[2025 Komatsu ] Travel Guide for Awazu Onsen (Updated Mar)

🌊 Awazu Onsen: Awazu Onsen in Komatsu City is easily accessible by bus or taxi 🚗. It has a long history and traditional architecture. Stroll along the onsen street and feel the strong Japanese atmosphere. Take photos under the lanterns on the onsen street for a great atmosphere 📷! Remember to bring your swimsuit and towel. Nearby delicacies include fresh seafood rice bowls, which are extremely delicious 🍱. ⛰️ Mount Hakusan: If you want to get close to nature, Mount Hakusan is a good place to go. You can drive or join a local tour 🚍. Walk up the mountain trail and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Take photos at the top of the mountain overlooking the entire Komatsu City, which is very spectacular. Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Local specialties include Noto pork chops 🥩. 🎨 Komatsu City Museum: You can get there by bus. The museum houses many exquisite works of art, which are displayed in order of exhibition. Take photos in front of the artwork to leave a unique image. Be sure to keep quiet and do not touch the exhibits. There are delicious matcha desserts nearby 🍵.

🌹[Opening: A Poetic Invitation to a City of Hidden Gems] In the southwest of Ishikawa Prefecture lies a small city favored by time—Komatsu. This is not a mere transit point for hurried travelers, but a hidden wonderland where nature and culture intertwine. From the pink snow of cherry blossoms in spring to the shaded greenery of summer, the autumn foliage tunnels, and the warm, misty glow of winter lanterns, Komatsu awaits, a "treasure trove of traditional Japanese scenery," ready for travelers to open its storybook pages. [Must-See Hidden Gems: Whispers of Light and History] 1️⃣ Awazu Onsen Valley: A Manga-like Autumn Foliage Tunnel Put on your non-slip shoes and embark on a 6-kilometer hike along the boardwalk! From late October to November, the valley is ablaze with crimson maple leaves, where waterfalls and wild chestnut tea houses create a picturesque scene. Arrive at the Ziyun Mountain Kare-sansui Garden half an hour before closing time to capture stunning empty-mirror shots in the morning light refracted by the moss and dewdrops. Wearing light-colored kimono is highly recommended. 2️⃣ Shirayama Hime Shrine: A Thousand-Year Watch at the Foot of a Sacred Mountain Drive towards Hakusan City to visit the guardian deity of Hokuriku. The copper-roofed main hall has witnessed centuries of history, while the inner shrine is hidden atop Mount Haku's Gozengamine Peak, a destination for climbers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. 3️⃣ Kutani Ware Kiln Pilgrimage: Touching Edo Aesthetics Komatsu is one of the birthplaces of Kanazawa's Kutani ware! Visit the Machiya workshops and witness the artisans' cobalt blue and gold enamel painting techniques, encapsulating 400 years of porcelain history in tea bowls and sake vessels. Book a DIY experience to create your own unique souvenir. [Hot Spring Tales: Private Spa Moments for Body and Soul] ♨ Awazu Onsen: Embraced by 1,300 Years of Sulfur Springs Immerse yourself in an open-air bath under the starry sky, letting the sulfurous waters wash away your fatigue. "Yunoka Resort" is highly recommended, offering bedrock bathing and herbal steaming to soothe aching muscles. Don't forget to bring a belt to decorate your yukata and capture the beautiful composition of the wooden bathhouse and fallen ginkgo leaves. 🏡 Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari: A Hidden Edo-style Mixed Bathing Experience For JPY 25,000 per night, enjoy a Kaiseki dinner and an open-air bath with mountain views. The wooden Machiya houses preserve the tradition of the "Kaga Vegetable Nine-Square Meal." Soak in the onsen until 1 a.m. without interruption, savoring the tranquility of the moonlit night. [A Culinary Journey: A Symphony of Mountain and Sea Flavors] 🍜 Komatsu Ramen: A Haven of Soy Sauce Broth The 48-hour simmered pork bone broth is complemented by local soy sauce and thin noodles, with melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork. The soft-boiled egg at the long-established "Ramen Dokoro Fuji" is a must-have soul mate for every table. 🍶 Noto Beef and Crab Feast: A Double Delight from Mountain and Sea "Gyukogen" offers thick-cut beef tongue with wasabi salt, unleashing an explosion of oceanic flavors on your palate. Don't miss the winter Kani crab feast, featuring snow crab sashimi with yuzu vinegar for a refreshing taste sensation. 🍮 Strained Tofu and Golden Hook Soup: Hakka Blessings The "Ten Great Bowls" tradition of Komatsu's Hakka descendants features strained tofu, symbolizing both fortune and prosperity, and Golden Hook Soup, a tantalizing blend of pork cracklings and braised eggs. Be sure to try the matcha tofu at "Kominka En" while enjoying tea in the Kare-sansui garden, transporting you back to the Edo period. [Seasonal Delights: The Magic of Festivals and Night Maples] 🎎 Otabi Matsuri: A May Extravaganza On the second Friday of May, eight Otabi floats parade through the city. Festival happi coats flutter, children push miniature floats, and the air is filled with the aroma of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and wagyu beef stalls. Don't miss the evening festival at Ujihashi Shrine, where lanterns illuminate the night and you can even get a charm for your pet. 🍁 Natadera Temple Night Maples: A Poetic Tapestry of Maple Shadows Under Lights During the autumn illumination, crimson maple leaves transform into enchanting silhouettes under the lights. The corner staircase by the side entrance is a popular photo spot, perfect for capturing stunning images in Hanfu or kimono! [Transportation Guide: Seamless Access to Hidden Gems] ✈️ Komatsu Airport: A 1-hour direct flight from Tokyo and a 45-minute flight from Osaka. Purchase Ishikawa-limited sake sets and salted rice bran crackers as souvenirs at the airport's "Sky Station." 🚗 Local Transportation: The JR Hokuriku Line connects to Kanazawa, and buses cover the valley and hot spring areas. Renting a car is recommended for enjoying the scenic mountain roads and stopping at will. [Epilogue: The Philosophy of Slow Travel, Komatsu Style] Here, travel is not about ticking off a checklist, but a ritual of connecting with the land. Collect stamps in Kuribayashi Park in the morning, learn the tea ceremony in a Machiya house in the afternoon, and soak in an onsen under the stars at night—Komatsu teaches travelers that true luxury lies in letting time flow like poetry. 🌿 Tips: Book accommodations 3 months in advance for the cherry blossom season in April. Rent kimonos at the JR station's tourist center for 50% less than at tourist attractions! Komatsu awaits you to continue writing its story.

