Wakura Onsen

What to know

Wakura Onsen is a hot spring resort on the Noto Peninsula, set along the shores of Nanao Bay. The town is lined with massive ryokan complexes, the most famous being Kagaya, which consistently ranks among Japan's best for its service and facilities.

These large ryokan offer guests a wide range of amenities: hot spring baths, restaurants, karaoke rooms, bars, theaters, and game centers. As a result, visitors rarely feel the need to leave, and the streets are not very lively. However, the town has a few minor sights worth a stroll. Opposite Kagaya is a public square with a hot spring water fountain and a small park around a shrine and a hot spring source with water pipes.

Nearby, in the lobby of the Kagaya Bettei Matsuno Midori ryokan, is the Kado Isaburo Museum, showcasing modern lacquerware by local artist Kado Isaburo. Also open to the public is a teahouse with about 150 years of history. Visitors can request to participate in a tea ceremony there between 15:00 and 18:00 (additional charges apply). Not far from the ryokan is Le Musee de H, a confectionery museum by a famous Japanese pastry chef. It consists of a single exhibition room displaying sculptures artistically made of sweets, with an adjacent cafe.

The best way to enjoy the bathing experience at Wakura Onsen is to stay overnight at one of the ryokan. However, day-trippers can also enjoy the waters, as some ryokan allow non-guests to use their baths during the day for typically 500 to 1500 yen. There is also a dedicated public bath, Soyu Public Bath, in the town center, and a few free foot baths (ashiyu) around town.

From Kanazawa, limited express trains run directly to Wakura Onsen Station (one hour, about 2500 yen, departures every 2-3 hours). Alternatively, local trains with a transfer at Nanao Station take 100 minutes and cost 1410 yen.

Central Wakura Onsen is about two kilometers from Wakura Onsen Station. It is a 30-minute walk, but some hotels offer free pickup, and local buses and taxis are available.