Soak & Relax in Kanazawa: From Local Bathhouses to Hot Spring（Onsen） Inns
After a day of strolling through the charming streets of Kanazawa, why not relax and rejuvenate in one of the city’s soothing public baths?
Kanazawa’s bathing culture is about more than just getting clean. It’s a time-honored tradition that nurtures both body and soul, while also offering a space for connection with the local community. Whether you’re stepping back in time at a retro neighborhood sento (public bath), recharging at a modern super sento, or indulging in a luxurious stay at a hot spring inn, there’s a perfect way to unwind for everyone.
When visiting Kanazawa, don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself—literally and culturally—in the warm waters of its local bathing scene.
◎Ishikawa – Kingdom of Sento! Time Travel Through Kanazawa’s Historic Bathhouses♨
A soothing experience steeped in tradition and culture.
From the Edo period to the Meiji era, many people from Ishikawa Prefecture ventured to the Kansai（area around Osaka) and Kanto（area around Tokyo）regions for work, where they eventually became pioneers in running public bathhouses (sento). Historical records show that in cities like Kyoto and Osaka, a significant number of the first-generation sento owners hailed from Ishikawa. This rich history gave rise to Kanazawa’s reputation as the “Sento Kingdom of Ishikawa,” where bathing culture continues to thrive to this day.
At its peak, Kanazawa boasted nearly 100 sento. As of December 2024, only about 14 remain. Despite the decline in numbers, these traditional bathhouses are still beloved spaces of relaxation for locals and unique attractions for visitors. One standout is Matsu-no-Yu, a bathhouse that was once closed but was revived through a passionate community-led project. Sento continue to play a vital role as hubs of local life.
Enjoy a “Natural Hot Spring” Sento♨ — A Blend of Tradition and Healing
A local favorite with natural hot springs and a sauna.
Closed: Fridays
Hours: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-251-4343
Address: 3-25-17 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 20 spaces
Instagram: @yamato_onsen
Nearby Spots: Ame-no-Tawaraya candy shop, Higashi Chaya District
Kenroku Onsen (Kenrokuen Garden Area)
Features a charming open-air bath in a garden setting. Natural hot springs and sauna available.
Closed: Fridays
Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:30 PM (1:00 PM – 10:30 PM on weekends & holidays)
Phone: +81 76-221-2587
Address: 18-36 Akatsuki-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 10 spaces
Nearby Spots: Kenrokuen Garden, Hoenji Temple
Kanazawa Onsen Kanaiso (Kanaishi & Ono Area)
Famous for its water rich in metasilicic acid—an ingredient found in skincare products—earning it the name “Bijin-no-Yu” (Bath of Beauty).
Closed: Irregular
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-267-0630
Address: 2-91 Kanaishi Honmachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 30 spaces
Nearby Spots: Ono Minato Shrine, Gohei Zenya Memorial Museum
Ishibiki Onsen - Kame no Yu (Kenrokuen Area)
Natural bicarbonate-rich hot spring. The open-air bath with flowing spring water is especially popular.
Closed: Two Fridays per month
Hours: 12:30 PM – Midnight
Phone: +81 76-262-4126
Address: 2-15-31 Ishibiki, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 30 spaces
Nearby Spots: SAKE SHOP Fukumitsuya
Terme Kanazawa/Yume Kanazawa
Both are large-scale super sento (modern public baths) offering a wide range of baths and amenities.
➡️ See also below: Relax Like a Local at a Super Sento
<Sento with Saunas – Warmth for Mind and Body>
Kobashi-yu (Higashi Chaya District)
Features a steam sauna and medicinal herbal baths.
Closed: 5th, 15th, 16th, and 25th (open if these fall on Sundays, closed before/after instead)
Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-252-3342
Address: 3-16-3 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 6 spaces
Nearby Spots: Ame-no-Tawaraya
Hyotan-yu (Kanazawa Station Area)
Includes a sauna and features a cheerful, pink-tiled interior.
Closed: Saturdays & Sundays
Hours: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-261-0543
Address: 1-7 Hyotan-cho, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 5 spaces
Nearby Spots: Kanazawa Station, Omicho Market
Matsu-no-Yu (Samurai District Area)
Offers a sauna (paid), is tattoo-friendly, and has striking Kutani-ware tile décor.
Closed: Wednesdays
Hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-208-7155
Address: 1F Seseragi Building, 1-5-56 Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 4 spaces
Instagram: @matsu_sento
Nearby Spots: Nagamachi Samurai District, Seseragi Street
Kuwana-yu (Higashi Chaya District)
Enjoy a sauna and relax in mineral-rich water infused with Komeiseki stone.
Closed: Mondays
Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Phone: +81 76-252-2659
Address: 3-1-5 Higashiyama, Kanazawa, Ishikawa
Parking: 7 spaces
Nearby Spots: Higashi Chaya District, Kazue-machi Chaya, Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
Kenroku Onsen see above
Yamato Onsen see above
◎Relax Like a Local at a Super Sento
While exploring the sights of Kanazawa, why not take a break and unwind the way locals do—at a super sento (modern public bathhouse)?
