Kaga

Welcome to the Kaga region, an area of profound natural beauty and deep historical significance located on the southern edge of Ishikawa Prefecture. As your guide, I am delighted to lead you through a landscape that has been a…

We begin in Yamashiro Onsen, one of the most historic and culturally rich of the four spring towns. Yamashiro is centered around the 'Soyu'—the public bathhouse—and the 'Ko-Soyu,' a beautifully reconstructed Meiji-era bathhouse…

Next, we venture to Yamanaka Onsen, nestled in a beautiful valley along the Daishoji River. Yamanaka is renowned for its spectacular natural setting, particularly the Kakusenkei Gorge. …

Katayamazu Onsen offers a completely different landscape, situated on the shores of Lake Shibayama. This spring is famous for the way the lake's color changes seven times a day, depending on the light and weather. …

The Kaga region is the birthplace of Kutani-yaki, one of Japan's most famous styles of porcelain. Established in the mid-17th century by the Maeda clan, Kutani is known for its bold 'Gosai' or five-color palette: green, yellow,…

To truly experience Kaga, one must stay in a 'Ryokan,' a traditional Japanese inn. This is where the region's culture of 'Omotenashi' is most fully expressed. …

Overshadowing the entire Kaga region is Mount Hakusan, one of Japan's three most sacred mountains (along with Mount Fuji and Mount Tateyama). This mountain is the ultimate source of the thermal water that feeds the onsens and the…

As we conclude our journey through the Kaga region, I hope you feel revitalized by the steam of the springs and inspired by the artistry of the kilns. We have explored the elegant bathhouses of Yamashiro, the rugged gorges of…