Katayamazu Onsen Guide: Lake Views & Modern Architecture

Perched on the edge of the mystical Lake Shibayama (柴山潟), Katayamazu Onsen (片山津温泉) offers a striking contrast to its more traditional sister towns in the Kaga region. Known for its sleek, glass-walled Sōyu Public Bathhouse designed by Yoshio Taniguchi, the town feels like a contemporary gallery where architecture meets the elements. Visitors are drawn here for the legendary “seven colors” of the lake, the massive water fountain that reaches toward the sky, and the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Mt. Hakusan (白山). Whether you are making mineral-rich tofu at the historic Hanayakata or taking a sunset stroll to the floating Ukimi-dō Hall, Katayamazu is a serene destination where history and modern design find a perfect, watery balance.

Summer is probably the most lively time in Katayamazu Onsen, with various festivals held one after another. The fireworks launched at the lakeside are what many tourists around the country come to Katayamazu Onsen for. In winter, migratory birds from Siberia can be spotted resting around the lake.

Things to Do and What to See in Katayamazu Onsen

• How to Get from Kanazawa to Katayamazu Onsen
• Katayamazu Onsen’s Cherry Blossom Season
• Lake Shibayama Cruise (片山津温泉屋形船)
• Giant Water Fountain at Lake Shibayama (柴山潟巨大噴水)
• Ukimi-dō Hall (Uki Uki Benten) (浮御堂(うきうき弁天))
• Kaga Katayamazu Public Bathhouse (片山津温泉 総湯)
• Hanayakata (芸妓検番 花館)
• Aizenji Temple (愛染寺)
• Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice (中谷宇吉郎雪の科学館)
• Sabō Misho (茶房実生)
• The Lake Shibayama Panorama Walk (2 to 3 Hours)
• Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Katayamazu Onsen

Travel Tip for Plant-Based Travelers

Finding plant-based food in Katayamazu Onsen can be a challenge. It is best to bring plant-based food with you if you plan to visit Katayamazu Onsen. You can also grab vegan-friendly snacks from the convenience stores around Kaga-Onsen Station.

Refer to HERE for a list of vegan food available at convenience stores.

Tip: Soba noodles also taste nice with salt. It’s an option if you want to dine at a restaurant in Yamashiro Onsen.

How to Get from Kanazawa to Katayamazu Onsen

You can also use one of Japan’s Transportation Apps to plan your visit.

How to Get to Katayamazu Onsen from Kaga Onsen Station

• Best Value: The Local Bus is the quickest and cheapest non-shuttle option, taking you directly to the town center and the Sōyu public bathhouse in about 10 minutes.
• Sightseeing: The CANBUS Sea Route is better if you plan to visit other attractions, such as the Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice, before heading to your hotel.
• Convenience: If you are staying at one of the lakeside hotels, always check whether they have a scheduled shuttle, as they often time these to coincide with the arrival of the express trains at Kaga Onsen Station.

Method	Duration	Cost	Notes
Local Bus (Hokutetsu)	~10 min	~250 yen	The most direct option. Use Bus Stop no. 1.
CANBUS (Sea Route)	~30–60 min	500 yen	A tourist loop bus. Ensure you take the Sea Route.
Taxi	~10–15 min	~2,000 yen	Fast and convenient; best for groups or heavy luggage.
Hotel Shuttle	~10 min	Free	Many ryokan offer free pickups; these typically require advance booking.

Tip: The Shinkansen trip from Tokyo, Osaka/Kyoto, and Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station is covered by a few JR Passes. If you plan to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka via Kanazawa/Kaga Onsen, there is a great chance that the Hokuriku Arch Pass will save you money.

How to Get to Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa by Train

The quickest way to get to Kaga Onsen from Kanazawa is via the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen (北陸新幹線) or the IR Ishikawa Railway (いしかわ鉄道).

