Rurikoh
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 523 reviews
Rurikoh sits in Yamashiro Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa, presenting a contemporary take on traditional ryokan hospitality. The property mixes tatami-floored guest rooms, suites with private open-air baths and modern public spaces including a tiered theater and a club lounge reserved for suite guests. Public areas feature quiet lounges, a souvenir shop and a seasonal pool. Staff arrange nightly cultural performances and small-group activities that highlight Kaga’s crafts and food culture, making it a ryokan with onsen Ishikawa visitors choose for both relaxation and local experience.
Bath facilities are central to the experience: a large indoor spa, multiple outdoor garden baths, a foot bath and a selection of private open-air baths that can be reserved for exclusive use. The variety includes 24-hour public bathing, sauna facilities and rentable private baths, together with rooms that include their own open-air onsen. Therapies and in-room massage services are offered alongside an esthetic salon, and a summer sky-garden pool provides an alternative to hot-spring bathing, underscoring its appeal as a ryokan with private onsen Kaga.
Dining focuses on seasonal ingredients from the Sea of Japan and local Ishikawa producers, presented across two on-site restaurants that balance multi-course Japanese kaiseki and international-influenced menus. Practical conveniences include a complimentary shuttle from the local train station, free parking and 24-hour reception services; Wi‑Fi and small in-house shops support longer stays. Rooms range from compact Japanese-style futon rooms to larger suites, so the property suits couples seeking an onsen retreat, families and small groups seeking both private bathing options and a culturally rooted stay.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Rurikoh
Positive Reviews
Warm, helpful staff
Many reviews highlight attentive and welcoming staff who go out of their way to assist guests (providing maps, umbrellas, help with lost items) and explain things to non-Japanese speakers; some staff also spoke English in restaurants or on request.
Excellent onsen facilities
Guests praise the large, attractive onsen areas (including outdoor baths and 24/7 access), private in-room onsen options, foot bath and relaxing evening onsen experiences; many described the bathing areas as a highlight.
Very good food (dinner and breakfast)
Kaiseki-style dinners and the breakfast offerings received frequent compliments for quality and variety; several guests called the meals delicious and generous, making the stay good value for money.
Spacious, comfortable traditional rooms
Rooms are often described as large, clean and well-decorated in a traditional Japanese style with comfortable bedding (and in some rooms extra amenities like a massage chair), providing a relaxing stay.
Convenient services and extras
Guests appreciate practical amenities such as a free shuttle from Kaga Onsen station, all-day free snacks/drinks in communal areas, on-site restaurant, gift shop, occasional taiko performances and availability of massages.
Negative Reviews
Language and communication difficulties
Multiple reviewers noted limited English/French spoken by staff which made some requests and arrangements harder; while some staff did assist in English, language barriers remain an issue for some guests.
Property shows age and maintenance quirks
Several guests mentioned that parts of the hotel feel dated or run-down (old carpets, corridors) and rooms or common areas sometimes had an ‘old’ smell despite being clean and generally well maintained.
Onsen access limits (tattoo policy) and occasional safety issues
A few guests with tattoos were not allowed to use the public onsen (they used private onsen instead). One review reported a problem with water-temperature adjustment that caused a burn risk, indicating occasional operational issues.
Meal service hiccups and crowding
There are reports of crowded breakfasts (causing some guests to miss meals), unexpected dinner cancellations, and long waits for multi-course keiseki items or lack of advance ordering guidance for children’s meals.
Noise, ventilation and layout inconveniences
Some guests reported noisy air-conditioning/ventilation, smoke smell on arrival in one case, and practical inconveniences such as rooms being far from the entrance (making luggage handling harder). Additionally, the town itself was described by some as having limited activities nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single/twin and traditional Japanese rooms to suites; standard rooms typically sleep two on futon while some family-style rooms and suites can accommodate up to four—confirm exact occupancy on the room description when booking.
Rurikoh offers 24-hour public baths, gender‑separate outdoor baths, a sauna (typically open mid‑afternoon to evening), foot baths and five reservable private open‑air baths; guests can also use select baths at a nearby sister property.
Guests with visible tattoos may be restricted from using the shared bathing areas; please ask staff about private bath options if this applies to you.
A complimentary shuttle runs between JR Kagaonsen Station and the ryokan with regular afternoon pick‑ups and scheduled morning send‑offs; morning departures usually require a reservation the night before, so confirm times with the hotel.
Komatsu Airport is the nearest airport; you can take a taxi (about 20–30 minutes) or use local buses/trains to Kagaonsen Station and connect with the hotel’s free shuttle.
The hotel provides English information online and staff can assist international guests in basic English; for detailed or specialised requests, prior notice or translation support is recommended.
The ryokan serves seasonal multi‑course kaiseki dinners and breakfast options; dinner service typically begins at 18:00 or 19:00, so notify the hotel if you expect a late arrival to avoid missing dinner service.
Nearby highlights include the Kutaniyaki Kiln Museum, Natadera Temple and the Yamashiro Onsen area; day trips to Kanazawa, the Historic Villages of Shirakawa‑go and Eihei‑ji are also feasible by car or public transport.
Five private open‑air baths can be reserved in advance or on arrival and some are suited for families (one offers a baby bed); the property also offers family rooms and child‑friendly amenities.
Pets are not permitted at the property; there is an on‑site gift shop and café, and convenience stores/supermarkets are available in the Yamashiro Onsen area—the front desk can point you to the nearest options.