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At Yunokuni no Mori in Kaga, you can try hands-on workshops, explore traditional crafts, and stroll through peaceful forest paths, a highlight for families visiting Ishikawa Prefecture.

A traditional Japanese thatched-roof house in Yunokuni no Mori is surrounded by trees and greenery, with patches of snow on the ground and the sun shining through a cloudy sky in the background.

What Is Yunokuni no Mori?

Just outside Kaga’s onsen towns lies Yunokuni no Mori, a traditional crafts village that celebrates the artistry of Ishikawa Prefecture. The grounds are laid out like a small village, with more than a dozen historic-style buildings, each dedicated to a different local craft.

Walking along the cobblestone paths past wooden houses and maple trees, it felt like entering another era. In autumn, the forest glows with bright colors, adding to the charm. It’s easy to spend a few hours here just wandering and discovering at your own pace.

Hands-On Cultural Experiences

A display case with Japanese pottery items from Yunokuni no Mori, including plates, vases, and a bowl adorned with colorful designs, set on a white surface with labels and illuminated by soft lighting.

The best part of Yunokuni no Mori is how hands-on everything is. There are more than 50 workshops to choose from, each with clear signs showing the time, cost, and age suitability. Staff guide you through every step, and even if you don’t speak Japanese, the visual instructions and demonstrations make the experience feel welcoming and easy to enjoy.

Some of the most popular workshops include:

  • Painting Kutani-yaki (九谷焼) porcelain
  • Creating gold leaf art, a specialty of Kanazawa
  • Finishing Wajima lacquerware pieces
  • Making traditional washi paper
  • Glassblowing and glass painting
  • Designing your own chopsticks

Each activity takes about 30–40 minutes. Our kids chose porcelain painting, and they were so proud to bring their creations home. The instructors were kind and patient, which made the experience relaxed and fun.

More Than Just Crafts

A crafting workspace at Yunokuni no Mori features a small frog figurine in a glass container, colorful flower beads in plastic bags, a toothpick, glue, and illustrated step-by-step instructions in Japanese on a wooden table.

Even if you don’t take part in the workshops, Yunokuni no Mori has plenty to enjoy. You can browse the shops for beautifully made crafts, stop at a teahouse for matcha, or have a meal at one of the onsite restaurants. The forested grounds also offer quiet spots to sit and take in the scenery.

How to Get to Yunokuni no Mori

Yunokuni no Mori sits in the hills just south of Kaga’s onsen towns. It’s easiest to reach by car or taxi, with limited local bus service from JR Kagaonsen Station.

Train + Taxi

  • JR Kagaonsen Station – 20–25 minutes by taxi to the entrance.

By Car

  • From the Hokuriku Expressway, exit at Kaga IC or Katayamazu IC and follow signs toward Yunokuni no Mori (about 15–25 minutes, traffic dependent).
  • Free on-site parking is available near the main gate.

Pro Tip: Arrive before late morning if you plan to try multiple workshops; popular sessions can book up by early afternoon.

Is Yunokuni no Mori Worth Visiting?

Two handmade Japanese paper fans from Yunokuni no Mori, each with wooden handles, are decorated with pressed flowers and leaves. One features blue coloring at the bottom, while both display natural plant designs on a textured surface, drying on a metal table.

We recommend it, especially for families and travelers interested in Japanese culture. It’s rare to find a place where you can watch master artisans and then try the craft yourself. The setting is beautiful, the activities are engaging, and it adds a rich cultural dimension to any trip to Kaga.

More to Explore Nearby

Yunokuni no Mori is a magnificent craft village in Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, where you can experience various traditional local arts and crafts, including gold leaf application, Wajima lacquerware, and Kutani ware. After immersing yourself in these traditions, the surrounding Kaga and Kanazawa regions offer exquisite natural beauty, relaxing onsen, and deep history.

  • Kaga Onsen (Yamanaka, Yamashiro, Katayamazu, Awazu) – Explore the traditional Kaga Hot Spring Village, which is comprised of four distinct onsen towns, each with its own unique history, atmosphere, and local charm, perfect for relaxation.
  • Kanazawa Travel Guide – Journey to the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, a cultural gem famous for its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, stunning gardens, and high-quality local crafts.
  • Kenroku-en Garden – Visit one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens in Kanazawa, celebrated worldwide for its exquisite design, seasonal beauty, and historical significance.
  • Natadera Temple – Discover this ancient and unique Buddhist temple near Kaga, famous for its dramatic architecture built into natural rock caves, offering stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere.

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