What to know
Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉) is a collection of four hot spring towns located south of Kanazawa, near Mount Hakusan—one of Japan's three holiest mountains, along with Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama. The springs were discovered over 1,300 years ago by monks visiting Hakusan and have since become a beloved destination for onsen enthusiasts.
A distinctive feature of Kaga Onsen's towns is their public baths (soyu), situated at the heart of each community. In the past, when not every ryokan had its own bath, guests would visit these communal baths. Today, they remain popular with both visitors and locals, offering tourists a unique, authentic bathing experience.
Activities and attractions
Natadera TempleTemple for the worship of holy Mount Hakusan
Mount HakusanOne of the highest mountains in Western Japan
Yamashiro OnsenHot spring town with a unique public bath house
Hakusan Shirakawago White RoadSpectacular toll road through the high mountains
Yamanaka OnsenHot spring town with a pretty town center
Katayamazu OnsenHot spring resort with many lakeside baths
Awazu OnsenHot spring town with the world’s oldest hotel
Hakusan CityGateway to Mount Hakusan