Kanazawa is the cultural heart of Ishikawa Prefecture and one of the most charming cities along the Sea of Japan. But if you've already strolled through Kenroku-en and spent time at the 21st Century Museum, why not take advantage of the Hokuriku Shinkansen's convenience and explore the surrounding towns? Starting from Kanazawa, half-day to full-day trips can connect you with Kaga region's hot spring culture, craft traditions, and coastal scenery. This guide will help you discover the gems around Kanazawa that are often overlooked by tourists.
Kaga Onsenkyo: Hot Spring Retreats for Body and Mind
Approximately 45 minutes south of Kanazawa via Hokuriku Shinkansen or regular trains brings you to the hot spring town of Kaga City. This area boasts three famous hot springs — Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen, each with its unique character. Yamashiro Onsen is the oldest in Kaga, with a history of approximately 1,300 years, and was once a retreat for aristocracy and literary figures from the Hokuriku region. Today, the traditional hot spring street atmosphere is preserved, with numerous historic inns, many retaining architectural features from the Edo to Showa periods. Yamanaka Onsen is known for its high-quality spring water and canyon scenery, with the Daishoji River flowing through the hot spring town, offering different views in each season. What makes Katayamazu Onsen special is the natural scenery around the hot spring lake, with the floating island in the center becoming a favorite subject for photographers.
Regardless of which hot spring you choose, you can experience authentic Japanese hot spring culture — admiring mountain or valley views from outdoor baths, then enjoying kaiseki cuisine or local seafood. Kaga hot spring inns range from mid-range to upscale, with many offering one-night-two-meals packages at approximately ¥12,000-¥25,000 per person (including dinner and breakfast). If time is limited, you can choose day-use hot spring facilities (nichiju onsen), costing approximately ¥1,000-¥2,000, usually open until 5-6 PM.
Kutani Ware Production Area Tour: Living Tradition of Craftsmanship
Approximately 30-40 minutes east of Kanazawa toward Komatsu City lies the hometown of Kutani ware. Kutani ware is an important traditional Japanese craft, famous for its colorful painting style (red, yellow, blue, purple, green) with a 370-year history. Here you'll not only find shops selling Kutani ware products but also workshops and experience studios where visitors can hand-paint ceramics themselves. Many studios offer half-day or full-day workshops, allowing you to create your own piece under the guidance of pottery masters — the most personalized souvenir to bring back from Kanazawa.
The Kutani ware area also houses several pottery art museums and traditional kilns showcasing works of past masters. Even without participating in a workshop, strolling through this industrial heritage landscape lets you feel the pulse of Japanese craft tradition. Pottery products in the area range from practical bowls and plates starting at ¥2,000 to artistic pieces exceeding ¥50,000, offering options for various budgets.
Mount Hakusan Area: Mountain Climbing and Natural Scenery
For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Hakusan is a classic destination from Kanazawa. Mount Hakusan is one of Japan's three sacred mountains and also one of Japan's 100 famous mountains, with its peak rising 2,702 meters. Approximately 1.5-2 hours south by car from Kanazawa brings you to the mountain's trailhead. From late spring to early autumn is the climbing season, passing through alpine meadows, wildlife habitats, and hot springs. Even without reaching the summit, you can enjoy coniferous forest scenery at the mountain base or soak in outdoor hot spring baths at ryokans with views of Mount Hakusan.
The Murodo area around Mount Hakusan (near the summit) sits at an altitude of 2,300-2,700 meters, where during summer you can observe alpine vegetation and volcanic terrain. Many visitors choose one-night mountain climbing packages or day trips (approximately 8-10 hours round trip). Mountain climbing lodgings in the Hakusan area cost approximately ¥8,000-¥15,000 per person (including one-night-two-meals), providing climbing supplies and hearty meals.
Kaga Coast: Fishing Village Scenery and Seafood Cuisine
The coastal area of Kaga City preserves traditional Japanese fishing village scenery. The Kiba Lagoon Park area offers lakeside walking trails and nature observation, with abundant waterfowl, suitable for visits in early spring and autumn. Further south, Echizen Town (at the border with Fukui Prefecture) is known for Echizen soba and Echizen washi paper, making it a great place to experience Japanese handicrafts. This coastline is dotted with small fishing ports, with many restaurants serving the day's catch directly — from crab (seasonal) to white fish, wakame seaweed, and other local catches. Seafood set meals cost approximately ¥2,000-¥4,000, offering highly fresh dining experiences.
Practical Information and Transportation Planning
From Kanazawa Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen connects to Tokyo (approximately 2.5 hours) and Toyama, while regular trains travel to Kaga Onsenkyo. If planning to visit hot springs, you can purchase the "Kaga Onsenkyo Day Pass" (approximately ¥3,500), covering round-trip tickets and hot spring facility discounts. Renting a car is also an option, with car rental fees in Ishikawa Prefecture at approximately ¥5,000-¥8,000 per day, suitable for multi-destination day trips.
Most attractions are open year-round, though mountain climbing on Mount Hakusan is closed in winter (December to early March) due to snow. Hot springs and craft experiences are suitable for all seasons, with autumn (September to November) being the best — stable weather with autumn foliage adorning the mountain scenery. In spring (April to May), cherry blossoms bloom, with pleasant cherry viewing spots along hot spring streets and in parks throughout the Kaga region.
Travel Tips and Market Observations
Considering recent changes in China's outbound tourism market, the Kaga region has seen a relative decrease in large tour groups, offering more peaceful experience opportunities instead. Many inns and studios have begun offering English and Simplified Chinese services, but it's best to confirm language support when booking. It is recommended to reserve hot spring inns and pottery workshops in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. If visiting multiple attractions, using Pasmo or Suica cards can simplify transportation payments.
Finally, accessibility facilities in the Kaga region are continuously improving — most hot spring inns and museums offer wheelchair access, but mountain trails and traditional studios may have limitations, so it's best to confirm directly with institutions before visiting. Regardless of which route you choose, the area around Kanazawa offers deep cultural and natural experiences, making your Hokuriku trip more fulfilling.
