Tokyo to Kaga Onsen: How to get to and around Kaga Onsen

Getting to Kaga Onsen

Kaga Onsen is connected directly to Tokyo by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way trip costs around 15,000 yen and takes just under three hours by the fastest Kagayaki trains, however there are only a couple of direct Kagayaki trains per day. Otherwise the trip takes around 3.5 hours and may involve a transfer of trains in Toyama or Kanazawa. Kagayaki trains are fully reserved, while other trains along the Hokuriku Shinkansen also carry non-reserved seats. All trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Multiple bus companies operate overnight highway buses between Tokyo and Kaga Onsen. The one way journey by conventional buses costs about 7,500 yen one way. Discount bus companies, such as Willer Express, offer one way fares from around 5000 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.

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Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Kaga Onsen consists of four hot spring towns, spread out over the plain and hills near the Sea of Japan coast.

The transportation hub is Kaga Onsen Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen from where buses provide connections to many of the area's attractions. Among the buses is the Can Bus (キャン・バス), a loop bus for tourists, which connects the station with the four hot spring towns and most other sights in the area. A 1-day pass for one calendar day of unlimited use of the Can Bus costs 1100 yen. A 2-day pass costs 1300 yen. Three lines can be of interest:

Sea Course (海まわり, Umimawari): serves the Kutaniyaki Museum in Daishoji, the Kitamae Ships Museum in Hashidate and Katayamazu Onsen. There is one bus every 1-2 hours.
Mountain Course (山まわり, Yamamawari): serves Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Natadera and Awazu Onsen. There is one bus every 2 hours.
Komatsu Airport Course (小松空港線): serves Katayamazu Onsen and Komatsu Airport. There is one bus every 3 hours.

Most attractions of Hakusan City lie in the mountains to the east of Kaga Onsen. There are no direct bus or train connections between Hakusan and Kaga Onsen, and travel usually leads via Kanazawa or Matto stations. Hokutetsu trains in the direction of Mount Hakusan go as far as Tsurugi Station from where there are infrequent buses further into the mountains.

A rental car can be convenient for exploring Kaga Onsen and Hakusan. Rental car outlets can be found in Kanazawa, at Kaga Onsen Station, Matto Station and Komatsu Airport.

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English

Can Bus

Official website.

Japanese

Can Bus

Official website.

- 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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