Kutani Mangetsu
Kutani-yaki experiences (wheel-throwing, painting, bridal pottery)
- Address
- Ru-95-2 Nakadai-machi, Kaga, Ishikawa
- Phone
- 0761-77-2121（Toll-free 0120-47-2121）
A fisherman's village, a lacquerware valley, a winter coast.
Foreword
Walk the place before and after your stay.
Hashitate is a harbor town on the Sea of Japan coast in Kaga City, Ishikawa. Satoyama uplands and satoumi coastline lie close together, and the red-tiled rooftops of the old Kitamaebune shipowner district line the shore. KITAMAE BASE serves as a base for discovering the stories of this place and the wider Kaga region.
About the Kaga Region
Kaga spans from mountain to sea in a short distance. The Yamanaka and Yamashiro hot spring towns sit in forested valleys, while Hashitate and Katayamazu face the coast — satoyama and satoumi shifting through one journey. The port of Hashitate preserves the old Kitamaebune shipowner townscape, where red-tiled merchant houses still stand along the shore.
The Kaga Onsen district contains three distinct hot spring towns: Katayamazu on the shore of Lake Shibayamagata, Yamashiro with its long history as an ancient spa, and Yamanaka set along a forested river gorge. Each has a different character, and all are reachable by car within a short drive.
Seasonal events mark the calendar — fireworks at Katayamazu in summer, the Yamashiro chrysanthemum festival in autumn. Kaga vegetables, Yamanaka lacquerware workshops, the quiet winter coastline: the range of experiences shifts with the season.
Photo credit: KAGA Tabi Machi Net, Kaga City Tourism & Exchange Organization
Experiences · Reservation & Inquiry
Experiences around the area
Regional experiences run by local partners, organized as "Around the area / Reservation required / Seasonal." Book when you reserve your stay, or contact the partners listed below.
Around the area
Explore freely from your base. No special reservation is needed for these.
Kaga Coast Walking Tour
Cliffs, pine groves and coves of the Echizen-Kaga Coast Quasi-National Park, guided by locals who know the views the Sea of Japan carved.
Inquire
Kaga CoastKaga Onsen Village Hopping
Yamashiro, Yamanaka and Katayamazu — three distinct hot-spring towns. Centered on the "soyu" public bathhouses, the bath-town culture is still alive. A "bath crawl" from your base is recommended.
Bathhouse entry paid on site
Katayamazu / KomatsuSee details →Kitamaebune Village Walk
Hashitate prospered through Kitamaebune trade and was once called "Japan’s richest village." Walk the streets of shipowners’ residences and stone walls — an Important Preservation District.
Inquire
Kaga HashitateSee details →Fruit Parfait & Café
Café "green×green" at Kaga Fruit Land. Fresh-picked fruit parfaits (from ¥860) are the signature, plus a 60-min chocolate fondue & fruit buffet. Open 9:00–17:00, closed Wednesdays.
Parfait from ¥860
Katayamazu / KomatsuSee details ↗
Reservation required
These require advance booking. Ask when you reserve your stay, or contact the partners listed below.
Reservable
Kutani-yaki Pottery Experience
At the Kutani-yaki studio "Kutani Mangetsu" (Nakadai-machi, Kaga), try wheel-throwing, overglaze painting, or bridal pottery. Make a one-of-a-kind piece as a keepsake. By reservation.
From ¥2,750 (incl. tax)
Katayamazu / KomatsuSee details ↗- Reservable
Seasonal Fruit Picking
At the orchard "Kaga Fruit Land": strawberries (spring), cherries & blueberries (early summer), grapes & apples (autumn). A short drive from the inn. Reservation required, seasonal.
Inquire
Katayamazu / KomatsuSee details ↗ - Reservable
Group BBQ (Kaga Fruit Land)
Group BBQ at Kaga Fruit Land’s facilities, paired with fruit picking and the green×green café for a full day out. For group sizes and booking, contact the partner or ask when you reserve your stay.
