Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is a hot spring resort located on the edge of Nanao Bay at the base of the Noto Peninsula in Nanao, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is one of several well-known, high-end onsen resorts in Japan and has existed as a resort for over 1,200 years. The resort town is dominated by large ryokan complexes along the water's edge, offering a variety of facilities to guests, including hot spring baths, restaurants, karaoke rooms, bars, theaters, and game centers.

History

Wakura Onsen has a long history, with the hot springs originally discovered by a fisherman who noticed an injured crane bathing its wing in the warm water. The onsen was first mentioned in early Heian period documents, and full-scale development began with the improvement of railway access in the Meiji period.

Features

  • Hot Springs: The resort has a high-temperature alkaline hot spring with a discharge rate of 1600 liters per minute and a temperature of 89.1°C.
  • Ryokan Complexes: The town is home to several large ryokan complexes, including the famous Kagaya, which consistently ranks among Japan's best ryokan for its excellent service and facilities.
  • Public Facilities: There is a public bathhouse in the town center, several free foot baths scattered throughout the town, and a hiroba (public square) with a hot spring sourced fountain, a shrine, and a park.
  • Museums: The Kado Isaburo Museum, located in the lobby of the Kagaya Bettei Matsuno Midori ryokan, exhibits modern interpretations of lacquerware by local artist Kado Isaburo. There is also Le Musee de H, a confectionery museum by a famous Japanese pastry chef.
  • Access: Wakura Onsen is accessible by car from Wakura Onsen Station on the JR West Nanao Line and Wakura IC on the Nanaota-Tsuruhama Bypass (National Route 249).

Activities

  • Bathing: Visitors can enjoy the hot springs by staying overnight at one of the ryokan or by using the public bathhouse or foot baths.
  • Local Cuisine: The area is known for its fresh seafood and mountain ingredients, offering a diverse range of local dishes to try.
  • Dolphin Watching: Bottlenose dolphins can be seen around Noto Island, which can be accessed via the Notojima Ohashi Bridge.

Quick Facts

  • Age: Founded over 1,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the region.
  • Visitors: Over one million visitors come to Wakura Onsen every year.
  • Awards: Wakura's water won third prize at a global mineral springs expo held in Germany in 1880.

Prefectures