Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is known for its abundant salt content, which is unique to hot springs by the sea, and its colorless and transparent water. Its water quality has been highly valued since ancient times, as it was selected as a "third-class mineral spring in the world" at the International Mining and Technical Exhibition held in Germany in 1880. Its representative effects include the sterilizing effect on wounds and skin diseases, the moisturizing effect that prevents sweating and cooling, and the beautifying effect that tightens pores and improves skin. It is also effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, joint pain, bruises, cuts, and coldness.

When it comes to hot springs, it can feel like a luxury that's out of reach. However, the public bathhouse "Wakura Onsen Sotoyu" located in the heart of the hot spring town is reasonably priced and can be used by both locals and tourists alike. Additionally, while not all accommodations offer this, there are also ryokans where you can use the baths without staying overnight. At luxury ryokans like Kagaya, there are day trip plans that include kaiseki cuisine paired with a bath, allowing for various ways to enjoy the hot springs according to your needs.

While soaking in a hot spring is great, the Wakura Onsen area has spots where you can enjoy hot springs while fully clothed with "hand baths," "foot baths," and "drinking fountains." When you dip your hands or feet into the slightly hot water, your fatigue will gradually melt away. The representative spot for easily experiencing a mini hot spring is the Benten-zaki Hot Spring Park. In addition to hand baths and drinking fountains, there is also a "warm bench" where hot spring water flows under the bench, warming your lower back. You can also enjoy free foot baths and drinking fountains outside of the Wakura Onsen Public Bath, and at the Tenku no Yado Daikanso, you can drink while soaking in a foot bath! Although it's a bit further away, inside the Yuttari Park, there is a foot bath that stretches long and narrow along the sea, where you can relax and enjoy the foot bath while looking out at Nanao Bay.

Representative of hot spring cuisine, hot spring eggs. In Wakura Onsen town, there are spots where you can make your own hot spring eggs. One of them is "Yuwaku no Yutsubo," where the symbol of Wakura Onsen, the white heron statue, stands. You can make hot spring eggs in the hot spring water that springs from the pot. You can purchase eggs at the shop across from it, so why not try making hot spring eggs? Be careful not to burn yourself as it is hot.

Kagaya is a traditional ryokan that represents Wakura Onsen. With over 100 years of history, it exudes a sense of luxury. It has been chosen as the number one hotel/ryokan in Japan for 36 consecutive years in the "Top 100 Hotels and Ryokans in Japan Chosen by Professionals" voted on by travel agencies nationwide, making it a popular destination for tourists. Its appearance towering over the sea is dignified and is truly fitting as a symbol of the hot spring town. There are many charms to Kagaya, such as the gorgeous entrance and numerous decorations that make it feel like an art museum, but above all, its reputation lies in the hospitality of the staff. There are also day trip plans that include lunch, so please come and experience Kagaya's hospitality for yourself.

As a new way to enjoy Wakura Onsen, the "Seven Lucky Gods Tour" has been gaining attention. The tour involves finding the "Seven Lucky Gods' stone statues" located in seven places within Wakura Onsen, which are said to bring happiness. The back of the Wakura Onsen walking map provided by the ryokans and other accommodations includes a "Seven Lucky Gods Tour" sheet, which can be used as a reference to efficiently find the statues. It's also nice to leisurely stroll around while exploring footbath spots and other attractions. Who knows, it might even bring you good fortune?

Do you know the official character of Wakura Onsen, "Wakutama-kun," which was born in 2008? He is a boy (according to his profile) with an egg-like shape on his head wearing a towel, and he works hard to promote Wakura Onsen. Not only in Wakura, but he also participates in events in Noto and Ishikawa, updates his blog, Facebook, and Twitter, and sells a lot of character goods. If you come to Wakura Onsen, be sure to look for the healing character, Wakutama-kun.

The "Wakura Gobendono Main Hall" of the Shorinzan Seirinji Temple, a Soto Zen temple in Wakura Onsen, was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2017. The Wakura Gobendono was originally built in 1909 as a resting place for the Imperial Family's first visit to Wakura, and the main hall was moved to Seirinji Temple in 1976. The contrast between the natural beauty and the majestic guest hall has become a hot topic, and it has become a popular tourist spot where visitors come to take photos. Whether it's the fresh greenery, autumn leaves, or snowscape, the breathtaking beauty will welcome you no matter what season you visit.

Noto is known as the land of festivals. The city of Nanao, where Wakura Onsen is located, is home to four major festivals known as the "Seihakusai," "Ishizaki Houtousai," "Okuma Kabasai," and "Notoshima Mukaida no Hifusai." Among them, the Seihakusai was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of "Yamahoko, Hoko, and Yatai float festivals" in 2016, along with 33 other events from 18 prefectures, and gained instant fame. The highlight of the festival is the boat-shaped float called "Dekayama," which is 12 meters high, has a wheel diameter of 1.9 meters, and weighs 20 tons, being pulled through narrow streets right next to buildings. It's an impressive festival full of power. If your schedule allows, be sure to participate in Noto's festivals. In addition, the "Wakura Onsen Festival Hall," which opened in 2020, is a new type of museum where you can experience Nanao's festivals in a realistic way. There are many exhibits, so even if you can't actually go to the festivals, you can feel the excitement of the four major festivals.