Inquire
Katayamazu / KomatsuSee details ↗
Seasonal
Availability is limited by season, sea and weather. Please ask for the latest schedule.
Fireflies
Around June, fireflies dance over the clear waters of Kaga’s satoyama. Turn off the lights and watch the tiny glows flicker — a quiet ritual of just a few early-summer weeks.
Free
Kaga CoastKatayamazu Summer Fireworks
Through summer, fireworks rise over Lake Shibayama at Katayamazu Onsen. Light reflected on the water and sound close at hand — a Kaga summer tradition to enjoy with an evening stroll.
Free
Katayamazu / Komatsu
ReservableSea Kayak Guide
Kaga seen from the water. Paddle the calm coves with a guide on a half-day tour — rugged rock coastline and the silence of only the waves. Small groups, beginners welcome, calm-season only.
From ¥6,000 / person
Kaga CoastReservable
Fishing-Boat Cruise
Board a fishing boat at Hashitate Port for a cruise on the Sea of Japan. Cliffs, coves and flocks of seabirds up close. Calm-season only.
Inquire
Kaga Hashitate
Photo credit: KAGA Tabi Machi Net (Kaga City Tourism & Exchange Organization)
Contact
Reservations & inquiries
You can request these when reserving your stay, or contact the partners directly below.
Kaga Fruit Land
Fruit picking, group BBQ, fruit parfait café (green×green)
- Address
- Yutaka-machi, Kaga, Ishikawa (closed Wednesdays)
- Phone
- 0761-72-1800
はづちを楽堂
湯の曲輪に面した、町家を生かした文化交流拠点。九谷焼・地酒・甘味の店が集まる。
車13分
Craft魯山人寓居跡 いろは草庵
陶芸家・北大路魯山人が逗留した寓居を公開。書・陶・建築の意匠が、料理と器の思想を伝える。
車14分
石川県九谷焼美術館
九谷焼発祥の地・大聖寺に建つ専門館。古九谷から現代作家まで体系的に展示。
車12分
Craftあやとりはし
草月流家元・勅使河原宏がデザインしたS字曲線の橋。現代美術と渓谷の景観が交わる。
車22分
山中座
山中漆器と山中節を伝える文化交流館。漆塗りの内装と定期公演で、温泉街の芸能文化に触れられる。
車22分
Craft芭蕉の館
山中温泉に逗留した松尾芭蕉の足跡を伝える資料館。「奥の細道」ゆかりの品と句碑が温泉文学の記憶を今に伝える。
車22分
Craftシルクロ陶芸体験工房
九谷焼窯元きぬやの2階にある体験工房。電動ろくろや上絵付けなど、九谷焼の絵付け・成形を体験できる。
I. Areas
Trace the regional contour by area.
From KITAMAE BASE, the nearby region splits into six areas reachable on foot or by car. Pick an area to explore.
II. Themes
Sharpen intent through themes.
Themes are organized around the coast, Kitamaebune culture, food, seasonal nature, active time, and Kaga / Hokuriku travel context.
- 01Sea and Harbor1
- 02Kitamaebune Culture2
- 03Hokuriku Travel1
- 04Food and Place1
- 05Seasonal Nature1
- 06Walk / Run1
Detailed context for each theme appears in the "By Area" section below.
III. Model Courses
Model Courses
Sample itineraries
Four sample itineraries built around KITAMAE BASE. Pick the one closest to your stay and continue to booking with your party kept.
1 night / 2 daysCouples · 2 adultsSuite room
Kitamaebune Townscape & Coastline
One night to walk the red-roof shipowner settlement and the cape that catches the sunset.
