Where to Get the Full Onsen Experience in Kaga City
Yamashiro Onsen Ko-soyu
Where to Get the Full Onsen Experience in Kaga City
Only 18 minutes from Kanazawa Station by Shinkansen, Kaga is known for its historical significance and seasonal cuisine. More importantly, it’s home to some of the most distinctive onsens in the country. It’s hard to pick a favorite among the three main onsen towns. One is a nature lover’s paradise; another is a haven for history buffs, and the third is a feast for the eyes and stomach. If you asked the locals, each would proudly boast about their own onsen.
intend to find out for myself. So, we’ll begin at Kagaonsen Station Tourist Information Centre. You can purchase a helpful
Onsen Passport there, and it gives you unlimited CANBUS rides and includes three Soyu (public bathhouse) vouchers, perfect for my investigation.
CANBUS Kaga Tour Bus You can discover Kaga with CANBUS. Starting from Kagaonsen Station, it makes a circuit of the sightseeing spots around the three onsen towns. Official Site
Exploring the Three Onsen Towns
Yamashiro Onsen 21 Japan’s connection to onsens goes back thousands of years. Emperors and monks believed hot spring water was sacred and medicinal. In fact, Yamashiro Onsen—like many others—is still believed to have healing properties. The Ko-soyu is a time capsule from the Meiji period (1868-1912), faithfully rebuilt based on the original 1886 bathhouse. With colorful glass panels and Kutani-yaki porcelain tiles,
it represents a blend of Japanese and Western architecture. However, such historical accuracy means there are no modern showering facilities. It’s best to shower beforehand (either at your ryokan or a nearby bathhouse) or bathe directly in the onsen. I found the water just right.
Katayamazu Onsen 12
There is a long-standing Japanese tradition of drinking coffee milk after a soak, but why not opt for a coffee set instead? At Katayamazu Onsen, you might mistake the bathhouse for a library. Designed by renowned architect Yoshio Taniguchi, the minimalist, brutalist structure offers private views of either the lake or the garden, depending on the layout that day. Despite its modern design, it feels just as authentic as any traditional onsen. I came for the soak but stayed for the cafe on the second floor.
Yamanaka Onsen 19 It’s easy to forget that without nature, onsens wouldn’t exist. Yamanaka Onsen, a traditional mountain village, symbolizes co-existence with nature. Whether through foraged mountain vegetables or hand-lacquered crafts, locals treasure the gifts of their environment. This is why the bath at Yamanaka Onsen is so simple. With fewer distractions,
you naturally slip into a meditative state. This stillness honed my patience, and the hot water grounded me. After 10 minutes, I found a deeper appreciation for the mountain.
Staying at a Ryokan to Fully Experience Onsen Culture
ne city, three onsens, each unique and memorable. Yamashiro Onsen is a living historical landmark; Katayamazu Onsen is a futuristic bathhouse, and Yamanaka Onsen is an indoor mountain retreat. It’s hard to choose a favorite. I need more time. Perhaps a longer stay at a ryokan—relishing local cuisine and immersing myself in all that Kaga offers—is the only way to find out.
Machi-Cafe (Katayamazu Onsen Soyu)
Writer / Model Nejam Abderrahemane (Abdo) is a Moroccan storyteller and content writer who has published work with Food and Wine, CBR, The Daily Dot, and more
Health Benefits of Soaking in an Onsen Bath Onsen refers to Japan’s natural hot springs, which are rich in minerals that offer a variety of physical and mental health benefits. In Kaga City, the onsen waters are said to help with muscle pain, fatigue, burns, cuts, skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, depression, and more. Drinking the onsen water may enhance these effects even further.
Onsen vs. Non-Onsen Baths You might assume that all public bathhouses and baths at ryokans (Japanese-style inns) in Japan use onsen water, but that’s not always the case. If a bath doesn’t specifically mention ‘onsen,’ it likely uses regular hot water, rather than water from a natural hot spring. Both types of baths are enjoyable, but onsen baths offer extra health benefits, thanks to their rich mineral content.
Useful Information
Tattoo-Friendly
Visitors with tattoos are welcome at the public onsen (called soyu) in Kaga City. While some onsen facilities elsewhere in Japan still restrict entry for tattooed individuals due to the historical association of tattooed yakuza (Japanese gangsters), Kaga City’s public baths take a warmer, more inclusive approach: everyone is welcome to enjoy the experience.
Towel Rule
You can bring your own towel or purchase one onsite. Please avoid placing your towel in the bath; instead, rest it on the tub’s rim. Many visitors place a small towel on their heads while soaking, which can help prevent dizziness.
Yamashiro Onsen Soyu and Ko-soyu Public Bathhouse
Open: 6:00-22:00 / Fee:Soyu 500 yen (Ko-soyu 700 yen) / Closed: 6:00–12:00 on the 4th Wednesday of each month / Local Bus Stop: Yamashiro Onsen / CANBUS Stop: #21（Mountain Route)
Yamanaka Onsen Kiku no Yu Public Bathhouse
Open: Daily 6:45-22:00 / Fee: 500 yen / Closed: Occasionally, and on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays (open on national holidays) / Local Bus Stop: Yamanaka Bus Terminal or Kiku no Yu Mae CANBUS Stop: #19（Mountain Route)
Katayamazu Onsen Soyu Public Bathhouse
Open: Daily 6:00-22:00 Fee: 500 yen / Closed: Occasionally Local Bus Stop: Katayamazu Onsen Soyu Mae CANBUS Stop: #12（Sea Route）
