Awazu Onsen

What to know

Awazu Onsen (粟津温泉) is one of four hot spring towns that form Kaga Onsen. Its waters were discovered over 1,300 years ago by the same monk who founded nearby Natadera Temple. The town is home to Hoshi Ryokan, founded in 718, which holds the title of one of the world's oldest hotels and longest continuously operating companies.

The clear spring waters of Awazu Onsen are believed to improve circulation, ease chronic conditions, and rejuvenate the skin. Visitors can enjoy them at the town's ryokan or at the Soyu, the public bathhouse popular with both locals and tourists. The Soyu is a recently rebuilt, modern facility with one large indoor pool in each gender-segregated bathing area.

Two kilometers outside central Awazu lies Yunokuninomori, a craft village where tourists can purchase or try their hand at making various traditional handicrafts from the region. The village consists of over a dozen traditional-style buildings, each dedicated to a specific craft such as pottery, lacquerware, gold leaf gilding, and glassmaking.

A few kilometers down the road from Yunokuninomori stands Natadera Temple, an important temple belonging to the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Natadera is known for its caves carved into a rocky cliffside, which were used for meditation.

Awazu Onsen, Yunokuninomori craft village, and Natadera are connected by the Can Bus (Yamamawari course) from Kaga Onsen Station in about an hour. Buses run roughly every two hours, but note that only some serve central Awazu Onsen.

There are hourly buses between Komatsu Station and Awazu Onsen. The one-way ride takes 30 minutes and costs 460 yen. Some buses continue on to Natadera Temple.