Kaga-Hakusan in the Hokuriku region of south-western Ishikawa Prefecture is blessed with beautiful nature and natural hot springs. The Kaga Onsen-kyo hot spring resort, which includes Yamanaka, Yamashiro, Katayamazu, and Awazu, is surrounded by picturesque views of majestic Mt.Hakusan.
Kutaniyaki, a type of Japanese ceramic ware that flourished in the beginning of the Edo era (1603-1867), and which is still prominent today, has its origins at Yamanaka Onsen. Kutaniyaki makes use of five vibrant colors - green, yellow, purple, red and blue - in bold designs that define its unique characteristics. The special techniques used to produce Kutaniyaki ceramic ware and Yamanaka lacquerware were developed in the same era and both are well-known for their historical value. The area is also famous for foods from the mountains and sea which attract many people.
Kaga Onsen-kyo contains many prominent hot springs, such as Yamashiro Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen. There are also many small, unique inns and hotels in the hot spring town at the foot of Mt.Hakusan. One can view the colorful nature of each season, and shop for Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutaniyaki ceramic ware. Kakusenkei is the most picturesque place in Yamanaka Onsen. The walking trails are great for strolls amongst leaves that change colors by season.
Yamashiro Onsen, located in Yunogawa, won the Good Design Award for 2012 for its reconstructed traditional communal bathhouses. Its hot spring facility is situated in the center of town. There are two soaking tubs in the main bathroom: a deep one and a shallow one. The bathroom walls, adorned with hand-painted Kutaniyaki ceramic tiles are particularly beautiful.
The most convenient way to get to Kaga Hakusan is by air to Komatsu Airport or by train to Kaga Onsen Station. Other routes include:
- By Super Express Thunderbird or Shirasagi: JR Kanazawa Station - (20 minutes) - JR Komatsu Station - (10 minutes) - JR Kaga Onsen Station
- By Local Train: JR Kanazawa Station - (35 minutes) - JR Komatsu Station - (12 minutes) - JR Kaga Onsen Station
From JR Kaga Onsen Station, buses provide access to all locations in the area.
Some of hotels in Kaga area also provide free pick-up to and from JR Kaga Station.
For more information, see the multilingual Kaga-Hakusan website:
English: http://ishikawa-kaga-hakusan.jp/en/
Simplified Chinese: http://www.ishikawa-kaga-hakusan.jp/sc/
Traditional Chinese: http://www.ishikawa-kaga-hakusan.jp/tc/
Korean: http://www.ishikawa-kaga-hakusan.jp/kr/
