Recommended Routes
In the areas of Kaga and Hakusan, you can efficiently travel around the popular sightseeing spots by renting a car or taking a tour bus called "CANBUS." The Kaga and Hakusan Inbound Tourism Association offers recommended routes using a rental car or the CANBUS. We hope that these routes will help you to enjoy the abundant charms of the Kaga and Hakusan areas, which are full of places and things to enjoy.
Drive Route 1 (Kanazawa Station - Komatsu Area Route)
JR Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station is the gateway to the town of Kanazawa. In 2015 the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) was extended to reach Kanazawa. At the east side of the station there is a glass umbrella-shaped dome called Motenashi Dome. The umbrella-shaped dome displays the spirit of Japanese hospitality (motenashi in Japanese) for visitors. The entrance of Kanazawa Station houses a gate called Tsuzumi-mon. The gate was designed to symbolize Tsuzumi, which is a traditional Japanese hand drum.
Below is a list of the rental car companies conveniently located nearest to the station. It is often easier if you make your reservation in advance via a company's website, etc. After picking up your rental car you are ready to go!
Rental Car Companies
* Please make sure in advance that your driver's license is valid in Japan.
* It is more convenient than ever to find your way around with the multi-language navigation system. It is recommended to check the availability of the multi-language navigation system when you make your reservation.
Another option for your exploring is by taxi.
English speaking taxi drivers are available at the taxi companies listed below. Some taxi services also offer a multilingual interpreting system in several languages.
- FUJI TAXI
- Ishikawa Kotsu (Japanese only)
- Kanazawa Daiichi Koutsu (Japanese only)
(10 min)
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, along with Kairaku-en in Mito City (Ibaraki) and Kouraku-en in Okayama City (Okayama). The cherry trees blooming in spring. The irises blooming in early summer. The crimson foliage in autumn. And the Yukizuri in winter (‘Yukizuri’ is the placing of ropes or wires around the trees to protect them from heavy snow). These are some of the wonders and beauty of nature that you can experience in the garden. Kenrokuen is famous for its beauty in all four seasons. It took 180 years to complete the total landscaping after the first garden was built in 1676.
(10 min walk)
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
The Museum was opened in October, 2004. The building is separated into two areas: the first is an exhibition area with admission fees. The second is a community gathering space, which is free of charge. The artworks (called commission works, which are permanently exhibited collections) are integrated with the museum building so that visitors engage all their senses in enjoying the works. "The Swimming Pool" by Leandro Erlich is an interactive exhibit where visitors can see through a swimming pool and observe other visitors on the ground level. It is one of the most popular exhibits at the museum.
(30 min)
Tatsunokuchi Onsen
Tatsunokuchi Onsen is the closest hot spring from the Kanazawa City center. The area is nestled among the Japanese mountains and is surrounded with beautiful scenery that is highlighted during each season. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
(10 min)
Ishikawa Zoo
The Ishikawa zoo offers an eco-friendly and family-orientated environment, where visitors can learn about and interact with the animals. Visitors can learn how to help protect and preserve wildlife and nature.
This people- and eco-friendly zoo is devoted to providing an enjoyable environment for both learning and having fun.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
(10 min)
Kutani Pottery Museum
Here you will find a vast selection of libraries, ceramic ware villages, museums, and shops that highlight the attractiveness of Kutaniyaki. To experience painting a piece of pottery, check out the Togeikan (pottery museum). Many, many kinds of Kutaniyaki souvenirs are available.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
(20 min)
Ataka no Seki
This is an old checkpoint site famous as the setting in the kabuki story "Kanjincho." This is a good place to visit for people interested in Minamoto no Yoshitsune (a 12th century warrior) and Benkei (a monk and Yoshitsune’s retainer).
(10 min)
Komatsu Airport
Drive Route 2 (Komatsu Area - Kaga Onsen Station Route)
Komatsu Airport
(10 min)
JR Komatsu Station
(10 min)
Komatsu Kibagata
Komatsu Kibagata is a Michi no Eki, which translates as roadside rest area. It is a place where you can see and feel the charm and beauty of Komatsu. The local farmer’s stands sell their products including vegetables, sansai vegetables (edible wild plants), and fruits. You can also find other local products such as the local brands of sweets, sake, and craftworks, as well as agricultural and marine products. In addition, located inside the rest area there is a restaurant offering great local food at reasonable prices, such as tomato curry or rice balls. Also, information about more tourist spots in and around Komatsu City and the local products are available.
(10 min)
Awazu Onsen Soyu
This is a hot spring facility for day use with a Karahafu-style roof and famous for soft, smooth spa waters. Eggs boiled in the hot springs are also available for a tasty and healthy snack.
(10 min)
Forest of Wisdom
Located in the center of the mountainous area of Komatsu City, Hiyo-machi is a valley town blessed with abundant nature, such as paddies, fields, brooks and forests. The town is home to precious, more than 200-year-old cedar trees; moss gardens with a variety of mosses, whose different kinds are one of the largest number in Japan; and old folk houses. In early summer, fireflies can be seen around the paddies and brooks. This area was selected as one of the One Hundred Beautiful Japanese Villages in 1991.
