WAKURA
SEASIDE ACTIVITIES

Wakura Onsen dates back 1,200 years ago and is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Ishikawa Prefecture. The hot spring in Wakura Onsen is known as a “sea spring” as it contains chloride and is similar to seawater. In the 17th century, the then feudal lord of the Kaga Domain used the hot spring waters from Wakura to successfully treat his skin ailment. This allowed the town to build a reputation around its hot springs and attract visitors wishing to use the therapeutic bathing facilities. In the mid-19th century, nobles from Kyoto and wealthy merchants from Osaka visited the hot springs. Today, the hot spring resort enjoys widespread popularity, particularly in the Kanto and Kansai regions.
 
There are 22 traditional Japanese inns in the resort overlooking Nanao Bay. They serve superb Japanese cuisine using fish and seafood from the Sea of Japan. Besides, participate in someThe town offers  ocean activities such as fishing, cruising, and dolphin watching. Electric cars*1 and motorized kick scooters (e-scooters) *2 are also available for visitors to travel around the town.

*1*2: An international driving permit (IDP) or a Japanese driver’s license is required for use.

Three Recommended Ocean and Seaside Activities in Wakura Onsen

Iidako fishing

1

Octopus Fishing

Wakura Port is a popular fishing spot for local anglers. Fall brings small octopuses known as Iidako. In the Iidako fishing competition held every year, people compete against each other based on the total weight of the octopuses caught. The competition starts early in the morning as the Iidako octopus is active in the morning and evening. From 6 am, for about two hours, contestants try to catch as many octopuses as possible. The hugely popular competition attracts more entries than available places, so an evening session will be held from 2022 onward to meet the high demand.
 

Venue: Wakura Port
Reception: special tent at Wakura Port
*For more information on dates and times, please contact us.

1

Octopus
Fishing

Wakura Port is a popular fishing spot for local anglers. Fall brings small octopuses known as Iidako. In the Iidako fishing competition held every year, people compete against each other based on the total weight of the octopuses caught. The competition starts early in the morning as the Iidako octopus is active in the morning and evening. From 6 am, for about two hours, contestants try to catch as many octopuses as possible. The hugely popular competition attracts more entries than available places, so an evening session will be held from 2022 onward to meet the high demand.
 

Venue: Wakura Port
Reception: special tent at Wakura Port
*For more information on dates and times, please contact us.

Seagull watching

Sailing

Dolphin watching

2

Cruising and Sailing

Situated along the coastline of the hot spring town, Nanao Bay is a key attraction offering sightseeing boat trips for visitors to appreciate a view of the bay with a backdrop of the Noto Peninsula. In the summer, visitors can take a leisurely cruise from the port to watch seagulls and view a glorious sunset. Passengers enjoy feeding seagulls that come close to the cruiser.
*For cruise times, routes, fares, and other information, do not hesitate to contact the Wakura Onsen Tourism Association.
 

Boat Ride: Wakura Port Cruise Boat Ride

2

Cruising and
Sailing

Situated along the coastline of the hot spring town, Nanao Bay is a key attraction offering sightseeing boat trips for visitors to appreciate a view of the bay with a backdrop of the Noto Peninsula. In the summer, visitors can take a leisurely cruise from the port to watch seagulls and view a glorious sunset. Passengers enjoy feeding seagulls that come close to the cruiser.
*For cruise times, routes, fares, and other information, do not hesitate to contact the Wakura Onsen Tourism Association.
 

Boat Ride: Wakura Port Cruise Boat Ride

Motorized kick scooter

3

Environmentally-friendly Vehicles

You can get around Wakura Onsen by using an eco-friendly, zero-emission vehicles such as a single-seater electric car or a motorized kick scooter (e-scooter). E-scooters are easy to maneuver in tight spaces and are ideal for exploring the town. Unlike motorcycles and bicycles, e-scooters offer a smooth ride.
Be aware that e-scooters are not allowed in some places, such as on bridges and roads where it is hard to see approaching traffic, especially in mountainous areas. To hire an e-scooter, you must present your driver’s license. Completing the user registration in advance will allow you an
effortless hiring experience.
 

Hire and return place: Wakura Onsen Tourist Association / Wakura Onsen Omatsuri Hall
Fees: Please contact us.

3

Environmentally-friendly Vehicles

You can get around Wakura Onsen by using an eco-friendly, zero-emission vehicles such as a single-seater electric car or a motorized kick scooter (e-scooter). E-scooters are easy to maneuver in tight spaces and are ideal for exploring the town. Unlike motorcycles and bicycles, e-scooters offer a smooth ride.
Be aware that e-scooters are not allowed in some places, such as on bridges and roads where it is hard to see approaching traffic, especially in mountainous areas. To hire an e-scooter, you must present your driver’s license. Completing the user registration in advance will allow you an
effortless hiring experience.
 

Hire and return place: Wakura Onsen Tourist Association / Wakura Onsen Omatsuri Hall
Fees: Please contact us.

One Hour Away from Kanazawa

You can use your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) to take the express train for one hour from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen, located in the middle of the Noto Peninsula. The coastal town with hot springs provides exciting ocean activities and offers unique experiences like bathing in a hot spring bathhouse known as Soyu. Come to Wakura Onsen to admire the view across the peaceful bay of Nanao and relax.

  Wakura Onsen Tourism Association Official Site
 Wakura Onsen Tourism Association Official Site
 
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