Top 5 Best Hot Springs in Ishikawa

Winter is a great time to visit Ishikawa prefecture. There will be a lot of snowfall but it only makes for a prettier picture of Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa city. While you’re there, here are a few hot springs you want to visit that aren’t too far away from Kanazawa city. Most are from the Kaga Hot Springs Village,  which is made up made up of 4 hot springs; Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamatsu, Awazu.

1. Yamashiro Hot springs (Onsen)

Yamashiro Onsen is one of the largest hot spring resorts in Kaga City facing the Sea of Japan. It has a history of over 1300 years. The public bathhouses in the center of town were built in the Edo era. The old Japanese inns with their red latticework and the traditional houses give the area a historical atmosphere.

2. Yamanaka Hot Springs (Onsen)

This hot springs town is located among the mountains. The culture of traditional Yamanaka lacquerware prospered here. The Daishoji river runs through the center of this beautiful green Kakusenkei valley and many traditional Japanese hotels are built along it. You can enjoy the beautiful views and the sound of the river.

3. Katayamatsu Hot Springs (Onsen)

Katayamazu Onsen is located on one of the three largest lakes in Kaga City, the Shibayamagata Lake. The source of the hot springs is actually in the lake. The lake changes color according to the weather so it is called the seven colored lake.

4. Awazu Hot Springs (Onsen)

Awazu Onsen was discovered in the year 710. The water is transparent with no smell at all. All of the lodging facilities in Awazu Onsen have their own hot springs source. Since it is a 100% hot springs source, the water is good for drinking too.

5. Wakura Hot Springs (Onsen)

Wakakura Onsen is located in Nanao Bay. There are over 20 onsen inns and a public bathhouse at this beautiful hot springs resort. You can try the delicious food from the local mountains and sea, and you can even see some bottlenose dolphins off of Noto Island if you’re lucky.