• The travel time by taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station (加賀温泉駅):
  • Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki (かがやき): Around 15 minutes
  • Hokuriku Shinkansen Hakutaka (はくたか) or Tsurugi (つるぎ): Around 18 minutes
• It takes about 45 minutes to get to Kaga Onsen Station by the local IR Ishikawa Railway from Kanazawa Station.
• The cost to get to Kaga Onsen Station from Kanazawa:
  • It will cost 3,170 yen to take the Shinkansen from Kanazawa Station to Kaga Onsen Station.The trip is covered by the following JR Passes.
    • Nationwide JR Pass
    • Hokuriku Arch Pass
  • If you don’t have a JR Pass and want to save on transportation, it costs only 880 yen to take the local trains operated by IR Ishikawa Railway to Kaga Onsen Station.

Kaga Tour Bus – CANBUS (加賀周遊バス　キャン・バス)

For more information, please refer to their website HERE and use Google Chrome’s translation function at the top right of the address bar. HERE is the English pamphlet for ECO Ride Coupons.

Kaga Hot Spring Town Passport (加賀温泉郷パスポート)

Another money saver is the Kaga Hot Spring Town Passport. Depending on how you plan to get around, you can either get a red passport (1,000 yen) that gives you access to three attractions or a blue passport (1,800 yen) for an additional CANBUS ticket. Both passports are valid for two days from the date of purchase.

For more information, please refer to their website HERE.

Katayamazu Onsen’s Cherry Blossom Season

The cherry blossom season at Katayamazu Onsen is usually from early to mid-April. If you are in the onsen town in spring, head to the places below for the stunning national flower of Japan!

• Shibayama Gatakohan Park (柴山潟湖畔公園), next to the Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice
• Aizenji Temple

The Top Photo Spots in Katayamazu Onsen

Location	Best Time of Day	Why it Works
Aizenji Temple Viewpoint	Early Morning	The morning sun hits Mt. Hakusan directly, making the snow-capped peaks glow against the blue lake.
Ukimi-dō Floating Hall	Late Afternoon	As the sun sets, the lantern-lit pier reflects beautifully on the water. Catch the hourly fountain show for extra drama.
Sōyu Public Bathhouse	Blue Hour	When the sky turns deep blue, the interior lights of the glass building make it look like a glowing lantern.
Machi Cafe Terrace	High Noon	The best time to see the “Seven Colors” of the lake. The high sun reveals the deep turquoise or emerald hues of the water.

Lake Shibayama Cruise (片山津温泉屋形船)

Important: Lake Shibayama Cruise is currently suspended. Refer to the official website HERE. If there is no （運休中）next to “柴山潟周遊 屋形船”, then it is back operating. However, the fireworks cruise in August is on.

Lake Shibayama Cruise’s Operating Hours, Cost, and Fireworks

• Reservation and check-in are at Kappa-dō (かっぱ堂), close to the pier
• The daytime cruise operates on weekends and public holidays from the end of April to the end of September.
  • Sundays and public holidays: from 10 am to 3 pm
  • Saturdays and during Obon Festival in mid-August: from 2 pm to 5:30 pm
  • You can refer to their operating calendar HERE for the exact dates that the boat will be running.
  • The departure time isn’t set. You might need to wait up to 30 minutes if there is a queue.
• There are two lighting show services each night from the end of April to the end of September. Please book your seats by 5:30 pm and arrive 15 minutes before departure.
  • The departure times for the two services are 8:15 pm and 9:15 pm 
  • The 30-minute cruise usually costs 800 yen.

How to Get to Lake Shibayama

From JR Kagaonsen Station (加賀温泉駅), take one of the bus services below:

• Kaga Tour Bus – CANBUS’s (加賀周遊バス　キャン・バス) sea route (海まわり) or Komatsu Airport route (小松空港線) and get off at Katayamazu Onsen Yunomoto Park (片山津温泉・湯の元公園).
  • Refer to HERE for the service’s timetable.

