TAOYA Wakura
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 134 reviews
TAOYA Wakura reopened under the TAOYA brand in April 2025 following a period of refurbishment and rebranding of the former Kinpaso property. Perched on the edge of Nanao Bay in the Wakura Onsen district, the property positions itself as a sea‑facing ryokan offering a mix of tatami and Western‑style rooms, many with direct ocean views and several with in‑room baths that overlook the water. Management has added wellness features, and public bathing facilities remain a core part of the guest experience.
Facilities include multiple onsen bathing options arranged to exploit the bay panorama: an outdoor “infinity” hot spring for sea views, a communal indoor bath, and newly introduced wellness spaces such as a sauna and a bedrock (stone) bath. Dining emphasizes local Noto ingredients in a largely buffet‑style service with live‑kitchen stations showcasing regional seafood preparations, and a lobby lounge provides complimentary drinks throughout the day. Guest rooms typically feature air conditioning, refrigerator, electric kettle and flat‑screen TV, reflecting a practical blend of traditional ryokan elements and modern conveniences.
Practical amenities cover a 24‑hour front desk, luggage storage, free on‑site parking and Wi‑Fi, making the property a convenient base for exploring the Noto Peninsula’s coastal sights and nearby temples and museums. The combination of ocean views, communal bathing options and local cuisine makes TAOYA Wakura a straightforward choice for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen on the Noto Peninsula while also serving as a representative ryokan with onsen in Ishikawa prefecture. Staff and communal facilities are set up to accommodate couples and families as well as solo visitors.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: TAOYA Wakura
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen and bathing facilities
Many guests praised the onsen experience — infinity outdoor baths with sea views, rock and hot saunas, and large public baths were repeatedly described as a highlight.
Beautiful ocean views and sunsets
Numerous reviews mention excellent ocean-facing rooms with memorable sea views, sunsets and opportunities to feed seabirds from the balcony.
Generous buffet and food options
Many visitors enjoyed the buffet-style meals, describing a wide variety of dishes, good quality seafood options and overall satisfying dining experiences; some also appreciated free drinks and snacks available in the lounge.
Clean, refreshed property and comfortable rooms
Several guests noted the property felt fresh after renovations, was very clean and well presented, and found the beds and rooms comfortable.
Warm, welcoming service and cultural experience
Guests said staff were polite and friendly; some highlighted the all‑inclusive onsen stay as a special cultural immersion that made them feel welcomed and privileged.
Negative Reviews
Buffet organization and occasional quality issues
A number of guests reported problems with the buffet — overcrowding, stressful service, inconsistent food quality for some meals, and at times a lack of staff or clear guidance when seating.
Aging rooms and maintenance problems
Several reviews mentioned outdated room facilities or wear-and-tear issues: broken bidet functions, dusty areas (e.g. around the safe), and general signs that some rooms need maintenance or updating.
Small or awkwardly designed bathrooms
Some guests found bathrooms in certain room types to be small, and experienced plumbing issues such as sinks that splashed water onto the counter.
Service lapses and shuttle/desk issues
There were reports of front-desk or shuttle problems — inexperienced-seeming staff, a shuttle that departed without picking up booked guests, and slow responses when vending or drink machines failed.
Privacy and cleanliness details
A few guests raised concerns about layout and hygiene: visible lockers at the women’s bath entrance affecting privacy, tatami shedding debris onto clothing, and isolated cleanliness annoyances that detracted from the stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin, triple and multiple family configurations; some family rooms can sleep up to eight guests using a mix of beds and futons. Exact maximum occupancy depends on the room type and is shown on your booking confirmation.
Yes — the property offers public hot-spring baths including an outdoor infinity-style bath, a sauna and a bedrock (ganbanyoku) area. Standard onsen etiquette applies: wash before entering, do not wear swimwear, and cover or conceal visible tattoos when required.
A dedicated hotel shuttle is not listed on the booking page; many guests arrive via JR Wakura Onsen Station and use short taxi rides or arrange pick-up with the hotel. Contact the property before arrival to request any available pickup.
Noto Satoyama (Noto‑Wajima) is the nearest regional airport (around 45–50 km), while Komatsu and Toyama offer more flight options with longer transfers. Typical transfers use taxis or public services via Kanazawa, or a combination of airport limousine buses and limited‑express trains to JR Wakura Onsen Station.
Japanese is the primary language at the ryokan; some staff members can assist in basic English. If you need detailed English assistance, request it in advance or use a translation app.
Expect a seaside ryokan experience with ocean‑view rooms, public hot springs, sauna/bedrock bath facilities and Japanese‑style hospitality combined with buffet dining featuring local Noto seafood. The atmosphere focuses on relaxation, bathing culture and regional cuisine.
Wakura Onsen town itself is walkable and there are nearby sights such as the Notojima Glass Art Museum, Twin Bridge Noto and local temples and coastal scenery suitable for day trips. Local tourism offices and the hotel can suggest timed excursions and sightseeing routes.
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa then a JR limited‑express train to JR Wakura Onsen Station, with local bus or short taxi onward; highway buses also serve the Wakura area from major cities. Check schedules in advance and allow time for connections.
Reception is listed as 24‑hour on the booking page, but exact check‑in and check‑out times vary by reservation and are shown on your booking confirmation. Contact the hotel in advance for early arrivals or late departures to confirm availability.
Some rooms include private baths with sea views and private onsen rentals may be available on request — confirm directly with the hotel. Pets are not commonly accepted at traditional ryokans, so check with the property before bringing animals. Convenience stores, local markets and restaurants are available in the Wakura Onsen area within a short walk or taxi ride.