1. Kaga is a city located in the southwest of Ishikawa Prefecture, bordering Fukui Prefecture, between the Sea of Japan and Mount Haku. 2. Kaga has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some recommendations: Hot Springs 3. Yamashiro Onsen: Located in the center of Kaga Onsen Village, its history dates back to before the 13th century, and it is known as the "Onsen Town Corridor." Centered around a public bathhouse called "Sō-yu," it is home to many century-old inns decorated with red lattice windows. 4. Awazu Onsen: The oldest hot spring town in Kaga Onsen Village, founded by the founder of Mount Haku, Master Taicho, in the 13th century. Its hot spring water is colorless, transparent, and smooth to the touch. It is a sodium sulfide hot spring, known as the "Hot Spring of Beautiful Women." 5. Katayamazu Onsen: Located on the shores of Lake Shibayama, the lake changes color seven times a day. On clear days, you can see the Hakusan mountain range, and in winter, there are Siberian migratory birds. The area is also famous for its unique culture, including Yamanaka lacquerware. 6. Yamanaka Onsen: Named after Yamanaka Yakushi, one of Japan's three Yakushi temples, it is surrounded by the Minashi River, Mount Yakushi, and Mount Higashi. Numerous hotels and inns are located along the Daishoji River Valley, and it is close to Tsurukame-kyo Gorge, offering beautiful scenery in all four seasons. 7. Culture and Art - Ishikawa Prefectural Kutaniyaki Art Museum: The museum displays various styles of Kutaniyaki porcelain, such as "Aode" (blue and white), "Saishiki" (colored painting), and "Saiji" (colored porcelain). It also houses a collection of about 200 famous antique Kutaniyaki pieces from art museums across the country. Visitors can also experience a simulated painting activity. 8. Ukichiro Nakaya Museum of Snow and Ice: Ukichiro Nakaya, the "Snow Doctor" who created the world's first artificial snow, was born here. The museum introduces Dr. Nakaya's life and achievements and allows visitors to learn and experience the wonders of snow and ice.

