Onsen in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture | 2025 Edition: Recommended Hot Springs in the Ancient Capital

An authentic hot spring experience in a historic hot spring area

1. Yuwaku Onsen "Shirasagi no Yu" | Kanazawa's inner sanctum with 1,300 years of history

Yuwaku Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that is said to have been discovered in 718 (2nd year of the Yoro era). Legend has it that a farmer discovered the hot springs when he saw a white heron soothing itself in the spring. During the feudal era, successive lords of the Kaga domain also came to take a cure, and the area became popular as the "inner retreat of Kanazawa." During the Taisho era, it is also known as the place where Yumeji Takehisa spent the best three weeks of his life with his eternal love, Hikono.

The public bath "Shirasagi no Yu" is the symbol of the hot spring town. The mildly alkaline, soft and fine spring water is gentle on the skin and continues to soothe many people. This public bath allows you to experience the tradition and history of Yuwaku Onsen, and is also available for day trips.

[Price] 450 yen for adults, 130 yen for elementary school students, 50 yen for children under 6 [Opening hours] 7:00-22:00 [Closed] The third Thursday of every month Yuwaku Onsen Tourist Association

2. Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen "Hyakurakuso" | Enjoy a luxurious bath in an elegant Japanese space

Hyakurakuso offers a particularly high-quality hot spring experience among the hot springs in Yuwaku Onsen. It features a high-quality space that tickles the heart with the "thrill of luxury." The hotel is equipped with a private dining area, two lounges, open-air baths in 14 of the 24 rooms, five private baths, and a large public bath, so you can enjoy the luxury of the hot springs to your heart's content.

The spring water is a mild alkaline water that was loved by the successive feudal lords of the Kaga domain, and is characterized by being gentle on the skin and warming the body. The cuisine offered is original Kaga cuisine that combines Kanazawa tradition with modernity, allowing you to enjoy Kanazawa's food culture.

[Accommodation fee] From 30,000 yen per person (varies depending on the season) [Day trip bathing] Please inquire [Access] Approximately 30 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Hyakurakuso

3. Fukaya Onsen "Motoyu Ishiya" | A historic inn located in the inner sanctum of Kanazawa

Founded more than 200 years ago, Motoyu Ishiya is known as the only inn in Fukaya Onsen. Located a 20-minute drive from Kanazawa city, this long-established inn with ties to the Kaga domain is nestled in a quiet mountain area. There is a Noh stage in the courtyard, which continues to convey Kanazawa's Noh culture to this day.

The distinctive feature is the coffee-like amber color of the moor spring. It is popular as a skin-beautifying spring, and the spring quality is a sodium-calcium chloride spring, which is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and skin-beautifying effects. The cuisine is highly rated, with banquet dishes made with Kaga vegetables and fish delivered directly from Nanao Port.

[Accommodation fee] From 25,000 yen per person [Day trip bath] Please inquire [Access] About 20 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station Motoyu Ishiya

4. Kanazawa Saigawa Onsen "Kawabata no Yuyado Takitei" | An inn where you can feel the murmuring of the river loved by a great author

Saigawa Onsen is located upstream of the Saigawa River, beloved by Kanazawa's great writer, Muro Saisei. Among them, Kawabata no Yuyado Takitei is an inn where you can enjoy the hot springs in the silence embraced by the gentle flow of the Saigawa River. The open-air rock bath and large bath overlooking the waterfall and garden are filled with skin-beautifying water that has long been known as "smooth water."

The water is a clear, colorless sodium chloride/bicarbonate spring, and is characterized by its weak alkaline nature, which moisturizes and beautifies the skin. It is known for leaving the skin smooth and moist. The inn was founded about 50 years ago, which is a relatively short history compared to other hot spring areas, but it has become one of Kanazawa's leading hot spring resorts.

