APA Hotel & Resort Kaga Katayamazu Onsen Kasuikyo
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 345 reviews
APA Hotel & Resort Kaga Katayamazu Onsen Kasuikyo is an APA-branded ryokan-style property on the Katayamazu promenade featuring 100 rooms that mix Japanese and Western layouts and many rooms that face Lake Shibayama. The accommodation range includes standard lake-view rooms and top-floor suites that offer private open-air baths, so the hotel can be booked as a ryokan with private onsen Kaga for guests seeking an in-room bathing experience. Public bathing areas include separate indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths designed for communal soaking, with towels and basic amenities provided for guests.
On-site facilities are extensive and aimed at both relaxation and social evenings: multiple dining venues serve buffet breakfasts and multi-course Japanese dinners, a café lounge and bar host light meals and drinks, and there are recreational spaces such as karaoke rooms, billiards and a souvenir shop. A small spa and massage service complement the hot-spring program, and an indoor pool is listed as a seasonal facility; the property also offers conference and banquet rooms for groups. Practical services include free on-site parking, complimentary Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and a scheduled shuttle connecting to JR Kaga Onsen Station by advance reservation.
Located in the Kaga hot-spring area of Ishikawa prefecture, the hotel sits within easy walking distance of local attractions including the Nakaya Ukichiro Museum of Snow and Ice and the Katayamazu hot-spring stretch, making it convenient for scenic walks along the lakefront. Komatsu Airport is a short drive away and regional rail connections via Kaga Onsen Station link the property to Kanazawa and Osaka, so it functions well as a base for exploring nearby onsen towns, coastal parks and cultural sites while offering the core comforts expected of a ryokan with onsen Ishikawa.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: APA Hotel & Resort Kaga K…
Positive Reviews
Spectacular lake views and convenient location
Many reviewers praised the hotel's views of Lake Shibayama and nearby sights, noting rooms and public baths that face the lake. Guests also highlighted useful transport links such as the hotel shuttle to Kagaonsen Station and proximity to the airport for easy access.
Spacious, clean and well‑appointed rooms
Guests frequently described rooms as large, tidy and nicely decorated. Several mentions of helpful in‑room amenities (USB charging, long power strips, neck massager) and occasional complimentary upgrades added to satisfaction.
Friendly, attentive staff and good service
Staff were repeatedly described as warm, helpful and accommodating (examples include assisting with wardrobe/size requests, arranging shuttle/luggage, and adjusting meal requests such as vegetarian or course changes), expressing strong omotenashi.
Large, pleasant onsen and bathing facilities
The public bath area (indoor and outdoor) was called spacious and relaxing, often quieter than typical onsens and with attractive lake views. Some rooms/suites also offer private baths on the balcony which guests enjoyed.
High‑quality meals and breakfast options
Multiple guests praised the food — buffet breakfast with a wide selection and dinners described as delicious, with several notes about flexibility when guests requested changes to meals.
Negative Reviews
Limited English communication at times
Several reviewers noted that staff have limited English skills, which can slow or complicate check‑in; guests suggested providing English forms or clearer multilingual materials to ease communication for foreign visitors.
Some facilities feel dated or need maintenance
Comments included moisture damage or old smells in parts of the property, dusty areas causing allergy discomfort, worn chair cushions, creaky floors, and sections of the outdoor bath infrastructure showing deterioration — giving an overall impression that parts of the facility could use repair or refreshment.
Remote location with few nearby shops or restaurants
While the setting is peaceful, multiple guests warned the area is quiet and lacks convenience stores (7‑11/FamilyMart) and dining options nearby, so advance planning for meals and supplies is recommended.
Price and operational timing concerns
A few guests felt the hotel was on the pricey side. One review specifically mentioned an early checkout time that felt inconvenient for their stay.
Minor comfort and usability issues
Various small annoyances appeared across reviews: some found the mattress on the floor thin/firm, there is no on‑site laundry room, certain showerheads require repeated pressing to run continuously, kimono patterns/room details could be improved, and occasional incidents of poor guest interaction or onsen etiquette by other visitors were reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; options range from single rooms to family rooms and suites for larger groups. Check the specific room details when booking to confirm maximum occupants and bedding.
The ryokan offers a public hot-spring bath (Tamayura-no-yu) with indoor and outdoor areas on the 2nd floor, free for staying guests. Towels are taken from your room and the bath operates in afternoon/evening and early-morning sessions—confirm current hours at reception.
Yes, some top-floor suites and certain Japanese-style rooms include a private open-air bath. If you need a private bathing option, reserve a qualifying room type in advance or ask the property for availability.
A complimentary shuttle runs between JR Kaga Onsen Station and the property (reservation required) with services roughly every 30 minutes; the ride is about 15 minutes. Komatsu Airport is approximately a 15-minute drive—taxi or airport transfer are typical options.
From Tokyo take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa then an express train to JR Kaga Onsen Station; from Osaka and Kyoto take the Thunderbird/rapid trains to Kaga Onsen. Use the free shuttle from JR Kaga Onsen Station (advance reservation recommended).
Standard check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is by 10:00 a.m. If you expect to arrive outside shuttle hours or later than usual, notify the property in advance.
Guests with visible tattoos may be refused entry to public bath areas where tattoos could be visible to other guests. Contact the property if you need clarification or alternatives.
Pets are not allowed on the property. Some rooms include private open-air baths, but the public onsen is shared; request options directly with the ryokan if you wish to discuss private use.
The ryokan serves a breakfast buffet and traditional multi-course dinners, typically presented in private seating areas; there are also on-site restaurant, bar and a café lounge. Special dietary needs should be communicated to the property in advance.
The hotel overlooks Lake Shibayama and is about a 25-minute drive from Katano Beach; it sits in the Kaga onsen area with local sightseeing and craft shops. On-site facilities include a souvenir shop and bicycle rentals; ask reception for directions, local transport tips and nearby convenience stores.