Kaga: 15 Things to Do For a Culture-Filled Experience

Kaga is a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture known for its serene hot spring towns, traditional crafts like pottery, and historical sites like Daishoji (an Edo period castle town).

Kaga holds a rich culture and history that attracts all types of visitors. Whether you’re a group of five or traveling solo, you will find an activity suited for you or your group.

If you’re searching for what to do and where to go, look no further, we’ve got you covered! Choose from one of these activities in Kaga and create memories you’ll be talking about years after.

15 Things to Do in Kaga

1. Yunokuni no Mori
2. Yamashiro Onsen
3. Kutaniyaki Art Museum
4. Daishoji: Yamanoshita Temples Area
5. Kaga Cuisine
6. Lake Shibayama
7. Kakusenkei Gorge
8. Japanese Teatime at Hazuchio
9. Souvenirs at Ninuriya
10. Enjoy A Meal At Bantei
11. Eat Like a Local at Izakaya Ichiriki
12. Watch a Geisha Performance
13. Visit The NAKAYA Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice
14. Mugen-an Samurai House
15. Stay at a Luxury Ryokan: KAI Kaga by Hoshino Resorts
Access: How to Get to Kaga

1. Spend Time at Yunokuni no Mori

Become an expert in Kaga crafts by joining a workshop at Yunokuni no Mori. Personalize your souvenirs by making them, from learning how to make Kutani-ware to gold gilding.

Having an item made by you will give an even more special meaning to you or the receiver of the gift. Not only that but having the chance to experience learning the techniques passed down from generation to generation will give you an insight into the craftsmanship of Kaga’s ancestors.

Bring with you your own Kaga craft while also taking with you the experience of a lifetime. After a good day of work, stroll around Yunokuni no Mori and refresh yourself with the surrounding nature.

Yunokuni no Mori
Address: Ishikawa, Komatsu, Na 3-3 Awazu-onsen
Hours: 9:00 - 16:30
Closed: Thursdays
Entrance fee: Adults 550 yen; Junior/ High school students 440 yen, Children 4 and older 330 yen (persons with disabilities are given a discount)
Website: https://yunokuninomori.jp/?lang=en

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2. Detox And Relax at Yamashiro Onsen

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Kaga is known for many things, especially its three major hot spring towns: Yamanaka Onsen, Yamashiro Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen. Each has its appeal, but if you had to choose where to stay or which to visit, then we highly encourage you to go to Yamashiro Onsen.

Soak in healing waters at Kosoyu, one of Kaga’s historic bathhouses from the Meiji Period (1868–1912.) Restored in 2010, this building features beautiful Kutani porcelain tiling and vibrant stained glass windows.

Yamashiro Onsen offers a free public foot onsen where you can relax as well as shop at the Hazuchio complex. Enjoy a relaxing Japanese teatime alongside delicious traditional Japanese sweets. Seek the perfect souvenir at Ninuriya where you can find locally-made items and Kutani ceramics.

Yamashiro Onsen Kosoyu Public Bathhouse
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, 18-128 Yamashiro Onsen
Hours: 6:00 - 22:00
Closed: Every 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 0:00
Entrance fee: Adults 500 yen; children between 6 and 11 200 yen; children between 3 and 5 years old 100 yen; infants, free
Website: https://en.yamashiro-spa.or.jp/hotspring/

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3. Explore the Kutaniyaki Art Museum

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While in Daishoji, be sure to stop by the Kutaniyaki Art Museum featuring history as far back as the 17th century, the beginning of Ko-Kutani (later known as Kutani) art.

Compare the differences in styles from four different periods: early Edo, late Edo, Meiji to early Showa, and late Showa to present time. With several rooms each featuring a specific genre of Kutani ware, and a special exhibition room dedicated to themes related to Kutani ware.

Need a break? Partake in traditional Japanese teatime on the second floor at Tea Room Sabo Kokutani, where you can enjoy sweets with a cafe menu that changes with the seasons.