[Accommodation fee] From 20,000 yen per person [Day trip bathing] Please inquire [Access] About 25 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station Kanazawa Saigawa Onsen Kawabata no Yuyado Takitei

A day trip hot spring that can be easily enjoyed within the city

5. Thermae Kanazawa | The largest natural hot spring relaxation park in the Hokuriku region

Conveniently located just one minute by car from the Kanazawa Nishi Interchange, "Thermae Kanazawa" is a hot spring facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is known as "Kanazawa's Sleepless City." It uses 100% natural hot spring water that springs from 1,160 meters underground, and its large public bath, one of the largest in the Hokuriku region, has more than 10 types of baths.

You can enjoy a variety of baths, including high-temperature baths, highly concentrated carbonated springs, open-air baths, 100% natural hot springs (flowing directly from the source), tub baths, reclining baths, medicinal baths (changing daily), and waterfall baths. There are also plenty of relaxation facilities, making this a facility that the whole family can enjoy.

[Price] Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,100 yen on weekdays, 1,300 yen on weekends and holidays [Opening hours] 24 hours a day [Closed days] Open all year round Nishi Intertherme Kanazawa

6. Open-air bath and large bath Apaspa Kanazawa Ekimae | Convenient natural hot spring near the station

Conveniently located just a minute's walk from Kanazawa Station, "Apaspa Kanazawa Ekimae" is a day-trip hot spring facility that you can easily drop in to between sightseeing or business trips. It is equipped with a spacious large bath and an open-air bath with a sense of openness, and you can also enjoy a sauna.

The baths are characterized by the feeling of relaxation as you stretch your limbs in the high-quality water. Although the water is boiled, soaking in the warm water promotes blood circulation, and is effective in relaxing muscles and relieving stress. The baths' greatest appeal is their easy access, making them the perfect place to soothe the fatigue of sightseeing in Kanazawa.

[Price] Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen [Opening hours] 6:00-24:00 [Closed days] Open all year round Apaspa Kanazawa Station

7. Natural Hot Spring Apaspa Kanazawa Chuo | A bath with a spectacular view of Kanazawa city from the top floor

Apa Spa Kanazawa Chuo, located on the top 14th floor of Apa Hotel Kanazawa Chuo, is known for its open-air natural hot spring observation bath with a panoramic view of Kanazawa city. It is also popular for its convenient access, only 8 minutes by car from JR Kanazawa Station.

The spring quality is sodium chloride spring (hypotonic, weakly alkaline, high temperature hot spring), and the brownish-brown, viscous water is gentle on the skin, warms you up quickly, and keeps you warm for a long time. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, chronic digestive diseases, chronic gynecological diseases, cuts, burns, and fatigue recovery. Bathing while watching the scenery of Kanazawa in each season is an exceptional experience.

[Price] Adults (junior high school students and above) 1,000 yen [Opening hours] 6:00-24:00 [Closed days] Open all year round Apaspa Kanazawa Chuo

8. Natural Hot Spring Kaga no Yusen Dormy Inn Kanazawa | Enjoy authentic hot springs close to the station

Dormy Inn Kanazawa boasts excellent access, just a two-minute walk from the east exit of Kanazawa Station. On the top 14th floor, there is a large natural hot spring bath, Kaga no Yusen, which is separate for men and women. It is the only large natural hot spring bath separate for men and women around Kanazawa Station, and is gaining in popularity.

The hotel is equipped with an indoor bath, an open-air bath, a cold bath, and a sauna for both men and women. The hotel is stylishly designed, with artistic interiors placed throughout the building. There is also a day-trip bathing plan available to non-guests, so you can easily enjoy authentic hot springs in between sightseeing.

[Fee] Day bathing: 900 yen for adults [Time] 15:00-10:00 (sauna only closed from 1:00-5:00) [Use by non-guests] Available (check required) Natural hot spring Kaga no Yusen Dormy Inn Kanazawa

9. Kanazawa Yumenoyu Natural Hot Spring Health Land | 24-hour service with comprehensive facilities

Kanazawa Yumenoyu, a natural hot spring health land in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, is a hot spring facility that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It has a full range of facilities, including natural hot springs, saunas, and bedrock baths, so you can enjoy staying there for a long time.

