Onsen (Hot Springs)
Kaga Onsen-kyo has Japan's prominent hot springs, including Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu. There are many small but unique inns and hotels in the hot spring town at the foot of Mt. Haku (Hakusan). Visit the unique hot springs!
Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen is the hot spring town nestled in the mountains, where the traditional culture of Yamanaka lacquerware prospered. Running through the center of the beautiful green Kakusenkei valley is the Daishoji River. In the valley, many Japanese-style hotels with beautiful views and sounds of the river are built along the banks of the river.
Ryokan/Hotels with an English official homepage
Yamashiro Onsen
Kutaniyaki had at one time died out but was re-established in this area and since that time this area is referred to as the hometown of Kutaniyaki. The downtown area, "Yu no Gawa," has retained the view of the traditional hot springs. The gushing water is called "water for longevity."
Ryokan/Hotels with an English official homepage
Katayamazu Onsen
The scenic view of the peaks of the Hakusan mountain range over Lake Shibayamagata is absolutely breathtaking. It is said that the lake changes color seven times a day! There are various other scenic points such as the 70-meter-high fountain and Ukimido, a hall that is lit up in the evening. And the many open-air baths continue to be attractions.
Ryokan/Hotels with an English official homepage
Awazu Onsen
The historical Awazu onsen area has been a hot springs resort since it opened 1,300 years ago and many inns are scattered about in the quiet mountains. Each inn has its own spring and so the water is fresh and thus famous for "beautifying hot water" that makes the skin soft.
- Awazu Onsen Tourist Association (Japanese only)
Ryokan/Hotels with an English official homepage
Tatsunokuchi Onsen
This hot spring is on the hill to the south of the Tedori River. In 2009, Tatsunokuchi Onsen Soyu Satoyama no Yu (a hot springs facility) opened. There are many places for leisure activities in the area popular with families.
Hakusan Ichirino Onsen
This hot spring is at the foot of Mt. Haku (Hakusan). The neighboring Hakusan Ichirino Onsen Ski Area is a good place for winter sports.
- Hakusan Ichirino Spa Tourist Association (Japanese only)
Chugu Onsen
This hot spring is proud of its 1,300-year history and is famous as a "hot springs for the stomach." Bathing in this hot spring makes the skin smooth and drinking the water is also rumored to be good for the health.
- Hakusan Chugu Onsen Tourist Association (Japanese only)
Shiramine Onsen
In 1978, Shiramine Onsen opened upstream of the Tedori River in the old Shiramine village, the farthest into the mountains of the hot spring towns at the foot of Mt. Haku (Hakusan). The water is referred to as "silky skin water," because a bath in this hot springs makes the skin smooth as silk.
- Shiramine Onsen Tourist Association (Japanese only)