Areas
- Kaga Hashitate
- Kaga Coast
Course highlights
- Walk the Hashitate red-roof district
- Sunset at Kasa no Misaki cape
- Local seafood dinner from Hashitate Port
Sample itinerary
Day 1
- 15:00 Check-in
- Walk the red-roof shipowner townscape and Zorokuen
- Late afternoon: sunset at Kasa no Misaki
- Kitamae Cuisine dinner
Day 2
- Morning at Hashitate Port and the coast
- Stop at Amagozen Cape on the way back
- 11:00 Check-out → Kaga Onsen Station / Komatsu Airport
1 night / 2 days2 adultsStandard room (with dinner)
Onsen Bath-hop & Kutani Ware
A 1-night route through Yamashiro and Yamanaka onsen towns, with Kaga craft along the way.
Areas
- Yamashiro Onsen
- Yamanaka Onsen
Course highlights
- Yamashiro Kosoyu public bath
- Kakusenkei valley walk
- Rosanjin Iroha-Soan
Sample itinerary
Day 1
- 14:00 Stop at Yamashiro Kosoyu
- Browse Haduchi Rakudo galleries and sake shops
- 15:00 Check-in
- Kitamae Cuisine dinner at KITAMAE BASE
Day 2
- 11:00 Check-out
- Yamanaka Onsen: Kakusenkei gorge and Korogi Bridge
- Stop at Rosanjin Iroha-Soan on the way back
2 nights / 3 daysCraft & architecture lovers · slow travelSuite room
Craft & Valley — A 2-night Deep Dive
Two nights to take in Yamanaka lacquerware, Kutani ware, and the Kitamaebune townscape.
Areas
- Yamanaka Onsen
- Daishoji / Natadera
- Kaga Hashitate
Course highlights
- Yamanaka-za and lacquerware
- Kakusenkei and Ayatori Bridge
- Ishikawa Kutani Ware Museum
- Zorokuen shipowner residence
Sample itinerary
Day 1
- 15:00 Check-in
- Walk the Hashitate red-roof district
- Kitamae Cuisine dinner
Day 2
- Yamanaka Onsen: Kakusenkei, Ayatori Bridge, Yamanaka-za
- Lunch in Yamanaka
- Stop at Rosanjin Iroha-Soan on the way back
Day 3
- Morning walk along the coast
- Daishoji: Ishikawa Kutani Ware Museum
- 11:00 Check-out
1 night / 2 daysFamilies (2 adults + 2 children)Standard room
Family at the Fishing Village
One night for families: Hashitate harbor, coastal walks, and (in winter) the bird-watching wetland.
Areas
- Kaga Hashitate
- Kaga Coast
Course highlights
- Hashitate Port
- Kasa no Misaki walking path
- Katano Kamoike wetlands in winter
Sample itinerary
Day 1
- 15:00 Check-in
- Walk Hashitate Port and the red-roof district
- Family-friendly dinner
Day 2
- Morning walk at Kasa no Misaki
- Winter: migratory bird observation at Katano Kamoike
- 11:00 Check-out
These are sample itineraries. Please confirm hours and conditions at each venue before deciding.
IV. Seasonal
Seasonal
By season
Each season has its own scene at Kaga Hashitate.
Winter
Best time：Dec – Feb
Kano-gani crab season opens; Hashitate Port comes alive while the onsen towns sit quietly under snow.
Highlights
Kano-gani crab and local seafood dinner
Kaga HashitateZuwai crab, sweet shrimp, and nodoguro from Hashitate Port — served as Kitamae Cuisine.
- Kaga Coast
Bold waves and a lighthouse in winter light — landscapes you only see in this season.
- Yamashiro Onsen
The reconstructed Meiji-era public bath at Yamashiro lit from within.
Migratory birds at Katano Kamoike
Kaga CoastThousands of geese and ducks at this Ramsar-listed wetland; best at dawn.
Recommended room：Suite / Standard (with dinner)
Recommended course：Kitamaebune Townscape & Coastline
Spring
Best time：Mar – May
Fresh greenery in the Kakusenkei gorge, cherry blossoms, and easy coastal walks — a calm season for a short stay.
Highlights
Kakusenkei: fresh greenery walk
Yamanaka Onsen1.3 km along the gorge from Korogi Bridge to Ayatori Bridge.
