Katayamazu Onsen (片山津温泉) is a built up hot spring town along the shores of the Shibayamagata Lagoon, and one of the four resort towns that make up Kaga Onsen. Many of the town's large ryokan and hotels feature baths with attractive views onto the lagoon and Mount Hakusan in the distance.

The Shibayamagata Lagoon is said to naturally change colors seven times per day. A fountain at its center shoots water up to 70 meters high for a few minutes every hour. A small shrine dedicated to Benten, the goddess of good fortune, wealth, music and knowledge, stands on a pier out over the water. The shrine is illuminated in the evenings together with the fountain.

Another site of interest unrelated to bathing is the Museum of Snow and Ice. This museum displays the photographs and equipment of local scientist Nakaya Ukichiro who devoted his life to the study of snow crystals in Hokkaido and around the world. The museum also provides visitors with interesting hands-on activities involving supercooled water and ice.

The following is a list of some of Katayamazu's baths that are open to day trip visitors:

  • Soyu (Public Bath)
    Hours: 6:00 to 22:00
    Closed: Infrequent, irregular closures (cafe closed on Thursdays)
    Admission: 490 yen
  • Kasuikyo
    Daytime Hours: 12:00 to 22:00
    Daytime Admission: 1300 yen (including towels)
    Overnight Stay: From 15,500 yen per person including 2 meals
  • New Maruya Hotel
    Daytime Hours: 9:00 to 23:00 (except for a few hours around noon)
    Daytime Admission: 500 yen
    Overnight Stay: From 11,500 yen per person including 2 meals
  • Oedo Onsen Monogatari Nagayama
    Daytime Hours: 12:00 to 24:00
    Daytime Admission: 1020 yen
    Overnight Stay: From 11,500 yen per person including 2 meals

Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding

Getting there and around

Katayamazu Onsen is accessible by Can Bus (Umimawari Route) from Kaga Onsen Station. The ride takes about an hour, and buses depart every 1-2 hours. Alternatively, Katayamazu Onsen is about a 15 minute taxi ride (about 2000 yen) from Kaga Onsen Station.

How to get to and around Kaga Onsen

Hotels around Kaga Onsen

    • Araya Totoan
      Genuine traditional ryokan in the heart of Yamashiro Onsen. Enjoy the refined cuisine with its esthetic tranquility. Complementary shuttle from JR Kaga Onsen Sta.
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    • Tachibana Shikitei
      Established in 1868, Tachibana Shikitei in the center of Yamashiro Onsen offers authentic Japanese hospitality. A spacious room with private onsen available.
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    • Yoshidaya Sannoukaku
      A traditional ryokan on a tranquil hill in Yamashiro. Enjoy in-room private onsen bath and local fresh specialties. Free shuttle provided to/from JR Kaga Sta.
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