Giant Water Fountain at Lake Shibayama (柴山潟巨大噴水)

Ukimi-dō Hall Uki Uki Benten (浮御堂 うきうき弁天)

Soon after the dragon god returned to the lake water, a hot spring was found springing forth from Lake Shibayama, which brought such fortune to the locals that they built the worship hall as a display of appreciation.

Light-up events are held each night here and at the water fountain so that you can enjoy your nighttime stroll even more!

Kaga Katayamazu Public Bathhouse (片山津温泉 総湯)

If you have ever wondered what the modern glass-panelled building standing on the shore of Lake Shibayama is, it is the public bathhouse of Katayamazu Onsen.

As their onsen pools aren’t divided into two separate sections for both genders to experience both onsen pools, the pool in front of the lake – Kata no Yu (潟の湯), is female-only on days with an odd number. On days with an even number, it will be male-only.

If public bathing isn’t your type of thing, head to their Machi Cafe (まちカフェ) on the second floor to relax on the outdoor terrace with a panoramic view of Lake Shibayama (^_-)-☆.

Tip: The facility is also popular amongst the locals. We will advise you not to utilize it if it is crowded, or you might need to wait for a shower space and/or hairdryer.

Important: Toiletries and towels aren’t provided free of charge.

Why Is the Bathhouse Called Sōyu

Kaga Katayamazu City Spa is pronoucned as Katayamazu Onsen Sōyu.

The term “Sōyu” is only found in Ishikawa Prefecture. The word “Sō (総, originally 惣)” refers to something that is owned by the general public. The locals treat the hot springs as god’s blessing, which should be treated as a public good and enjoyed by all members of society.

Kaga Katayamazu City Spa’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information

• The onsen pool is open from 6 am to 10 pm.
• The cafe is open from 11 am to 4 pm daily except Thursdays.
  • The last order is taken at 3:30 pm.
• The cost is
  • 500 yen for adults
  • 150 yen for children who are between 6 and 11
  • 70 yen for children between 3 and 5

From JR Kagaonsen Station (加賀温泉駅), take one of the bus services below:

Hanayakata (芸妓検番 花館): Mineral-Rich Tofu & Traditional Crafts

Important: The workshops at Hanayakata are currently suspended.

Just a few steps from the modern Sōyu, Hanayakata offers a step back into the cultural history of Katayamazu. Originally a training center for geisha and maiko, this beautifully preserved 1920s building has been transformed into a vibrant community hub.

The Ultimate Tofu Workshop, Perfect for Vegans and Vegetarians

What makes the tofu here truly special is the water. Using mineral-heavy water sourced directly from Lake Shibayama, the resulting tofu is denser and more calcium-rich than what you will find in a typical grocery store.

• Hands-On Fun: The workshop takes only about 20 minutes, making it a perfect mid-day activity.
• Dietary Note: While the tofu itself is naturally vegan, traditional dipping sauces often contain dashi (fish stock). We recommend bringing your own small bottle of vegan soy sauce, or asking for a simple pinch of salt, so the natural creaminess of the local soy beans can shine.
• Cost: Only 500 yen, making it one of the best value cultural experiences in the Kaga region.
• The workshop is available from 10 am to 4 pm.

Hanayakata’s Opening Hours and Access Information

• The facility/cafe is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Thursdays.

Aizenji Temple (愛染寺)

If you like glass art, check out the stained glass at the Gomadō Hall. Glass art is also found at the ossuary of the temple.

Lanterns Floating (灯籠流し) at Lake Shibayama

Important: Remember to apply insect repellant, whether you are just enjoying the event from the lakeshore or floating a lantern yourself. You really don’t want to become the food of the bugs that are particularly active in the area at night.

Aizenji Temple’s Opening Hours and Access Information

Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice (中谷宇吉郎雪の科学館)

What is more interesting is that you can become a scientist in their ice crystal zone, creating your first ice pendant! In their experiment zone, you will see how diamond dust can be created artificially as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.