These spacious facilities are designed for total relaxation, offering a wide variety of baths and saunas, along with plenty of amenities. Whether you’re in for a quick soak or a full day of pampering, a super sento is the perfect place to refresh both body and mind.
<Open 24 Hours – With Overnight Stays Available!>
Terme Kanazawa
Enjoy natural hot springs drawn from 1,160 meters below ground. Highlights include high-concentration carbonated baths, medicinal herbal baths, and both high-temperature dry and low-temperature herbal saunas. Dining options are plentiful, with three on-site restaurants: Japanese cuisine, Yakiniku (BBQ), and Chinese food.
Closed: Open year-round
Hours: Open 24 hours
Lodging: Available
Sauna: Yes
Massage: Yes
Other Amenities: Hair salon
Dining: 3 restaurants
Phone: +81 76-269-2211
Address: 17 Matsushima-machi, Kanazawa (near Kanazawa Nishi Interchange)
Parking: 800 spaces
Access: ~15 mins by car or ~25 mins by local bus from Kanazawa Station (East Exit)
In addition to natural hot springs, guests can enjoy a variety of baths such as carbonated baths, radium baths, and jet spas. The facility also includes restaurants, massage services, karaoke, and more for a complete relaxation experience.
Closed: Open year-round
Hours: Open 24 hours
Lodging: Available
Sauna: Yes
Massage: Yes
Other Amenities: Stone sauna (ganbanyoku)
Dining: Available (6:30 AM – Midnight)
Phone: +81 76-204-2626
Address: 3-26 Fujie Minami, Kanazawa
Parking: 1,400 spaces + motorcycle parking
Access: ~13 mins by car from Kanazawa Station, or take the free shuttle bus
<Walkable from Katamachi & Nishi Chaya Districts!>
This sento features Komeiseki mineral hot springs, carbonated baths, massage jets, and a high-temperature tower sauna. Great for a refreshing break close to the city center.
Closed: Open year-round
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Lodging: Not available
Sauna: Yes
Massage: Yes
Other Amenities: Barber shop, stone sauna
Dining: Available (11:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
Phone: +81 76-244-4126
Address: 5-52 Nakamura-machi, Kanazawa
Parking: 180 spaces
Access: ~10 mins by car from Kanazawa Station, ~10 mins on foot from Nishi Chaya District
Nearby Spots: Nishi Chaya District, Murou Saisei Memorial Museum
◎Nanamawari Onsen – A Hidden Mountain Retreat Surrounded by Nature
Onsen & Garden Nana (七菜)
Just a 20-minute drive from central Kanazawa, Nanamawari Onsen is a serene hot spring retreat nestled in the peaceful mountains. The centerpiece is a beautifully restored 200-year-old farmhouse, originally used as the Okuhida Toy Museum in Hida City before it was relocated and renovated in 2016.
Here, guests can enjoy three private open-air baths (rotenburo), each surrounded by the lush beauty of the countryside. With only three guest rooms, the inn offers an intimate, slow-paced escape from the everyday.
Even if you're not staying overnight, you can still enjoy a relaxing lunch amid the stunning natural scenery.
◎Stay at a Traditional Onsen Ryokan in Kanazawa
– Discover the Hot Springs of Yuwaku, Fukatani, and Saigawa –
If you're dreaming of a trip to Kanazawa where you can explore the city’s vibrant culture during the day and unwind in a peaceful hot spring ryokan at night—complete with a delicious, locally inspired meal—you’re in for a treat.
Just outside the city, you'll find three charming hot spring areas: Yuwaku Onsen, Fukatani Onsen, and Saigawa Onsen. Each offers a unique atmosphere and a soothing escape surrounded by nature.
Looking to expand your journey? Within just over an hour from Kanazawa, you can also visit the renowned Wakura Onsen or the Kaga Onsen region—perfect for travelers who want to enjoy multiple destinations and soak in even more hot spring bliss.
Each location offers something special, and with so many wonderful options, it’s hard to choose. Let’s take a look at what makes each of these hot springs worth a visit.
◎Hotels with Public Baths near Kanazawa Station (West Exit / Kanazawa Port Exit)
The Kanazawa Station West Exit (Kanazawa Port Exit) area is home to convenient commercial facilities like Crossgate Kanazawa, and serves as a key hub for group tour buses and departures to Shirakawa-go and Takayama—making it a strategic place to stay for travelers.
If you’re looking to unwind in a large public bath after a day of sightseeing, here are some great hotel options nearby:
Within a 5–6 Minute Walk from Kanazawa Station(West Exit)
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa MIYABI - Elegant and modern, with great accessibility.
Kanazawa Manten Hotel Ekimae - Features an open-air bath (rotenburo) and sauna.