✨Highlights: Ancient temples, beautiful natural scenery, traditional Japanese style. 🏛Attractions: - Natadera Temple: Long history, exquisite architecture🕍 - Komatsu Park: Beautiful scenery🌳 - Awazu Onsen: A great place to relax♨ 🚶‍♂️Day 1 itinerary: Visit Natadera Temple in the morning, have lunch nearby, and take a walk in Komatsu Park in the afternoon. 🎯Single point strategy: The special hot spring pools at Awazu Onsen are worth a try. 🏨Accommodation: We recommend traditional Japanese inns to experience the comfort of tatami. 🍱Food: Noto cuisine, Kanazawa seafood, etc. 🚌Transportation: City buses are convenient, and taxis are also available. 💰Currency exchange: In Japan, you can exchange yen at airports, banks, or exchange offices. ❗Notes: - Follow local etiquette and keep quiet in public places. - Follow the rules for garbage sorting.

🌴 "In Komatsu, every step is a symphony of history and modernity. From the ancient Natadera Temple to the modern Ishikawa Aviation Plaza, the stories here are more captivating than the most moving novels." 🌿 🌴 Experience traditional crafts in Komatsu "Join us to experience the charm of traditional crafts at the Kaga Traditional Culture Village. Feel the warmth of handmade crafts, from Kutani ware to lacquerware, each piece is a work of art created over time." 🌿 🌴 The natural beauty of Komatsu "At Kibagata Park, live in harmony with nature. The changing scenery of the four seasons is refreshing. The cherry blossoms in spring, the greenery in summer, and the red leaves in autumn, each season is a beautiful painting." 🌿 🌴 A culinary journey in Komatsu "The food in Komatsu is a feast for the taste buds that you can't miss on your trip. From fresh sushi to local specialties, every bite is an ultimate temptation for the taste buds." 🌿 🌴 The hot spring experience in Komatsu "Awazu Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Hokuriku, is a place where the warm spring water washes away the fatigue of the journey, offering a sense of tranquility and relaxation." 🌿 🌴 The travel philosophy of Komatsu "In Komatsu, Japan, we not only see the scenery but also experience a philosophy of life. Every journey is a baptism of the soul. We are grateful for every inch of beauty in Komatsu." 🌿 🌴 A romantic journey in Komatsu "In Komatsu, stroll with your loved one through the charm of the ancient town, as if time has stopped for us. Here, every glance exchanged is an eternal beauty." 🌿 🌲🌲 We hope these words will add a special anticipation and memory to your trip to Komatsu. 🌹🌹🌹

🍁Recommended autumn leaves viewing spot in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan: Natadera Temple 🕌Natadera Temple is located in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is a temple of Hakusan faith and has a history of more than 1,300 years. 📍Its unique terrain, moss-covered traditional garden landscape, and hundreds of years old trees make Natadera Temple a one-star attraction in the Michelin Green Guide. ⛩️The "Main Hall", "Three-storied Pagoda", "Goma Hall", "Bell Tower", "Shoin", and "Natadera Temple Kuri Garden" in the temple are all designated as important cultural properties. 🍁As one of the famous autumn leaves viewing spots in Ishikawa Prefecture, the best time to view the autumn leaves is from early to late November. 👋🏻It is recommended to take a leisurely walk in the temple, cross the "Maple Moon Bridge" and climb up to the observation deck to enjoy the spectacular view of the red and yellow trees and cliffs. 💯The nearby "Awazu Onsen", known as a lover's sanctuary, is a great place to stay for a night and enjoy a hot spring bath after visiting the temple and viewing the autumn leaves.