If you want to experience a quieter and more traditional side of Japan, Kaga in Ishikawa Prefecture should be on your travel list.
Kaga is known for beautiful hot spring towns, mountain scenery, traditional crafts, fresh seafood, and excellent Japanese inns. It is located between the Sea of Japan and the mountains, making it easy to enjoy both nature and culture in one trip. The area is also beginning to attract more international visitors who want experiences beyond busy Tokyo and Kyoto.
The best part? You can stay at Beniya Mukayu, a luxury Japanese inn famous for its design, hospitality, wellness experience, and private open-air baths.
If you want to slow down, relax, and experience authentic Japan, Kaga is a wonderful choice.
Must-Visit Spots in Kaga
1. Yamanaka Onsen
Yamanaka Onsen is one of Kaga’s most beautiful hot spring towns.
The town sits in a green mountain valley beside the Daishoji River. Its most famous natural attraction is Kakusenkei Gorge, where a walking path follows the river through the forest.
It is a wonderful place for a peaceful walk, especially in spring, summer, and autumn.
Yamanaka is also famous for Yamanaka lacquerware, a traditional craft with a history of hundreds of years. Visitors can explore shops and workshops and see local craftsmen at work.
2. Kiku no Yu Public Bathhouse
For a traditional Japanese experience, visit Kiku no Yu in Yamanaka Onsen.
The public bathhouse has been associated with the town’s hot spring tradition for around 1,300 years. You can also find an outdoor footbath nearby and experience the local onsen culture without staying overnight.
Even if you stay at a luxury ryokan, visiting a public bathhouse gives you another way to understand Japanese hot spring culture.
3. Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum
Kaga is also a great destination for people who love Japanese art.
Kutani-yaki is a famous style of Japanese porcelain known for its rich colors and detailed designs. At the Kutani-yaki Kiln Museum, visitors can learn about the history of this local craft and even try making or painting ceramics.
A handmade piece of Kutani-yaki can also become a very special souvenir.
4. Daishoji
Daishoji is a peaceful former castle town with temples, traditional streets, and a slower atmosphere.
It is a good place to visit if you want to see a side of Japan that feels far removed from the crowds of Tokyo or Kyoto.
The area also has beautiful riverside scenery and historic sites.
5. Hashitate Fishing Village
For a taste of Kaga’s connection with the sea, head to Hashitate.
This small coastal area was once home to wealthy merchants who operated Kitamaebune ships across the Sea of Japan. Today, visitors can enjoy the quiet fishing village atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Kaga’s location between mountains and sea is one of the things that makes the region special.
Stay at Beniya Mukayu: A Luxury Ryokan Surrounded by Japanese Culture
For an unforgettable stay, choose Beniya Mukayu in Yamashiro Onsen.
Beniya Mukayu is a luxury Japanese inn and a member of Relais & Châteaux. It is also highlighted by the Japan National Tourism Organization as one of Kaga Onsen’s highly praised luxury ryokan.
This is not simply a place to sleep.
It is a place to slow down and enjoy the Japanese idea of relaxation.
A Modern Take on the Traditional Ryokan
Beniya Mukayu combines traditional Japanese ideas with modern architecture and design.
The atmosphere is calm and simple. Instead of feeling like a large international hotel, the property is designed around peace, space, nature, and personal service.
For international travelers, this makes it a great introduction to the Japanese ryokan experience without giving up luxury and comfort.
Enjoy Your Own Open-Air Bath
One of the biggest attractions is the private open-air bath available in each room, according to JNTO.
Imagine ending your sightseeing day by stepping into a warm Japanese bath in the privacy of your own room.
It is the kind of experience that turns an ordinary vacation into a memorable Japanese journey.
Experience Japanese Onsen Culture
Kaga has a long history of hot spring bathing.
The region is home to several famous onsen towns, including Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu. The natural hot spring water and peaceful surroundings make Kaga an ideal destination for travelers who want to relax.
At Beniya Mukayu, you can enjoy this traditional culture in a refined and comfortable setting.
Why Foreign Travelers Will Love It
Authentic Japanese hospitality: Experience the careful service associated with a traditional Japanese inn.
Private bathing: Relax in your own open-air bath without worrying about crowds.
Beautiful design: The hotel offers a modern interpretation of Japanese aesthetics.
Wellness and relaxation: Kaga’s hot springs make it easy to slow down after a busy sightseeing trip.
Perfect for couples: The quiet atmosphere makes it especially attractive for couples looking for a romantic Japan experience.
If your Japan itinerary already includes Tokyo and Kyoto, spending a night or two at Beniya Mukayu can give you a completely different impression of the country.
Must-Buy Souvenirs from Kaga
1. Kutani-yaki Porcelain
This is probably the best souvenir for art lovers.
Look for a small Kutani-yaki plate, cup, bowl, or decorative item. The colorful designs are strongly connected to the culture of Ishikawa.
You can also visit local workshops and experience the craft yourself.
2. Yamanaka Lacquerware
Yamanaka lacquerware is another excellent choice.
Wooden bowls, cups, trays, and other objects are beautifully made and easy to use at home.
Unlike a mass-produced souvenir, a piece of local lacquerware can remind you of your trip every time you use it.
3. Japanese Sweets
Kaga has a long food and tea culture, so traditional Japanese sweets are another good gift.
Look for beautifully packaged wagashi and other local sweets in the onsen towns.
They are small, attractive, and easy to share with friends and family.
4. Local Sake
If you enjoy Japanese sake, look for bottles made by breweries in Ishikawa.
The region’s traditional food culture and clean natural environment make local sake an interesting souvenir for adults who want to bring home something distinctly Japanese.
5. A Small Craft You Make Yourself
Why simply buy a souvenir when you can make one?
Kaga offers opportunities to experience traditional crafts, including Kutani-yaki pottery and Yamanaka lacquerware.
A handmade item has one major advantage: nobody else has exactly the same one.
Travel Advice for Kaga
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Enjoy fresh green scenery and comfortable temperatures.
Summer: A good time for walks through the mountains and visits to the coast.
Autumn: One of the best seasons for Kaga. The forests around Yamanaka Onsen become beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Winter: Snow-covered scenery and hot springs create a classic Japanese winter experience.
Kaga works particularly well as a destination for travelers who want to combine nature, hot springs, crafts, and food in one trip.
How to Get There
The easiest train gateway is Kaga Onsen Station.
From Tokyo, the journey takes about three hours by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
From Osaka or Kyoto, take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The total journey is about two hours.
Once you arrive, local buses and rental cars can help you explore the different onsen towns and coastal areas.
How Long Should You Stay?
Plan for 2–3 nights if possible.
One night is enough to enjoy a luxury ryokan, but two or three nights allow you to explore Yamanaka Onsen, Yamashiro Onsen, local craft workshops, Daishoji, and the coast without rushing.
A good plan is to spend one day exploring the area and another day enjoying your ryokan and onsen.
Final Thoughts
Japan is famous for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mount Fuji.
But if you want to discover a quieter Japan, Kaga is worth the journey.
Here you can walk through a peaceful mountain hot spring town, explore traditional Japanese crafts, eat fresh seafood, relax in an onsen, and stay at a luxury ryokan surrounded by Japanese culture.
And at Beniya Mukayu, the journey becomes even more special.
This is Japan at a slower pace — quiet mornings, hot springs, beautiful craftsmanship, thoughtful hospitality, and time to simply enjoy where you are.
For travelers looking for an authentic Japanese experience away from the biggest tourist crowds, Kaga may be one of the country’s most rewarding discoveries.
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