Hakusan(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kanazawa City, recommended stays include Shirayama Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn offering private hot springs, family rooms, and proximity to Shirayama National Park. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks and child-friendly activities like forest storytelling sessions. The inn serves authentic Kaga cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, including seasonal vegetables and fresh fish. Its serene garden design, inspired by Zen principles, provides a peaceful retreat for all ages.

The most ideal area for lodging in Kanazawa City is the urban fringe near Shirayama Station, close to Shirayama Shrine and Kanazawa City Museum. This district blends historical charm with modern convenience, featuring boutique inns like Shirayama Bijyo, walkable access to Oono River Trail, and vibrant local markets. Evening ambiance is enhanced by paper lanterns and traditional architecture, perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion and tranquility.

Visitors to Kanazawa City should try a hands-on Kaga Yuzen dyeing workshop at the Kanazawa Cultural Hall, where they can create their own silk scarf using natural plant dyes and intricate brushwork techniques. Additionally, attend the annual Shirayama Shrine Grand Festival in spring, featuring elaborate mikoshi processions, traditional drumming, and folk dances. These events offer deep insight into regional spirituality and artisanal heritage.

The top-rated onsen in Kanazawa City is Shirayama Onsen, renowned for its natural sulfur-rich waters that soothe skin and relieve fatigue. The Shirayama Onsen Hotel offers open-air baths with panoramic views of surrounding forests, while some guest rooms feature private onsen tubs. Morning soak under clear skies enhances the sense of renewal. The facility also provides yukata robes and herbal tea, enhancing the full sensory experience.

Photographers should visit the 1,000-Step Torii Gate at Shirayama Shrine, where crimson gates stretch up a hillside, creating a dramatic visual corridor especially stunning during autumn foliage or morning mist. Nearby, Oono River Gorge offers reflective water scenes and mountain silhouettes. In winter, capture the magical snow-covered shrine with soft lighting. The Shirayama National Park alpine vistas and early-morning fog add poetic depth to any shot.

For couples, Shirayama Bijyo is an exceptional choice—this boutique ryokan features intimate tatami rooms with private outdoor onsen, surrounded by bamboo groves and a tranquil garden. Enjoy candlelit dinners with Kaga-style kaiseki meals, served in a quiet tea room. At night, stargaze from the deck, or savor morning tea as mist rises over the hills. Perfect for reconnection and immersive serenity.

Must-try dishes in Kanazawa City include Kaga Sushi—fresh seafood atop vinegared rice with delicate balance—and Shirayama Tofu, made from pure mountain spring water, known for its silky texture. Try Kaga-style beef stew (Nabe) with tender meat and seasonal vegetables. In spring, sample wild mountain vegetable tempura, featuring fiddlehead ferns and bamboo shoots. Many of these dishes are available at Kanazawa Central Market and long-standing local eateries.

Recommended hikes in Kanazawa City include the Shirayama Main Peak Loop Trail, a 6-kilometer route through alpine meadows, conifer forests, and glacial lakes, ideal for moderate hikers. Another favorite is the Oono River Gorge Path, winding past waterfalls and rock formations, with scenic overlooks. Trails feature informative signs with English translations. Wear sturdy footwear and carry rain gear—weather changes quickly. Start early to avoid afternoon heat.

Don’t miss the Shirayama Shrine Grand Festival held annually in October, featuring ceremonial mikoshi processions, taiko drumming, and traditional dance performances. The Shirayama Cherry Blossom Festival in spring transforms Shirayama Park into a pink paradise with illuminated trees at night. Summer brings the Mountain Summer Festival, combining fireworks, folk music, and local crafts, celebrating community spirit and regional pride.

From Kanazawa Station, take the IR Ishikawa Railway Line to Shirayama Station in about 30 minutes. From there, walk or catch a local bus to downtown and key sites. The Kanazawa City Tourist Bus offers convenient routes covering Shirayama Shrine, Shirayama National Park entrance, and onsen areas, with multi-day passes available. For self-drivers, use the Hokuriku Expressway, with clear signage. Most attractions are within walking distance, and bike rentals are widely available. Download offline maps due to occasional weak signals in mountainous zones.