(10 min)
Motorcar Museum of Japan
There are about five hundred cars housed in a redbrick Western-style building. The line up of both Japanese and foreign classical cars is overwhelming.
(8 min)
Nata Temple (Natadera)
This is a famous temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The treasure hall exhibiting valuable art works and the garden, especially noted for its autumn leaves, are must-see points.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
(15 min)
JR Kaga Onsen Station
Inside the Kaga Onsen Station, visitors can find travel information relating to local events, restaurants, and lodging, etc.
Kaga City Travel Information Center Kaga Tabi/Machi Net
Public Transportation Route 1 (Komatsu Area - Kaga Onsen Route)
Visitors can also take advantage of the CANBUS. The CANBUS offers the flexibility of travel without needing to rent a car or having to take a taxi. You can stay with the three designated routes from JR Kaga Onsen Station, or can choose to get on and off depending on your own point of destination.
CANBUS
- English guide (PDF)
Komatsu Airport
Ishikawa Aviation Plaza
Ishikawa Aviation Plaza features a wide variety of aircraft, ranging from gliders to jets. They provide an interactive experience of aviation culture by offering hands-on interaction with the 21 aircraft that are on display. There is a flight simulator designed to mimic the flight of a YS-11A, which is available only here in Japan. The kid’s play area is also very popular, boasting one of the largest airplane playground equipments in Japan.
Bus connection (10 min)
JR Komatsu Station
Walk (5 min)
Komatsu Hikiyama Koryukan Miyossa
This facility was opened in May of 2013. Hikiyama is a type of traditional festival float that skilled craftsman from Komatsu City created. During the festival of “Otabi Matsuri,” which has been held every May for the past 250 years, Kabuki (Japanese classical dance-drama) is performed inside of the Hikiyama. At Miyossa, two of the Hikiyama are displayed. You can experience up close the exquisite beauty of the Hikiyama floats. Various other activities are available, such as traditional Japanese music, dressing in Kabuki make-up and nails, traditional Japanese dance, and many other traditional activities.
Walk (7 min)
Science Hills Komatsu
In March of 2014, the Science Hills Komatsu was built as a science museum in Komatsu City, which has developed as a manufacturing town. One of the highlights is an interactive exhibit called Wonderland. This exhibit links local industries with science education. Another highlight is the programs shown at the dome-shaped 3D theater called 3D Studio, which is an innovative stereoscopic vision system. It is one of the largest 3D theaters in Japan. Other events and interactive workshops take place all year around.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
JR train (5 min)
JR Awazu Station
Local bus (10 min)
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.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
Local bus (15 min)
Nata Temple (Natadera)
This is a famous temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The treasure hall exhibiting valuable art works and the garden, especially noted for its autumn leaves, are must-see points.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
CANBUS (6 min)
Dento Kogeimura Yunokuni no Mori
This is a theme park of traditional art crafts. You can experience Kutaniyaki, Kagayuzen, Wajimanuri and over 50 other traditional arts and crafts in 11 facilities.
CANBUS (4 min)
Motorcar Museum of Japan
There are about five hundred cars housed in a redbrick Western-style building. The line up of both Japanese and foreign classical cars is overwhelming.
CANBUS (30 min)
JR Kaga Onsen Station
Public Transportation Route 2 (Komatsu Area - Yamashiro/Yamanaka Onsen Route)
Visitors can also take advantage of the CANBUS. The CANBUS offers the flexibility of travel without needing to rent a car or having to take a taxi. You can stay with the three designated routes from JR Kaga Onsen Station, or can choose to get on and off depending on your own point of destination.
CANBUS
- English guide (PDF)
Komatsu Airport
CANBUS (15 min)
Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice
This museum introduces the studies of the world-renown snow expert, Dr. Nakaya Ukichiro, from Katayamazu. Here you can learn details about snow and ice from the displays of crystals and experiments with diamond dust.
CANBUS (5 min)
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.
Local bus (12 min)
JR Kaga Onsen Station
Inside the Kaga Onsen Station, visitors can find travel information relating to local events, restaurants, and lodging, etc.
CANBUS (24 min)
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.
CANBUS (13 min)
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."
CANBUS (12 min)
Nata-dera Temple
This is a famous temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. The treasure hall exhibiting valuable art works and the garden, especially noted for its autumn leaves, are must-see points.
- Official Site (Japanese only)
CANBUS (10 min)
Motorcar Museum of Japan
There are about five hundred cars housed in a redbrick Western-style building. The line up of both Japanese and foreign classical cars is overwhelming.
CANBUS (30 min)
JR Kaga Onsen Station
Inside the Kaga Onsen Station, visitors can find travel information relating to local events, restaurants, and lodging, etc.