Kaga Onsen: A Winter Day Trip Destination to Discover from Kanazawa

Located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Kaga Onsen remains one of Japan's overlooked towns. While Kanazawa gets most of the attention, this peaceful town gives visitors a chance to enjoy its natural beauty, hot springs, and real Japanese culture, especially during winter.

Why Kaga Onsen Should be on Your Winter Travel List

Kaga Onsen (加賀温泉) remains one of my all-time favorite ski destinations. This area features four amazing hot spring towns located south of Kanazawa, making it relatively easy to access from Tokyo. As a major city hub, Kanazawa now has hourly Shinkansen connections to Kaga Onsen, thanks to the new line that opened this year (2024).

The small towns of Kaga Onsen are Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu, with each offering unique accommodations and experiences.

Visitors can enjoy high-quality natural hot spring waters, traditional crafts, nature walks, and regional delicacies.

When winter arrives, cold winds blow in from the Himalayas, and the rain turns to soft, fluffy snow, covering Kaga Onsen in a beautiful winter wonderland.

With Japan’s rising tourism, Kaga Onsen is a highly-kept retreat favored by the locals, a perfect choice if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Here, you will encounter Japan’s renowned snow, affectionately known as "JAPOW!" with snow that usually covers up to knee height.

Unlike going to Niseko or Hakuba but taking the road less traveled, this place has minimal tourists and is still easy to access.

Top Ski Destinations You Can’t Miss in Kaga Onsen

The three ski resorts I’ll highlight are Hakusan Seymour, Hakusan Ichirino-Onsen, and Okuradake Kogen—all worth saving for your next travel list.

Hakusan Seymour Ski Resort, which opened in 1987 and is named after Mt. Seymour in my hometown of Vancouver, Canada. This resort was created to serve local skiers and international visitors, quickly becoming a popular destination for its beautiful views and varied terrain.

Hakusan Ichirino-Onsen Ski Resort has been operating since 1969. Located at the base of Hakusan Mountain, this resort offers both skiing and onsen bathing, reflecting Japan's tradition of relaxation.  Its long history makes it a favorite for skiers and those looking to enjoy the calming hot springs.

Okuradake Kogen Ski Resort has also been open since 1969. Known for its great powder snow and wide runs, it attracts serious skiers and snowboarders. Set in the scenic Okura region, this resort has helped promote winter sports in Japan, drawing both locals and tourists eager to enjoy its stunning landscape and excellent facilities.

There are direct buses from Kanazawa and Kaga-onsen stations going to Hakusan Seymour Ski Resort and Ichirino-onsen.

My Kaga Onsen Skiing Journey: Why Kaga Onsen Stands Out

Having skied for almost two decades, I’m always amazed by the snow here—it’s rich, feather-soft, and unlike anything I’ve encountered elsewhere. One of my favorite things about Kaga Onsen is that it’s rarely crowded, especially during the weekdays.

For nearly the past three years, I have been visiting the mountains for a few days on each trip, and those weekday excursions allow me to enjoy the breathtaking scenery almost entirely to myself. Here, you can easily rent skis, snowboards, and snow-wear, with everything provided.

All three mountains come with some old, rickety wooden chair lifts that make it feel  like a roller coaster is picking you up and lifting you straight to the top. While modern gondolas have been added, the original chair lifts that were opened back in the day are still in use. For those inexperienced with classic wooden chair lifts, the experience is amazing—it feels like traveling back in time; old black-and-white newspapers with photos of skiers on these very lifts are still on display.

It brings to life the stories my parents told me about skiing in Japan during the ’80s and ’90s, and to think they once rode what was considered a modern chairlift at the time. Once you reach the top, the breathtaking view of the Hakusan Valley truly makes it a magical place.

Your Next Winter Adventure Awaits at Kaga Onsen

After a day on the slopes, I usually take the bus or car back into town and relax at a traditional ryokan, where you can enjoy the natural hot spring water to take away all the stress and a place to massage the legs after a long day of skiing.

Most ryokans also have an outdoor bath, and if you're lucky enough to catch it snowing, then soaking in a natural hot spring with a beautiful snowfall around you is definitely hard to beat. 

At the ryokan, you’ll be treated to a lovely dinner prepared with local ingredients that shares a taste of the local prefecture’s flavors, ultimately reflecting Japan’s rich history.

The feeling of leaving the city behind and escaping to this magical retreat makes the experience truly unforgettable. 

If you're looking for a quieter winter ski trip far from the tourist hotspots, Kaga Onsen is an ideal choice—start planning your tour here for a free consultation.