Kutaniyaki Art Museum
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga,Daishoji, 10-13 Jikatamachi
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
Entrance fee: Adults 560 yen; high school students and younger free
Website: http://www.kutani-mus.jp/en/

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4. Visit Daishoji Yamanoshita Temples Area

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What once was considered a small prefecture and a castle town, where it is said that the Daishoji clan gathered temples and shrines, has become the Yamanoshita Temples area.

It is made up of seven temples and a shrine: Jisshoin Temple, Renkoji Temple, Kyuhoji Temple, Zenshoji Temple, Shogakuji Temple, Soujuji Temple, Honkoji Temple, and Shinmeigu Shrine.

Anyone fascinated by Japanese history should visit each sacred place, as they contain the gravesites of some of Japan’s historical figures: Kakizawa Rihei, the first pencil maker in Japan, and Kyuya Fukada, known for his book 100 Famous Mountains of Japan, are just two of them.

Zenshoji Temple
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Daishoji,1 Shinmeicho
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Entrance fee: Adults 500 yen, children 200 yen
Website: https://visitkaga.jp/attractions/zensho-ji-temple

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5. Try Kaga Cuisine

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While in Kaga, all of your food adventures should be filled with Kaga cuisine. Known for its fresh vegetables and Jibun, a duck stew, Kaga offers several options to enjoy its signature dishes.

A souvenir to consider is soy sauce. During the Kaga Domain ruled by the Maeda family, it is said that they pushed for their specialized cooking techniques, one of them being soy sauce.

What goes well with soy sauce? Many foods, but especially seafood! You cannot leave Kaga without having their fresh seafood. End your meal with a delicious glass of Kaga sake to make it the perfect Kaga cuisine adventure.

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6. Take in The Picturesque Scenery at Lake Shibayama

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Located in Katayamazu Onsen, Lake Shibayama provides one of the most beautiful sceneries in Kaga. Capture the perfect picture with Mt. Hakusan and Lake Shibayama all in one photo!

Visit the Ukimido Temple often called the Ukiuki Benten which was built as a symbol of gratitude to the people who made the hot spring what it is today. It was made to appear like a floating temple above the hot spring. At night the temple illuminates the area, alongside the fountain which activates every hour and creates a beautiful sight.

If you visit in summer, be sure to attend the Summer Fireworks Festival, held every August where the fireworks are launched from Lake Shibayama.

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7. Relax by the Kakusenkei Gorge

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Located in Yamanaka Onsen, Kakusenkei Gorge is a great place to take a stroll in spring and summer when everything surrounding you is a vibrant green or in fall when the fall foliage fills the area with bright reds and gold leaves.

It is said that Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), the famous haiku poet from the 17th century, once visited Yamanaka Onsen and spoke highly of Kakusenkei Gorge.

Lavish in the sounds of the birds calling and the tranquil waterfalls. Take a short break at the Kakusenkei Kawadoko Riverside Cafe, which has outdoor tatami-style seating where you can choose between a delicious roll cake or iced green tea shiruko (a sweet porridge with mochi).

Kakusenkei Kawadoko Riverside Cafe
Location: Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanakaonsen Kajikamachi 8 Map
Hours: April - October: 9:30 - 16:00 / November: 10:00 - 15:00
Closed: December - March and on rainy days
Seating Fee: Adults 300 yen
Sweets Fee: 300 yen plus seating fee (600 yen total)
Website: https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/global/eng/

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8. Experience Japanese Teatime at Hazuchio Chamise

Located in the middle of Yamashiro Onsen, Hazuchio is a complex made up of several facilities. It was built as a way to support the surrounding community and offer visitors a taste of Japanese traditional sweets at Hazuchio Chamise.

Enjoy Japanese sweets made from local seasonal ingredients, which are served in Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware made by local artists. Try their most popular menu item the Kusamochi Zenzai, a sweet azuki (red bean) soup with mochi made in-house, served with a side of Kaga Bocha tea.

If you’re visiting on a hot day, cool down with their Cream Shiratama Zenzai, a dish with cold azuki beans and shiratama dango made in-house, you can between milk soft cream or Matcha soft cream to top it off.

