Kaga Onsen-kyo is a town of history, culture, and art. Here's a look at some of this autumn's events that let you enjoy the charms of Kaga beyond its hot springs and food.
Remembering Basho in an Autumn Hot Spring Town: Yamanaka Onsen's "Basho Festival"
During his nationwide travels for Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), the haiku poet Matsuo Basho stayed in Yamanaka Onsen for nine days starting September 10. He came to love the hot spring deeply, leaving behind a verse praising Yamanaka's waters: "Yamanaka ya, kiku wa taoraji, yu no nioi" — Yamanaka — I shall not pluck the chrysanthemum; the scent of the hot spring.
To honor his footsteps, Yamanaka Onsen is holding a concert and a national haiku competition.
Photo: Basho-do
Photo: Basho no Yakata
"Remembering Basho: Enjoying the Harvest Moon With Shinobue"
Date: September 25 (Fri)
Time: From 7:00 PM
Admission: ¥350
Performers: Shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute): Shigeru Yagi (八木繁), Suion-kai (粋音会); Singing Rin: Satomi Yoshitani (善谷聡美)
"The 35th Basho Festival: Yamanaka Onsen National Haiku Competition"
Date: October 3 (Sat)
Time: From 8:30 AM
Special lecture: "Haikai and Buddhism," from 1:15 PM, lecturer Tetsu Fujiwara (藤原哲)
Deadlines: National entries close 7/15; applications for the on-site haiku composition session (ginko) close 9/15
Venue (both events): Yamanaka Onsen Basho no Yakata (Honmachi 2-chome, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City)
Inquiries: Kaga City Community Learning and Sports Division, 0761-72-7980 / Basho no Yakata, 0761-78-1720
New Winds of Art in a 1,300-Year-Old Hot Spring Town: "Yamashiro Art Market"
Yamashiro Onsen boasts a 1,300-year history. Beyond being a hot spring destination, it has long been loved by artists and cultural figures, including Kitaoji Rosanjin.
The Yamashiro Art Market connects artists with the local community — and people with each other — creating opportunities for new talent to bloom.
Photo: Courtesy of Yamashiro Art Market Executive Committee
On the day, visitors can enjoy a live event contest, street chalk art that lets anyone feel like an artist, and a collaboration with the Art Residency Fusion project.
There's plenty to enjoy beyond the art too, with various general stores, workshops, and local food on offer.
Come spend these two days fully immersed in art.
Photo: Courtesy of Yamashiro Art Market Executive Committee
Date: September 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun)
Time: Day 1: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM / Day 2: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Venue: Yamashiro Onsen-dori Shopping Street, Yamashiro Onsen
Inquiries: 090-8969-9617 (Yamashiro Art Market Executive Committee)
Official Instagram: @yamashiro.art