Hashitate townscape with sea breeze
Kaga HashitateLight returns to the red-roof district — the best season to walk the shipowner settlement.
Yamashiro Onsen and Kutani ware
Yamashiro OnsenPick out a tea bowl at Haduchi Rakudo, then soak at Kosoyu.
Recommended room：Standard (with dinner)
Recommended course：Onsen Bath-hop & Kutani Ware
Summer
Best time：Jun – Aug
Blue Sea of Japan, pine-shaded capes, and the Hashitate fishing port at summer pace — built for family stays.
Highlights
- Kaga Coast
Walk through pine forest to the cape; sunsets are framed by the lighthouse.
- Kaga Hashitate
Sweet shrimp, rock oysters, nodoguro — port-town summer cuisine.
- Yamanaka Onsen
In summer, riverside decks open along the Kakusenkei gorge for tea and sweets.
Recommended room：Standard / Suite
Recommended course：Family at the Fishing Village
Autumn
Best time：Sep – Nov
Autumn foliage at Kakusenkei, Natadera’s rock cliffs, and the November opening of Kano-gani crab season — the richest months.
Highlights
- Yamanaka Onsen
Late Oct – mid Nov: the gorge from Korogi Bridge to Ayatori Bridge turns crimson.
Natadera and the rock landscape
Daishoji / NataderaBasho wrote of this temple in Oku no Hosomichi; rock cliffs against autumn color.
Kano-gani crab opens (from Nov 6)
Kaga HashitateThe fishing season begins; the day’s sea becomes that evening’s dinner.
- Daishoji / Natadera
Soft autumn light brings out the old Kutani palette.
Recommended room：Suite / Standard (with dinner)
Recommended course：Craft & Valley — A 2-night Deep Dive
Timing may shift year to year.
V. By Area
Local context, by area.
Stories grouped by area. Each area links through to "check availability for this area".
01 · From the hotel: 0–10 min walk
Kaga Hashitate
Articles in this area
The Sea of Japan and Kaga Hashitate Harbor
A coastal sense of place shaped by the Sea of Japan, wind, waves, and harbor-town atmosphere.
View details
Kitamaebune Maritime Trade Culture and Historic Townscape
Understand Kaga Hashitate through Kitamaebune maritime trade culture and the legacy of shipowner townscapes.
View details
Local Food and Seafood from Hashitate Port
Connect seafood from Hashitate Port, Kaga vegetables, and Kitamae Cuisine as part of the stay.
View details
02 · From the hotel: 5–15 min drive
Kaga Coast
Articles in this area
Seasonal Nature Around Hashitate
Winter seas, summer coastlines, seasonal seafood, and small natural changes give Kaga Hashitate a different expression each time.
View detailsWalk, Run, and Reset by the Coast
Kaga Coast connects sea, forest, and settlement context for guests who want movement as part of the stay.
View details
03 · From the hotel: 20–25 min drive
Yamanaka Onsen
Articles in this area
Kutani Ware, Yamanaka Lacquerware, and Local Craft
Connect regional craft with the tactile quality of the stay, cuisine, and table.
View details
04 · From the hotel: 15–30 min drive
Katayamazu / Komatsu
Articles in this area
Kaga Onsen and Hokuriku Travel Base
Stay by the sea and use Kaga Hashitate as a base for Kaga Onsen and Hokuriku travel.
View details
Regional Sources
Official regional information.
For current tourism information, operating conditions, trail conditions, and seasonal details, please also check the official regional websites before visiting.
- KAGA Travel and Tourism Official Site opens in a new tab
- Kaga Hashitate Kitamaebune Tourism opens in a new tab
Editorial Notes
What this page does not claim.
- 01For travel times, fees, and opening hours, please refer to each venue’s official information.
- 02The experiences and sample itineraries introduced here are not tours operated by the hotel; reservable ones are run by regional partners.
- 03For reservations and conditions, please contact each experience provider directly.
Reservation
Continue, into one evening of stay.
Availability and final booking steps continue through the official booking guidance page.