Hazuchio Chamise
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, 18-59-1 Yamashiro Onsen
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 Open on Public Holidays
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: http://www.hadutiwo.com/chamise/index.html (Japanese)

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9. Find One-of-a-Kind Souvenirs at Ninuriya

Looking for the best souvenirs from Kaga? Look no further! Ninuriya is your one-stop shop where you can purchase Kaga’s traditional crafts.

Add to your home with a selection of household goods, or have a look at the rare items that can only be purchased at Yamashiro Onsen.

Be sure to have a look at the Kutani ware, which is made by local artists in the area. Have a look at the style of Kutani ware, each having its unique aspects. Depending on the artist, some will abide by traditions, while others will abide by traditions while adding a contemporary touch.

Ninuriya
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, 18-59-1 Yamashiro Onsen
Hours: 9:30 - 18:00 / 9:30 - 17:00 from Nov. to Feb.
Closed: Wednesdays
Website: http://www.hadutiwo.com/ninuriya/ (Japanese)

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10. Indulge in Duck, Kaga’s Specialty at Bantei

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Duck is one of Kaga’s specialty foods, so what better way to enjoy it than through different kinds of dishes at Bantei? Indulge in a Kaiseki course or order from the A la Carte menu, but be sure to have Jibun, Kaga’s signature duck hotpot.

Bantei provides a delicious duck course, but plan ahead as it's only available from November 16th to early April due to Kaga’s hunting season. If you’re planning to choose a duck course, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance to secure a spot.

Refresh your palate with fresh local seafood and vegetables, cooked in different styles from hot dishes to cold dishes.

Bantei
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Daishoji 4-11 Higashi-machi
Hours: 11:30 - 14:00 (last orders 13:30) / 17:00 - 22:00 (last orders 21:30)
Closed: Wednesdays and the second Thursday of every month
Website: https://bantei.co.jp/ (Japanese)

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11. Eat Like a Local at Izakaya Ichiriki

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Want to dine like a local? Stop by Ichiriki, an izakaya that serves dishes made from local ingredients. A family-run izakaya that is frequented by locals, and if there are locals then you know the quality is top-notch.

Locals are more than willing to recommend their choice of menu items. Ichiriki’s menu mainly consists of local vegetables and seafood, ensuring guests get the freshest ingredients with each dish.

They take reservations, so if you’d like to secure a table or have a large party you can call ahead. By dining at Ichiriki not only will you be supporting a local business but you’ll get the best food.

Ichiriki
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Yo-91, Yamashiro Onsen 6
Hours: 17:30 - 22:30
Closed: Mondays
Website: https://yamashiro-spa.or.jp/sight/ichiriki/ (Japanese)

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12. Watch A Geisha Performance

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Get an opportunity to watch a full-on geisha performance in Kaga, at the Yamanaka-za Theatre. Admire everything from the ceiling decorated in the Japanese traditional craft Yamanaka lacquerware to getting a glimpse of photos and books written about geisha in Yamanaka Onsen.

The theatre holds a special meaning to the town of Yamanaka, preserving Yamanaka Onsen’s iconic folk song, Yamanaka-bushi.

Watch with delight as the geisha sing and perform Yamanaka-bushi, a folk song that can only be heard here on weekends and public holidays.

Yamanaka-za Theatre
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanaka Onsen Mu-1 Yakushimachi
Hours: Traditional dance performances: Saturdays and Sundays, and National Holidays 15:30 - 16:10
Entrance fee: Adults 700 yen, children 350 yen
Website: https://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/yamanakaza/ (Japanese)

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13. Visit the NAKAYA Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice

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The NAKAYA Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice is dedicated to memory of the late Nakaya Ukichiro (1900-1962), a Katayamazu Onsen native and an acclaimed scientist and essayist.

Here you can learn about what we all love to admire, snow and ice. Watch as diamond dust is recreated and discover the phenomenon of supercooled water. Enjoy hands-on activities like creating ice pendants by using aluminum molds or melting ice from the inside creating something similar to a snowflake when magnified.

Learn all about Nakaya and the findings of his lifelong research. Be sure to admire artificially made snowflakes which are made daily by staff, so you know you’ll never see the same one twice. you can also enjoy a bite or two while overlooking Lake Shibayama and Mt. Hakusan.