For more information about the museum, please refer to their English website HERE. While it doesn’t provide as much information as their Japanese website, it is still useful.

Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information

• The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Wednesdays unless it is a public holiday.
  • The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
• The admission fee is
  • 560 yen for senior high school students and above
  • 280 yen for anyone who is above 75 years of age
  • Free otherwise

Sabō Misho (茶房実生)

Sabō Misho has been a Japanese tea maker since 1863. It is not only a place where you can taste delicious seasonal Japanese sweets, but you can also take a look at their tea leaf factory just next to the cafe!

Important: If you are interested in seeing the inside of their factory, come on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday morning. Otherwise, you will need to book a time slot in advance.

Sabo Misho’s Opening Hours and Access Information

The Lake Shibayama Panorama Walk (2 to 3 Hours)

This circular route starts and ends near the main bus stop, taking you from the town’s modern heart to its spiritual heights.

Tip: From late October to March, look for migratory Tundra Swans resting in the lagoon. They make for incredible photos!

Stop 1: Katayamazu Onsen Sōyu & Machi Cafe

Start your walk at the striking glass-walled Sōyu. Even if you aren’t bathing yet, head to the 2nd-floor Machi Cafe terrace. This is the best place to check the “current” color of Lake Shibayama and get a clear photo of Mt. Hakusan across the water.

Stop 2: The Lakeside Promenade & Ukimi-dō Hall

Follow the path leading from the Sōyu down to the water’s edge.

• The Walk: A flat, paved promenade hugs the shoreline.
• The Highlight: Walk out onto the pier to Ukimi-dō, the “floating” temple. It enshrines the dragon god of the lake and offers a 360-degree view of the water. If you time it right (at the top of the hour), you’ll see the Giant Fountain erupt nearby.

Stop 3: Yunomoto Park & Sunahase Park

Continue along the shore to Yunomoto Park, where the hot spring source actually wells up. From here, walk one block inland to Sunahase Park.

• Pro Tip: Take a break at the “Ashi-no-yu” foot bath. It’s free and a great spot to chat with locals.

Stop 4: Hanayakata (Geiko Kemban)

Just a 2-minute walk from the foot bath is the historic geisha training hall. This is where you can stop for your tofu-making workshop or browse the local silk-dyed crafts.

Stop 5: Aizenji Temple (The “Heart” View)

Head toward the hill at the back of town. Be prepared for a short but steep climb up the stairs (or follow the sloped driveway for an easier walk).

• The Reward: At the top, you’ll find the “Inlaid Heart Ema” and a panoramic view of the entire town reflected in the lake. On a clear day, Mt. Hakusan looks close enough to touch from here.

Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Katayamazu Onsen

Is Katayamazu Onsen tattoo-friendly?

The Kaga Katayamazu City Spa (Sōyu) is a public facility and is generally tattoo-friendly. Because of its modern, inclusive atmosphere, it is one of the easier spots in the Kaga region for tattooed travelers to enjoy a high-end soak without any issues.

When can I see the Lake Shibayama fireworks?

The fireworks typically light up the sky every night throughout August. The show starts around 9 pm and lasts for about 10 minutes. For the best view, you can watch from the lakeside promenade or book a special night cruise on a Yakatabune (traditional boat).

How do I see the “Seven Colors” of the lake?

Lake Shibayama is famous for changing its hue seven times a day depending on the weather and the angle of the sun. For the most dramatic shifts, visit on a clear day and check the water at sunrise, noon, and sunset. The view from the 2nd-floor Machi Cafe at the Sōyu is considered the best vantage point.

Is there a direct bus from Kaga Onsen Station?

Yes, you can take the CANBUS Sea Route or the local Hokutetsu Onsen Katayamazu Line. The bus ride takes about 10–15 minutes. If you are coming from Komatsu Airport, there is also a direct CANBUS line that stops right in the center of town.

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