Yamanaka Onsen Kissho Yamanaka
8,9/10 Excellent - Based on 172 reviews
Nestled along a mountain stream in the historic Yamanaka Onsen village, Yamanaka Onsen Kissho Yamanaka presents a measured blend of Kaga tradition and contemporary comfort. The property’s public spaces and guest rooms emphasize tatami flooring, river views and restrained Kaga-style design, creating a calm base for exploring the gorge and lacquerware workshops nearby. As a ryokan with onsen in Kaga, Ishikawa, it positions guests to experience seasonal scenery from rooms that range from classic Japanese-style with futons to mixed Japanese–Western layouts that include indoor baths or river-facing windows.
The bathing facilities are a core feature: visitors can use spacious communal baths and outdoor onsen that capture the sound of the stream, and the ryokan offers chartered private baths for exclusive use, alongside a full-service spa that focuses on regional treatments. Meals follow the local multi-course kaiseki approach, served across several in-house restaurants that showcase Kaga produce and seafood; evening programming sometimes includes short traditional dance presentations in the lobby. Practical services include a hotel shuttle from the local station, guest parking and 24-hour reception, which support both longer stays and shorter stopovers.
Rooms are equipped with modern essentials—air conditioning, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, kettle and air-purifying units—while communal conveniences include free Wi‑Fi and luggage storage, making the property suitable for couples, families and small groups. The ryokan is a useful base for visiting Kakusenkei Gorge, the town’s lacquerware studios and the famous public bath at Kikunoyu, and it can be arranged as a stepping-stone to wider Ishikawa attractions for guests seeking a traditional onsen experience; it also functions well as a ryokan with private onsen in Ishikawa for those who prefer reserved bathing.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamanaka Onsen Kissho Yamanaka
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Guests repeatedly praised the hot springs—both indoor and outdoor public baths and private onsens were described as clean, pleasant and not crowded. Private baths were available and well maintained, and some guests enjoyed nearly exclusive use.
Delicious and varied food offerings
Many reviewers highlighted the high quality and variety of meals: traditional Japanese cuisine, fresh seafood, teppanyaki, and generous breakfast and dinner. The property also provides complimentary treats (afternoon pancakes, puddings, free coffee/tea, happy hour snacks and desserts) and staff often accommodated dietary needs.
Warm, attentive service and hospitality
Staff were frequently described as welcoming, professional and caring; reviewers mentioned thoughtful gestures (celebration treats, special service) and enjoyable cultural activities such as an evening geiko/Geisha performance.
Scenic setting and comfortable rooms
The ryokan’s location in a picturesque village with river/valley or mountain views was appreciated. Rooms were described as spacious and traditionally furnished (futon, yukata), often with tea/coffee sets and good views—ideal for relaxing.
Convenient shuttle and pleasant lounge amenities
Multiple guests valued the complimentary shuttle service to/from Kaga/Kagaonsen station and the spacious lounge offering free drinks and a comfortable space to read or relax. Some noted additional benefits from sister-hotel arrangements (e.g., free tempura or bar).
Negative Reviews
Breakfast timing and communication issues
Several guests found breakfast scheduling restrictive or poorly explained—hours end early for late-morning guests, and some guests wished staff had clearly explained that breakfast is prepared in front of them.
Inconsistent food experiences for some stays
While many praised the cuisine, a few guests reported problems: one was disappointed by a restaurant run by an external chain (small portions, uneven service), and long stays found meals a bit heavy day after day and would have liked lighter options occasionally.
Location is somewhat far from the station
Although a shuttle is provided and appreciated, multiple reviewers noted the ryokan is not within easy walking distance of Kaga station and can feel a bit remote from the station itself.
Some room amenities feel dated
A few guests mentioned that certain in-room amenities appeared run down or in need of maintenance, even though rooms were generally clean and comfortable.
Occasional minor service lapses
Isolated reports described small service lapses at departure (e.g., staff occupied on the phone, limited assistance during check-out), which guests found surprising given the otherwise high level of hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers rooms for couples and families, including larger Japanese-style rooms; maximum occupancy varies by room type so please confirm the person limit when booking each room.
Facilities include indoor public baths, outdoor (rotenburo) baths, a foot bath and on-site private/chartered baths; public onsen hours generally run from the afternoon into the following morning, so check reception for exact times.
Private/chartered baths are available for guests; contact reception on arrival or in advance to reserve a time and learn about any time limits.
Yes — there is a scheduled shuttle between JR Kaga Onsen Station and the ryokan and a shuttle from Komatsu Airport; shuttle use requires advance reservation.
The nearest airport is Komatsu; travel time by shuttle or car is roughly 20–45 minutes depending on service, while Kanazawa is about an hour by train plus the ryokan shuttle from Kaga Onsen Station.
Staff provide service in Japanese and English and can assist with local sightseeing recommendations and arranging transport or activities.
The ryokan has three on-site restaurants serving Kaga cuisine, teppanyaki and seasonal kaiseki meals; evening traditional dance performances and typical ryokan hospitality are also offered.
Nearby highlights include Kakusenkei Gorge, Korogi Bridge and Kutani pottery galleries; Eiheiji Temple and the UNESCO villages of Shirakawa‑go/Gokayama are reachable by car for day trips.
Check-in is normally from 14:00 to 19:00; check-out is between 07:00 and 11:00, but confirm times with the ryokan when you book.
Pets are not permitted on the property; the onsen village has souvenir shops, small stores and convenience outlets within a short walk, while larger supermarkets are found in nearby Kaga.