The NAKAYA Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Katayamazu Onsen, I-106 Ushiozumachi
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Last Admission 16:30)
Closed: on Wednesdays (Except Public Holidays)
Entrance fee: Adults 560 yen, students (below high school) and handicapped persons free
Website: https://yukinokagakukan.kagashi-ss.com/en_guide/

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14. Mugen-an Samurai House

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Have you ever been curious about how a samurai lived? Explore a well-preserved samurai house, Mugen-an which was relocated from Kanazawa to Yamanaka Onsen.

Walk through the halls of this marvelous home where you can see art in every corner. Be sure to pay attention to the details as the art holds significant history.

Masanori Ogaki (1865-1941) was a craftsman who worked on some of the art found in this home and is said to be the last craftsman to know the traditional Kaga Maki-e lacquerware techniques.

It appears more like a mansion than a home from the several rooms it holds, so be sure to take a break and enjoy a meal with its beautiful views of the Kakusenkei Gorge. This is another great place to have a chance to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, what better way than to have it inside a samurai house?

Mugen-an Samurai House
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanakaonsen Shimotanimachi 6 Map
Hours: 9:30 - 17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Closed: Closed: Dec. 29 - Jan. 1, occasional temporary closures
Teahouse: Closed every Tuesday
Entrance fee: Adults 500 yen, middle and high school students 200 yen, elementary students 100 yen
Website: https://mugenan.com/ (Japanese)

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15. Stay at a Luxury Hot Spring Ryokan: KAI Kaga by Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts is known across Japan for its luxury hotels and ryokans, so if you’re in Kaga then you’re in luck! Pamper yourself by staying at KAI Kaga where you can partake in a Kintsugi (gold gilding) workshop, one of the first in Japan.

Spend your free time relaxing in the hot springs within the resort, or enjoy a performance available every night of a traditional dance that depicts a samurai fighting a shishi (mythical lion.) You can also experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony available at the resort and delight in seasonal kaiseki dinners, which are served on Kutani-yaki-style ceramicware.

Make the most of your trip by rewarding yourself with a top-tier Omotenashi experience at KAI Kaga by Hoshino Resorts.

KAI Kaga by Hoshino Resorts
Address: Ishikawa, Kaga, 18-47 Yamashiro Onsen
Website: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/kaikaga/

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How to Get to Kaga Onsen

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Access from Tokyo

Depending on your budget you can select three ways to access Kaga.

The first would be by air, taking a flight from Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport, from there you can take a twelve-minute bus ride to Komatsu Station and take the IR Ishikawa Railway Line to Kaga Onsen Station.

The second would be by bullet train, by taking the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen both the Kagayaki and the Hakutaka will stop at Kaga Onsen but the Kagayaki is the express (it takes fewer stops.) Something to keep in mind when taking the Shinkansen or bullet train, tickets must be purchased in advance (either the day of or days before).

The third method would be by car, this method would be the longest of the three, taking roughly five hours to get to Kaga depending on traffic.

Access from Osaka

If you are coming from Osaka there are three ways to get to Kaga. Pick the best one that fits within your budget.

The first option would be by train, from Osaka Station you would take the JR Hokuriku Main Line Limited Express Thunderbird, and transfer at Tsuruga Station to get to the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsurugi which will stop at Kaga Onsen.

Keep in mind that both the express train and Shinkansen (bullet train) will require you to purchase your tickets days in advance or the day of if possible (depending on availability.)

The second way would be by bus, depending on your destination you can choose either. The bus from Umeda station will stop at the following: Yamanaka Onsen, Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga Onsen, and Katayamazu Onsen. The Namba OCAT will stop at Yamashiro Onsen and Katayamazu Onsen. From JR Osaka station the bus will take you to Amagozen.

The last option would be by car, which would roughly take about two hours and a half to three hours.

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Planning Your Trip To Kaga City

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Experience Kaga in its entirety by visiting its famous towns and immerse yourself in the culture. Learn the traditional ways of Kaga’s long history of arts and crafts. Soak yourself in healing waters at one of three famous hot spring towns. Indulge in Kaga’s fresh seafood and vegetables.

We hope you'll make the most out of your trip by trying these activities.