Unknown Places
Kaga City, located in Ishikawa Prefecture on Japan’s scenic Sea of Japan coast, is a historic hot spring destination with a tradition that spans more than one thousand three hundred years. The city is renowned for its four distinctive hot spring districts, Yamanaka, Yamashiro, Katayamazu, and Awazu, which each offer their own atmosphere, history, and character.
The hot spring areas are home to Michelin recognized luxury ryokan, many of which are intentionally small in scale with fewer than twenty rooms. This intimate approach allows guests to enjoy a more personal and peaceful experience, with attentive hospitality, traditional Japanese architecture, seasonal cuisine, and soothing hot spring baths. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and the changing landscapes of the seasons, Kaga provides an opportunity to experience the refined side of traditional Japanese travel while escaping the crowds often found in Japan’s larger destinations.
Kaga is also home to generations of master artisans whose work represents some of Japan’s most respected traditional crafts. The Yamanaka area is particularly famous for Yamanaka lacquerware, a craft with a history of more than four hundred years and renowned for its sophisticated wood turning and lacquer techniques. Among the region’s craftspeople are Living National Treasures who have dedicated their lives to preserving and developing these traditions. Kaga is also an important center for Kutani porcelain, known for its distinctive forms, vibrant colors, and intricate decorative designs. Visitors can explore artisan workshops, studios, galleries, and craft centers throughout the region, gaining a closer understanding of the time, skill, and attention to detail required to create these works. Rather than simply viewing traditional crafts in museums, visitors to Kaga have the opportunity to see artisans working in their own environments and, in some cases, experience the techniques themselves.
Kaga offers a unique combination of culture, cuisine, hospitality, and natural beauty, making it a destination where visitors can experience many different aspects of Japanese life within a relatively compact area. Its historic streets, traditional townscapes, peaceful gardens, and tranquil hot springs provide a sense of place and continuity, while local restaurants and ryokan showcase the rich ingredients of Ishikawa Prefecture, including fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, locally produced rice, and regional specialties. The surrounding landscapes also change dramatically throughout the year, from lush greenery in spring and summer to vibrant autumn colors and quiet winter scenery. Together, these experiences allow visitors to connect with both the history and contemporary lifestyle of the region. Kaga’s combination of authentic cultural experiences, intimate accommodations, exceptional craftsmanship, and seasonal cuisine makes it an attractive destination for travelers seeking a deeper and more personal introduction to Japan, away from the country’s busiest tourist centers.
Create nerikiri, Japan’s traditional artistic confectionery, under the guidance of a skilled artisan. Learn about the carefully selected ingredients, traditional tools, and delicate techniques used to shape and decorate these beautiful seasonal sweets.
Discover how Japanese aesthetics are reflected in their colors, forms, and intricate details, often inspired by flowers, nature, and the changing seasons. The experience offers a hands on introduction to the patience and precision behind this refined culinary art.
Each piece expresses the maker’s spirit and creativity, transforming simple ingredients into a delicate work of art. More than a traditional sweet, nerikiri reflects Japan’s appreciation for seasonality, harmony, and beauty.
Creating and tasting these sweets provides an intimate cultural experience that connects craftsmanship, tradition, and the quiet elegance of Japanese confectionery.
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Experience an exclusive, one night only gastronomic showcase celebrating the distinctive flavors and culinary heritage of Kaga. For this exceptional evening, a local chef transforms seasonal Kaga vegetables and the finest bounty of Hashitate Port into a refined multi course dining experience, where each dish reflects the character of the region and the richness of its natural surroundings.
Every creation is thoughtfully paired with locally crafted sake, selected to complement the ingredients and reveal new layers of flavor throughout the evening.
The harmony between cuisine and sake creates a sensory journey through Kaga’s gastronomic identity, bringing together generations of tradition, local craftsmanship, and contemporary creativity.
From ingredients rooted in the surrounding land and sea to the techniques and stories behind each course, every detail offers a deeper connection to the destination. More than a dinner, this experience becomes an intimate showcase of Kaga’s culinary culture, celebrating provenance, seasonality, and savoir faire while inviting guests to discover the region through taste in a distinctly personal and memorable way.
Founded in 1772, Matsuura Brewery embodies more than two centuries of sake craftsmanship in Kaga. Remaining intentionally small in scale, with an annual production of approximately 280 koku, or 50,000 liters, the brewery places meticulous attention on quality, precision, and the character of every bottle.
Its approach reflects a deep respect for tradition while allowing each sake to express the distinctive qualities of its local environment.
Its signature sake, Shishi no Sato, is crafted with gastronomy at its heart and designed to complement rather than overpower the flavors of a meal. Brewed using exceptionally soft local water, it reveals a delicate texture, subtle aroma, and vibrant acidity that create an elegant balance on the palate.
Refined yet expressive, Shishi no Sato offers a natural harmony with cuisine and an authentic introduction to the craftsmanship and culinary culture of Kaga.
Kawakita Workshop is a distinguished studio dedicated to Yamanaka lacquerware, one of Kaga’s most celebrated traditional crafts. Each piece is created entirely by hand, with every stage, from the precise turning of the wood to the careful application of lacquer and delicate decoration, entrusted to skilled artisans.
This meticulous process reflects generations of craftsmanship and a profound understanding of the natural beauty and character of wood.
Defined by lustrous finishes, refined proportions, and intricately carved textures, Kawakita Workshop’s creations balance traditional techniques with a timeless sense of elegance.
Each object carries the subtle individuality of the artisan who shaped it, transforming functional pieces into enduring works of craftsmanship. Highly regarded by collectors in Japan and internationally, they offer a sophisticated expression of Kaga’s artistic heritage and its continuing culture of excellence.
Lacquerware Artist - Eiko Tanaka
Based in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Eiko Tanaka is a lacquer artist and woodturner who studied under Torao Nakajima. She handles every stage of production, from wood turning to lacquering, by hand.
Her works explore the duality of existence through refined form and balance.
Araya Tōtōan
Araya Tōtōan is a historic ryokan located in Kaga’s Yamashiro Onsen, with a 400-year history. Managed by 18 generations of hot spring masters since the feudal era, this long-standing inn offers a deep connection to the region’s rich cultural heritage. The serene, traditional rooms feature tatami flooring and gardens that change with the seasons, creating a tranquil atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Enjoy artworks related to the famous artist, Kitaōji Rosanjin, displayed throughout the ryokan. These pieces immerse guests in the essence of Japanese beauty, adding an artistic touch to the overall experi ence.
Beniya Mukayu
Beniya Mukayu combines modern aesthetics with traditional luxury, offering a high-end ryokan experience. The concept of "Mukayu" means "richness in emptiness", a philosophy that permeates the architecture, furnishings, cuisine, and hospitality.
Every detail is designed to create an atmosphere of serenity and refinement. Each of the 16 rooms is equipped with natural hot spring outdoor baths,
offering stunning views of a garden that changes with the seasons, enhancing the experience of relaxation and connection to nature.
Unknown Places Across Japan
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