Yamashiro onsen

Also a part of the Kaga hot spring area, Yamashiro is known for its medicinal waters and was a firm favourite among samurais during the Warring States Period. Nowadays it’s known for offering a look at Kaga’s unique culture, with its distinctive arts, crafts and cuisine, which have influenced Kanazawa for hundreds of years.

Noto

Another famous hot spring area, Noto is known for its vibrant festivals; visitors can find a festival going on in a different town every few weeks. Try the Abare Festival in July, when a shrine is set on fire and carried around the city until it collapses.

Shirayama Hime Shrine

This Shinto edifice is regarded as the head shrine of 3,000 shrines and temples and is believed to bring worshipers good harvests and business prosperity. It’s at the foot of Hakusan mountain, one of the three sacred mountains of Japan. You can also climb the mountain, but only in August, as it’s covered in snow other times of the year and too difficult to venture up.

Yamashiro onsen

Also a part of the Kaga hot spring area, Yamashiro is known for its medicinal waters and was a firm favourite among samurais during the Warring States Period. Nowadays it’s known for offering a look at Kaga’s unique culture, with its distinctive arts, crafts and cuisine, which have influenced Kanazawa for hundreds of years.

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