Hotel Vista Kanazawa - The public bath includes a silky micro-bubble bath and reclining bath (neyu).
APA Hotel Kanazawa-Ekimae - Very convenient, located just beside the station. ★ Open to non-staying guests for a fee ★
AB Hotel Kanazawa - Comfortable and functional, with public bath access.
About 20 Minutes on Foot from the West Exit
Kanazawa Sai no Niwa Hotel - A beautiful, garden-themed hotel offering calm, scenic surroundings and a relaxing large bath. Free shuttle bus available from Kanazawa Station
Suburban Option (～15 minnutes by car from West Exit)
Kanazawa Minato Hotel - Located near the coast, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat slightly away from the city center.
◎Hotels with Public Baths near Kanazawa Station (East Exit / Kenrokuen Garden Exit)
The East Exit of Kanazawa Station is the main gateway to the city and offers excellent transportation connections.
Whether you're arriving by bullet train (Shinkansen), local train, bus, or taxi, you'll find this area incredibly convenient. Iconic landmarks like the Tsuzumi-mon Gate and the welcoming Motenashi Dome greet visitors as they step into Kanazawa.
Surrounding the station, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options—perfect for both a short stay and a relaxing stop during your travels.
Business Hotels (All within walking distance from the East Exit)
Dormy Inn Kanazawa – Kaga Hot Spring Style (4 min walk from East Exit) - Features a relaxing hot spring-style public bath.
Kanazawa Central Hotel (6 min walk from East Exit) -
Hotel MyStays Kanazawa Castle (6 min walk from East Exit) - Includes a semi open-air bath.
Hotel Torifito Kanazawa (5 min walk from East Exit)
Kanazawa City Hotel (9 min walk from East Exit)
Super Hotel Premier Kanazawa Station East Exit (7 min walk from East Exit)
Traditional Ryokan
Ryokan Shibaya (6 min walk from East Exit)
A cozy, traditional Japanese inn with a warm, homey atmosphere.
Luxury Ryokan
Kanazawa Chaya (4 min walk from East Exit)
A refined ryokan offering a luxurious Japanese experience—perfect for those seeking elegance, hospitality, and fine cuisine.
◎Hotels with Public Baths near Omicho Market
Omicho Market is affectionately known as “Kanazawa’s kitchen.”
Always bustling with locals and tourists, it offers a feast of fresh seafood, Kaga vegetables, and regional delicacies. The area is also full of charming cafés and long-standing restaurants—making it perfect for a stroll and a bite.
If you’d like to stay nearby and relax in a large public bath after a day of food and sightseeing, here are some recommended accommodations:
Hotels
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa (4-minute walk to Omicho Market, close to Kanazawa Castle)
- Elegant and modern, with convenient access to top sights.
Onyado Nono Kanazawa (by Dormy Inn) (3-minute walk to Omicho Market)
- A traditional-style hotel with tatami floors and a relaxing natural hot spring bath.
Torifito Hotel & POD Kanazawa Hyakumangoku-dori (5-minute walk to Omicho Market)
- A hybrid hotel offering both private rooms and capsule-style pods.★ Open to non-staying guests for a fee ★
The Square Hotel Kanazawa (2-minute walk to Omicho Market)
- Features a stylish sauna and contemporary design.
SOKI KANAZAWA (Just 1-minute walk to Omicho Market)
- A serene, minimalist hotel focusing on natural materials and peaceful stays.
Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Sanraku (8-minute walk to Omicho Market, 2 minutes to Kanazawa Castle’s Otemon Gate)
- A refined stay in a classically elegant setting, with a spacious public bath.
Hotel Intergate Kanazawa (6-minute walk to Omicho Market, 6 minutes to Gyokusen’inmaru Garden at Kanazawa Castle)
- Offers complimentary local drinks and snacks in the lounge, and a relaxing bath.
Traditional Ryokan
Nakayasu Ryokan
4-minute walk to Omicho Market, 4 minutes to Kanazawa Castle Otemon Gate
A family-run Japanese inn offering warm hospitality and a traditional atmosphere.
◎Hotels with Public Baths in the Korinbo & Katamachi Area
The Korinbo–Katamachi district is the cultural and shopping heart of Kanazawa. Lined with department stores, boutiques, art galleries, and theaters, it’s a great area to experience both modern culture and traditional charm. The neighborhood is also packed with restaurants—from long-established eateries to trendy cafés—where you can enjoy the flavors of Kanazawa.
After a full day of exploring, you can relax in a hotel with a large public bath (daiyokujō). Here are a few great options:
Hotel Crown Hills Kanazawa
Located on Kakinokibatake Street, just a 5-minute walk from the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
A convenient and comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
APA Hotel Kanazawa-Chuo
A very central location in Katamachi, with a large public bath and open-air rooftop bath.
★ Available to non-staying guests (for a fee) ★
Hotel Amanek Kanazawa
Situated in lively Katamachi, ideal for foodies and night owls.
About a 10-minute walk to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
