Awazu Onsen

Since this hot spring was founded in Nara Period by Reverend Taicho, it has been beloved by many visitors who seek healing. This is the oldest hot spring in the Kaga Onsen Resort which derives from the sacred Mt. Hakusan. The spring water has been known to be effective for neuralgia, sore muscles, cut, burn, and detoxification.

Awazu Onsen was the best favorite of the third lord of Kaga Domain, Maeda Toshitsune, who is said to have created the hot spring culture. Each inn has the source spring they dug up, and the water quality and temperatures are slightly different from place to place.

Awazu Onsen is also known for the Osshobe Love Story which has been passed on from the Edo Period. Omatsu, a maid working in an inn, and Takematsu overcame obstacles and became a couple at this inn. Now, the resort is called “Lovers’ Sacred Place.” In the resort, there are locations related to the love story such as Osshobe Waterfall and the shrine. In the last week of August, Osshobe Festival is held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Locals and tourists happily dance together to the tune of Osshobe Song and the drum beat.