Kanazawa itself is not a city known for natural hot springs, which might disappoint you. However, this ancient city with its samurai residences (bushiyake), traditional crafts, and 21st-century art museum has, precisely because of this simplicity, preserved a deeper cultural significance for hot springs.
The true hot spring secrets lie in the Kaga Onsen Village surrounding Kanazawa. This mountain-ringed hot spring area includes Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen — three major hot spring destinations — located just 30 to 50 minutes by car from central Kanazawa. They are not city-type hot spring resort destinations, but serene places that carry the century-old hot spring culture of the Hokuriku region. Here, you will discover the most authentic form of Japanese hot springs.
Highlights
What makes Kaga Onsen Village unique is the "combination of crafts and hot springs." The Yamanaka Onsen town still preserves lacquerware studios and pottery workshops, and the hot spring ryokan's large baths often feature bathtubs created by local pottery artists. Yamashiro Onsen integrates traces of the Kitamaebune (north sailing ship) culture, and the architectural style of its hot spring ryokans still retains the design aesthetics of the Edo and Meiji periods. This is not just about soaking in hot springs, but an immersive experience of Japanese local craft culture.
Another notable characteristic is the "seasonal variations in hot spring experiences." In winter, the Kaga Onsen Village's snow-covered mountains reflected in the hot spring water create the most classic Japanese hot spring imagery; during cherry blossom in spring and maple leaves in autumn, the changing natural surroundings make each bath a observation of the seasons; even in summer, the cool climate of the highland makes hot spring ryokans a cultural choice for escaping the heat.
Recommended Spots
1. Yamashiro Onsen (やましろおんせん)
〒922-0066 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga City, Yamashiro Onsen
The largest and most historically significant hot spring destination in the Kaga Onsen Village — said to have been discovered during the Nara period. Today's Yamashiro Onsen maintains the traditional hot spring town layout, with dozens of ryokans and bathhouses along the street. The hot spring water here is rich in minerals, with a spring temperature of approximately 45°C, suitable for extended soaking. It is recommended to choose a culturally-rich medium-sized ryokan rather than a large resort to experience the local hot spring lifestyle more intimately. Japanese meals typically feature local ingredients, with Kaga vegetables and fresh catches from the Japan Sea as the stars of the table.
2. Yamanaka Onsen (やまなかおんせん)
〒922-0122 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga City, Yamanaka Onsen
This is the most "craft-spirited" of the three hot spring destinations. Yamanaka Onsen's name comes from Kutani-yaki (traditional ceramics) and Yamanaka lacquerware (traditional lacquer art), and there are still active studios scattered around the hot spring town. You can see bathtubs and decorative pieces created by local artists in the hot spring ryokans. Daishoji River flows through the hot spring town, and the riverside walkways are particularly beautiful when cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Yamanaka Onsen's spring temperature is approximately 42°C, and the water is relatively clear, believed to have skin-beautifying effects. The ryokans here are generally smaller in scale (10 to 30 rooms), with limited guest numbers, offering a more intimate hot spring experience.
3. Katayamazu Onsen (かたやまずおんせん)
〒922-0402 Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga City, Katayamazu Onsen
The lowest in elevation among the three hot springs, Katayamazu is famous for Shibayamagata (a freshwater lake). Many hot spring ryokan rooms offer direct lake views, especially during autumn when the maple leaves turn red, the lake's reflected colorful forests make for superb natural decor. The spring temperature is approximately 45°C, and the water is mildly alkaline. Compared to Yamashiro and Yamanaka's "historical depth," Katayamazu has more of a "modern leisure" character; if you seek relatively modern facilities and more convenient access, Katayamazu is a good choice.
4. Kanazawa City Bath Facilities
If time is limited or you prefer activities within the city, there are several public bath facilities (sentô/traditional bathhouse) in central Kanazawa. These facilities offer traditional bathhouse (sentô) culture experiences rather than resort-type hot springs. Prices are typically between ¥400-600, and most are open from 2 PM to 10 PM. This is an opportunity to experience Japanese daily life and interact with local residents. Kanazawa's bathhouse culture inherits the community functions from the Edo period, and many facility buildings still retain Showa-era renovation styles.
Practical Information
Transportation: From Kanazawa Station, you can take the Hokuriku Railroad bus directly to the three hot spring destinations, with a travel time of approximately 40-50 minutes and fares around ¥2000-2500. If driving, the Kaga Aisai Road (かがあいさいどうろ) provides convenient access. Many upscale ryokans offer pickup services from Kanazawa Station (advance reservation required).
Cost Range: One-night stay with two meals (accommodation and two meals) at a hot spring ryokan typically ranges from ¥8,000-15,000 (mid-range ryokans), while upscale ryokans can exceed ¥20,000. Higaeri onsen (day trip, hot spring only without overnight stay) costs approximately ¥1,000-2,000, typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Best Season: Winter (December to February) is the traditional hot spring season, with the combination of snow scenery and hot springs representing classic Japanese aesthetics; spring (March to May) brings mountain cherry blossoms in full bloom with pleasant weather; autumn (September to November) sees maple leaves turning red, a favorite among photography enthusiasts. Although summer temperatures are high, the cool environment of mountain hot springs remains attractive.
Operating Hours: Most hot spring ryokans operate year-round with no closed days, and room reservations should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance. Some higaeri onsen facilities are closed on Mondays or irregular days, so it is recommended to call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Travel Tips
While transportation to Kaga Onsen Village from Kanazawa is convenient, it is recommended to reserve the entire afternoon or stay overnight to truly experience the healing value of hot springs. Rushing to "fit in a hot spring" diminishes the significance of this Japanese cultural practice.
Regarding accessibility: Most traditional hot spring ryokans' bath facilities are designed with steps and wooden bathtubs, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. It is recommended to communicate with the ryokan in advance to inquire about dedicated rooms or auxiliary measures. Larger, newly-built ryokans typically have more complete accessibility facilities.
Hot spring etiquette tips: Before entering the bath, rinse your body and hair (there are washing areas within the ryokan's bath facilities); do not use soap in the hot spring; never submerge towels in the hot spring. These customs are not only hygiene regulations but also reflect the Japanese respect for shared spaces.
If you are interested in handicrafts, both Yamanaka Onsen and Yamashiro Onsen have craft experience studios where you can book introductory pottery or lacquerware courses (approximately 1-2 hours, costing ¥3,000-5,000). This will transform your hot spring journey into a deeper cultural dialogue.
