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

In Kaga City, stay at Hoshinoya Kaga in the Kaga Onsen area, a premier ryokan that blends authentic Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Guests enjoy private rotenburo (outdoor baths) overlooking forested hills, daily kaiseki cuisine featuring local ingredients like Kaga beef and Echizen crab, and cultural activities such as tea ceremony and calligraphy workshops. The hotel’s minimalist design and seasonal decor reflect the spirit of wabi-sabi, offering an immersive journey into Japanese tradition. Nearby access to Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle enhances the cultural experience.

The Kaga Onsen Station area is the most convenient district for first-time visitors. Located just minutes from Hokuriku Shinkansen and close to Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle, this zone offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels like Hyatt Regency Kaga to intimate guesthouses. Many properties provide free shuttle buses to central Kanazawa, making it easy to explore both urban attractions and natural hot springs. With excellent public transport links and tourist-friendly amenities, this district balances relaxation and accessibility perfectly.

Tourists in Kaga City can participate in the Kaga Hyakumangoku Festival, held annually in autumn, where historical reenactments of Edo-period daimyo processions fill the streets with vibrant costumes and ornate carriages. For hands-on craft experiences, visit Kaga Gold Leaf Workshops to create your own gold-leaf souvenirs or join a Kaga Yuzen dyeing class to learn traditional textile techniques. These immersive programs are available at local cultural centers and partner ryokans, allowing travelers to take home authentic pieces of Kaga’s intangible heritage.

Hyatt Regency Kaga, located right next to Kaga Onsen Station, is the closest major hotel to Kanazawa City Center, just a 30-minute train ride away. This upscale property features modern Japanese design inspired by Kaga’s wooden architecture, spacious rooms with mountain views, and complimentary shuttle services to Kanazawa Station. Its on-site restaurant serves authentic Kaga regional cuisine, including Kaga beef steak and Echizen crab dishes, making it a seamless gateway between tranquil onsen retreats and bustling urban exploration.

Yes, Hoshinoya Kaga is a top choice for families. It offers family suites, dedicated children’s bath areas, and daily interactive programs like origami-making, kimono dressing, and farm-to-table cooking classes. Children also enjoy supervised forest walks and seasonal crafts in the garden. The hotel provides strollers, baby cots, and kid-friendly menus. With a short walk to Kaga Onsen Station and easy access to Kenrokuen Garden, it combines safety, fun, and cultural enrichment—perfect for memorable family travel in Kaga.

The hot springs in Kaga City are rich in sodium bicarbonate ("beauty spring"), known for improving skin texture and relieving muscle fatigue. Notably, Tsuru no Yu and Sankaku Onsen are designated national spa resorts with mineral-rich waters that support circulation and joint health. Some spas offer herbal infusions and forest bathing baths, integrating nature-based healing. Regular soaking (10–15 minutes) is recommended for beginners, especially those seeking relief from stress or chronic discomfort. The low acidity and soft texture make these springs ideal for all skin types.

Kaga City is perfect for couples seeking intimacy and serenity. Stay at Kogarashi Ryokan, a boutique inn offering private rotenburo baths with mountain views, candlelit dinners with Kaga beef and seafood, and personalized services like handwritten love letters and nighttime stargazing sessions. The absence of TVs and emphasis on quiet moments foster deep connection. The surrounding Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle at dusk create dreamy backdrops for romantic walks, making Kaga an ideal retreat for newlyweds and long-term partners alike.

Must-visit landmarks in Kaga City include Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, renowned for its harmonious blend of landscape and architecture. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle Ruins preserve the remains of the former Edo-period fortress and feature a museum showcasing samurai history. Don’t miss Kanazawa Higashi Market, a bustling food hub with fresh seafood and local specialties. For spiritual charm, visit Kanazawa Jinja Shrine, with its ancient torii gate and serene atmosphere. All are easily accessible via local trains or buses from Kaga Onsen Station.

Visitors to Kaga City must sample Kaga beef, prized for its marbled texture and rich flavor, often served as beef sushi or grilled steaks. Another highlight is Echizen crab, especially in winter, typically enjoyed in hot pot or sashimi form. Don’t miss gold leaf desserts, such as gold-leaf mochi or matcha mille-feuille, a signature treat of the region. Dining spots like Kanazawa Hachimaiya and Hoshinoya Kaga’s restaurant offer authentic kaiseki meals using seasonal ingredients. Local markets also sell handmade tofu and pickled vegetables—ideal for souvenir gifts.

The best time to visit Kaga City is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Spring brings cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen Garden and mild temperatures ideal for outdoor walks. Autumn paints the hills in fiery reds and golds, perfect for enjoying the Kaga Onsen scenery and hiking trails. Winter offers unique charm with snow-covered temples and the Kaga Hyakumangoku Festival, though it’s colder. Avoid summer (July–August) due to humidity and heat. For optimal weather and visual appeal, plan your trip between late March and early November.