Wakura Onsen Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wakura Onsen with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more!


Introduction to Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is a charming hot spring town located in Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, in the Chubu region of Japan. The town has a long history dating back to the 8th century when it was discovered by a wandering monk. Since then, it has been considered one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Wakura Onsen is known for its therapeutic waters, historical sites and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Wakura Onsen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wakura Onsen Bunka Hall: The museum houses displays of local artefacts, paintings, sculptures and calligraphy.
  • Notojima Glass Art Museum: Showcases glasswork with innovative designs by international artists.
  • Wakura Onsen Yasuragi Tei: Discover the fascinating history of Wakura Onsen, including the story of the wandering monk who discovered the hot spring waters.

Natural Attractions of Wakura Onsen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Wakura: Hiking trail running from the hot springs to the top of the mountain. At the peak, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the town.
  • Nanao Bay: Ideal location for watching sunsets or stargazing.
  • Noto Island: Accessible by ferry, Noto Island is a perfect day trip destination. This island features scenic views of the coast, beaches and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen has numerous hiking routes that vary in difficulty level, which include forest trails and mountain trekking. The most popular hiking route is the one that leads to the peak of Mount Wakura. The trail is about 4 km long and takes approximately two hours to climb, offering breathtaking views of the town.

Best Things to Do in Wakura Onsen: Activities and Tours

  • Try Onsen: Wakura Onsen is famous for its various hot spring baths. It’s highly recommended to try them and unwind in the therapeutic waters.
  • Glassmaking: Take a class and create your own glass at the Notojima Glass Art Museum.
  • Sea Kayaking: Take a guided tour and explore the beautiful coastline of the Noto Peninsula.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wakura Onsen

Day 1: Arrive in Wakura Onsen and soak in the local hot spring baths. Day 2: Explore the town and visit the Wakura Onsen Bunka Hall. Day 3: Climb Mount Wakura and take in the breathtaking views from the peak. Day 4: Take a day trip to Noto Island and enjoy the beaches and scenic views. Day 5: Visit Notojima Glass Art Museum and create your own glass artwork. Day 6: Try sea kayaking along the Noto Peninsula coastline. Day 7: Soak in the hot springs one last time before departing Wakura Onsen.

Food and Drink Scene of Wakura Onsen

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kaisen Donburi: A bowl of rice topped with fresh seafood, including salmon, shrimp, and sea urchin.
  • Wakura Soba: Thin noodles made from buckwheat flour and served with a soy sauce broth.
  • Noto Beef: A tender, high-quality beef that is locally sourced and cooked to perfection.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Wakura Onsen is surrounded by numerous local breweries producing delicious sake.
  • Noto Shochu: A distilled liquor made from sweet potatoes, shochu is a unique local beverage.

Where to Stay in Wakura Onsen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wakura Onsen has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. Visitors can choose from traditional ryokans, modern hotels or guesthouses.

Luxury Options

  • Kagaya: A famous traditional Japanese ryokan with lavish suites and mineral-rich hot springs.
  • Togetsu: A serene and luxurious hotel with modern rooms and stunning sea views.

Mid-Range Options

  • Hotel Wakura: A modern hotel with natural hot spring baths.
  • Wakura Onsen Yuyado Miyako: A small traditional ryokan with elegant rooms and hot springs.

Budget Options

  • Onsen Guesthouse Hana: A budget-friendly guesthouse with shared hot springs and common areas.
  • Wakura Onsen Seiryu no Yado: A family-friendly inn with affordable rooms and hot springs.

What to Buy in Wakura Onsen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Noto Soy Sauce: A high-quality soy sauce made from locally-sourced soybeans.
  • Handcrafted Glassware: From the Notojima Glass Art Museum.
  • Lacquerware: Traditional Japanese houseware and accessories with beautiful designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen has a unique cultural identity that’s reflected in its cuisine, architecture, and hot spring traditions. Visitors should be respectful of local customs, such as washing thoroughly before entering hot springs and removing shoes before entering homes and temples.

Best Time to Visit Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is during autumn (September to November) when the leaves change colors or in the spring (March to May) when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wakura Onsen

Do:

  • Do try the local hot spring baths, as they are famous for their therapeutic waters.
  • Do remove your shoes when entering homes and temples.

Don’t:

  • Don’t enter hot springs without showering thoroughly first. Japanese hot springs are for soaking, not for cleaning.
  • Don’t tip in restaurants or cafes. Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is a safe destination for travelers. Crime rates are low, and emergency services are accessible and reliable. Visitors should be cautious when hiking and follow safety guidelines on trails.

Health in Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen hot springs are known for their therapeutic properties and are believed to offer numerous health benefits, including improving circulation, relieving stress and easing muscle strain. Visitors with health concerns should consult a doctor before soaking in natural hot springs.

Getting to Wakura Onsen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wakura Onsen is easily accessible by train, bus, and car.

Airports Near Wakura Onsen

  • Noto Airport is the nearest airport, about 10km from Wakura Onsen, with domestic flights from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

Bus Stations Near Wakura Onsen

  • Wakura Onsen is accessible from Kanazawa Station via a direct bus or from Nanao Station via a local bus.

Other Options

  • Rental cars and taxis are available from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.

How to Get Around in Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Visitors can rent bicycles from hotels, guesthouses, or local shops. Taxis and rental cars are also available for those who prefer more accessibility.

Where to Go Next from Wakura Onsen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Kanazawa: A nearby city in Ishikawa Prefecture and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Japan.
  • Nanao: A town located on the southern coast of Noto Peninsula, with scenic views of the coastline.

Conclusion

Wakura Onsen is a hidden gem in Japan, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in rich cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and natural beauty. With its hot springs, mouth-watering dishes, and welcoming locals, Wakura Onsen is an ideal destination for those looking for an authentic Japanese experience.

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