There is also a full-scale hotel attached, so it can be used for a wide range of purposes, from travel to business. There is also a well-equipped food and drink corner, so you can relax and enjoy a meal. Not only can you relax after sightseeing or work, but it is also popular as a place of relaxation for local people.

[Price] Adults (junior high school students and above) 950 yen on weekdays, 1,050 yen on weekends and holidays [Opening hours] 24 hours a day [Closed days] Open all year round Kanazawa Yumenoyu Natural Hot Spring Health Land

10. Kinjo Onsen Motoyu | A natural hot spring near Kanazawa-Nishi IC

Kinjo Onsen Motoyu, located near the Kanazawa Nishi IC, is a facility where you can enjoy natural hot springs straight from the source. The spring quality is simple hot spring water, which is colorless, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and smooth to the touch. In addition to indoor and outdoor baths, there is also a sauna.

Its convenient location makes it an easy place for locals and tourists to drop in. It is said to be effective in relieving fatigue and improving health, making it the perfect place to relieve the fatigue of everyday life. Reasonable prices are also a reason for its popularity.

[Price] 700 yen for adults [Opening hours] 10:00-22:00 (last admission 21:30) [Closed] Every Wednesday Kinjo Onsen Motoyu

11. Yukemuri Yashiki Waon no Yu | A relaxing space filled with Japanese charm

Yukemuri Yashiki Waon-no-Yu in Kanazawa City is a hot spring facility characterized by a relaxing space filled with Japanese charm. You can enjoy a wide variety of baths, including spacious indoor baths and open-air baths.

Although the spring quality is artificial, it is highly regarded for its beneficial effects and relaxing effects. The interior of the building has a Japanese-style design that allows you to feel the warmth of wood, creating an environment where you can relax both physically and mentally. There is also a restaurant on-site, so you can enjoy a delicious meal after your bath in the hot spring.

[Price] 750 yen for adults on weekdays, 850 yen on weekends and holidays [Opening hours] 10:00-23:00 (last admission 22:30) [Regular holidays] 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month Yukemuri Yashiki Waon no Yu

12. Arimatsu Onsen Motoyu Lemonyu | A unique hot spring with a distinctive lemon scent

Arimatsu Onsen Motoyu Lemonyu in Kanazawa City is a unique hot spring facility that, as its name suggests, is filled with the scent of lemons. It is said that bathing in the scent of lemons has the effect of refreshing the mind and body.

In addition to indoor and outdoor baths, there is also a sauna. In addition to the spring quality, the water contains lemon extract, which is said to have a great effect on skin. This is a hot spring facility unique to Kanazawa, where you can experience the atmosphere of a traditional public bathhouse loved by locals.

[Price] 440 yen for adults [Opening hours] 15:00-23:00 [Closed] Every Wednesday Arimatsu Onsen Motoyu Lemonyu

Tips for enjoying Kanazawa's hot springs to the fullest

Kanazawa has a wide variety of hot springs, from historic hot spring areas to day-trip facilities within the city. The appeal is that you can choose according to your purpose, from facilities near the station that you can easily drop in to between sightseeing, to inns where you can stay overnight and enjoy a full-fledged hot spring experience.

In particular, Yuwaku Onsen, Fukaya Onsen, and Saigawa Onsen are three historic hot spring areas known as "Kanazawa's inner sanctum," and are famous hot springs that were loved by successive feudal lords of the Kaga domain. When you visit Kanazawa, be sure to experience the city's hot spring culture as well.

One of the great attractions of Kanazawa's hot springs is the cuisine that makes use of Kanazawa's food culture. The time you spend relaxing in the hot springs while tasting dishes made with Kaga vegetables and fresh seafood from the Sea of ​​Japan is exceptional. Enjoy a trip that touches history and culture by touring the hot springs in the ancient city of Kanazawa.