In Katayamazu Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture, three hotels of the Ooedo Onsen Monogatari group are teaming up with the local water-activity shop shibayama slow and the public bathhouse Katayamazu Onsen Soyu to launch a new plan featuring a kayak or SUP (stand-up paddleboard) experience on Shibayama Lagoon (Shibayamagata). Reservations open on Monday, July 27, 2026, with stays and experiences beginning on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Why This Plan Was Created
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari currently operates eight hotels in Ishikawa's Kaga area. While the group's uniform quality standards have long delivered "a high-quality stay at an accessible price," differentiating between nearby properties and raising the appeal of the wider Kaga Onsen-kyo hot spring area had become an ongoing challenge.
To address this, the "Hokuriku Localization Project" launched in June 2026. Building on the group's scale, the project takes a fresh look at what makes each hotel distinctive, connects with local traditions and culture, and partners closely with local businesses to create experiences that can only be had in that specific place.
This kayak and SUP plan is the first release under the project. With boosting the appeal of Kaga Onsen-kyo as the priority, the collaboration with local operators aims to redefine the three participating hotels from simple lodging into travel destinations in their own right, drawing new visitors to Katayamazu Onsen.
The Experience
At Shibayama Lagoon, a well-known feature of Katayamazu Onsen, guests can enjoy a kayak or SUP experience run by shibayama slow, based at the lakeside facility Kappa-do. The lagoon's calm, low-wave surface makes it comfortable for children and beginners, and dogs can join in too, adding to the travel memories.
Five highlights of Shibayama Lagoon, seen from the water:
- A view of Mount Hakusan: An unobstructed view across the lagoon of the sacred Mount Hakusan.
- A red sunset: Watch the lagoon and the hot spring town turn red as the sun goes down.
- Fireworks from the water: On summer nights, watch fireworks launch over the lagoon from a prime spot on the water.
- Birdwatching: Observe the wild birds and other rich nature that gathers around Shibayama Lagoon up close.
- A slower pace of time: The lagoon's mood changes through the day, from the quiet of morning to the open feeling of midday.
*Night kayaking is sold only through Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Nagayama.
The plan also includes a free ticket (with face towel) to Katayamazu Onsen Soyu, the local public bathhouse, so guests can follow their time on the water with a relaxing soak at the neighborhood hot spring — with the exception of the night kayak experience, which does not include this ticket.
Plan Overview
Plan name: Shibayama Lagoon Kayak & SUP Experience Plan
Plan includes: Kayak or SUP experience, plus a free ticket to Katayamazu Onsen Soyu (public bathhouse)
Participating hotels:
- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Nagayama
- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kaga Maruya
- Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Wanwan Resort Yataya Shotoen
Reservations open: Monday, July 27, 2026
Plan period: Saturday, August 1 – Saturday, October 31, 2026
*The night kayak course is available only for a limited time, from August 1 to August 30.
Eligibility: Ages 5 and up / dogs may join (kayak experience only)
Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to the day before use; a 100% cancellation fee applies for same-day cancellations.
Courses and pricing:
Daytime course (kayak or SUP experience)
A course to enjoy the quiet of morning, the open feeling of midday, and a beautiful sunset (includes the free Katayamazu Onsen Soyu ticket).
- Price: Ages 13 and up ¥4,500 (tax included); ages 5–12 ¥2,650 (tax included)
- Available time slots (60 minutes each): 9:00 AM–10:00 AM / 11:00 AM–12:00 PM / 1:00 PM–2:00 PM / 3:00 PM–4:00 PM / 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
- This plan adds the experience fee above to each hotel's standard accommodation rate (room rates vary by date and room type).
- The 5:00 PM–6:00 PM time slot is available only through September 31.
Night course (night kayak experience) — August only
A premium nighttime course to watch summer fireworks light up the sky from close up on the water.
- Price: Ages 13 and up ¥7,000 (tax included); ages 5–12 ¥5,500 (tax included)
- Time slot (60 minutes): 8:30 PM–9:30 PM
- Sold only at Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Nagayama.
- The Katayamazu Onsen Soyu bathhouse ticket is not included with this course.
- This plan adds the experience fee above to each hotel's standard accommodation rate (room rates vary by date and room type).
The Participating Hotels
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Nagayama
A hot spring inn with an open lakeside setting looking directly out over Shibayama Lagoon. Guests can take in the lagoon's changing moods from the spacious indoor and open-air baths, and the property is popular with families and groups alike.
From Saturday, August 1, 2026, the hotel is being reimagined as a hot spring entertainment resort, adding ten types of free on-site content, including an "Active Sports Park" and an "Adventure Kids Park."
Reservations: https://x.gd/9dX9r
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Premium Kaga Maruya
A hot spring inn from the "Premium" line, offering an extra level of comfort. The hotel has a "Premium Lounge" where guests can enjoy complimentary alcoholic drinks and soft drinks throughout their stay, alongside the gentle, skin-soothing waters of Kaga's hot springs for a relaxed, indulgent stay.
Reservations: https://x.gd/vAgp9
Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Wanwan Resort Yataya Shotoen
A hot spring inn where guests can spend the whole stay together with their dog, including in the guest rooms, at meals, and in the dog lounge. The property offers a wide range of facilities and amenities designed for comfortable stays with dogs, making it a convenient base for the kayak experience as well.
Reservations: https://x.gd/UGDXo
