).

Both routes provide efficient and comfortable travel options to reach Kaga Onsenkyo, a renowned hot spring resort area.