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

In Kohoku City, stay at Kohoku Onsen Ryokan, a serene traditional inn nestled near Mount Shiriya. Its private outdoor onsen offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and lush forests. The inn serves authentic Kanoe cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients like mountain vegetables and freshwater fish. Each room blends wooden beams, tatami mats, and shoji screens for an immersive cultural experience. Nearby, Shirayama Kanko Hotel also offers a peaceful retreat with kaiseki dining and seasonal garden walks.

The city center district and Shirayama foothills are ideal for accommodations. The city center is close to Kohoku Station, Kohoku Art Museum, and local markets, making it perfect for culture lovers. Meanwhile, the Shirayama foothills offer quiet, scenic stays surrounded by nature, with easy access to hiking trails, hot springs, and the Kanoe Folklore Museum. Many lodges here feature wooden architecture and open-air baths, ideal for relaxation and stargazing under clear skies.

Visitors should explore the Kanoe Folklore & History Museum, which showcases traditional Kanoe crafts, including handcrafted washi paper and tea ceremony tools. Attend the annual Shirayama Festival in autumn, featuring ceremonial floats, taiko drumming, and lantern displays. Hands-on workshops are available at Washi Paper Atelier Kohoku, where guests can create their own decorative sheets using age-old techniques and local plant fibers—ideal for taking home a meaningful souvenir.

Yes, Kohoku City boasts excellent natural hot springs, particularly Kanoe Onsen, known for its soft sodium bicarbonate-rich water that soothes skin and muscles. The Kanoe Onsen Ryokan and Shirayama Onsen Spa both feature open-air baths with stunning views of Mount Shiriya. Visit in the evening to enjoy steaming waters beneath a starry sky, surrounded by silent forest—perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or hiking.

Absolutely. Shirayama Garden Resort is a top choice for families, offering spacious family suites, a children’s playroom, and outdoor activity areas. The resort serves kid-friendly Kanoe-style meals and hosts guided nature walks along streams where children can spot frogs and insects. Located just 15 minutes from Kohoku Zoo, it’s ideal for combining indoor fun with outdoor exploration. Free shuttle service connects major attractions, making travel stress-free for parents.

The Shirayama Observation Deck offers breathtaking 360° views of Mount Shiriya and misty valleys, especially magical during early morning fog. The Kanoe Washi Paper Shop’s Cherry Blossom Pathway, lined with traditional wooden houses and blooming sakura, is a favorite for photographers. Don’t miss the Kohoku Shrine’s vermilion torii gate and moss-covered courtyard—perfect for capturing timeless Japanese aesthetics. Visit at sunrise for the best lighting and minimal crowds.

Must-try local specialties include Kanoe Tofu, silky-smooth and often served in cold or hot pots. Try Shirayama Mountain Vegetable Hot Pot, made with fresh alpine greens, mushrooms, and slow-cooked broth. Sip on local plum wine crafted from wild plums grown in the region—refreshing and slightly tart. For street food, visit Kanoe Market to sample washi-paper wrapped rice balls and sansho tempura chicken, both bursting with regional flavor and tradition.

Kohoku City is easily reachable via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting directly to Kanazawa Station in about 40 minutes. Local buses link key sites like Shirayama Observation Deck, Kanoe Onsen, and Folklore Museum. For drivers, the Ishikawa Expressway runs through the city with well-equipped rest stops. Tourists can save money and time with the Ishikawa Prefecture Tourism Pass, covering unlimited rides on municipal buses and trains across the region.

Yes, Kohoku City shines in winter. The area is famous for its pristine snow-covered Mount Shiriya and cozy onsen experiences. At night, the Kanoe Onsen transforms into a magical setting as snowflakes gently fall around open-air baths. Ski enthusiasts will appreciate Shirayama Ski Resort, just 20 minutes away, offering slopes for all levels. Don’t miss the Snow Lantern Festival, where illuminated lanterns line riverside paths, creating a dreamlike winter wonderland.

The crown jewel is Mount Shiriya, Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains, standing at 2,702 meters. Hiking trails range from gentle walks to challenging summit climbs, passing waterfalls, alpine meadows, and rare flora. The Kohoku River Upper Course features pristine forest paths ideal for walking and photography. In spring and summer, the area bursts with life; in autumn, maple leaves paint the hills red. Early mornings bring ethereal fog—perfect for capturing nature’s serenity in stillness.