Machi no Odoriba
9,9/10 Exceptional - Based on 247 reviews
Machi no Odoriba occupies a refurbished machiya — a traditional town-house converted into a compact hotel that preserves timber beams, sliding doors and a planted courtyard. Set within walking distance of Kanazawa’s core attractions and roughly a 12‑minute walk from the station, the property positions guests close to Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle and the city’s historic tea‑house districts. The grounds and layered garden offer a quiet contrast to nearby streets, while a small on-site cafe and a seasonal kitchen provide relaxed daytime and evening dining options. As a ryokan with onsen in Kanazawa, the house combines the scale and feel of a town lodging with access to thermal bathing facilities.
Guest rooms follow a hybrid approach: tatami floors and yukata robes sit alongside modern conveniences such as air conditioning, flat‑screen TVs, electric kettles and en suite bathrooms with bidet fittings. Many rooms open onto terraces or face the inner garden, and the layout often emphasizes intimate, low‑furniture seating rather than large hotel corridors. Communal facilities include a hot spring bath for guests and a small café in a kura (storehouse) building; free Wi‑Fi and dedicated parking are available, and the on‑site kitchen focuses on local seafood and seasonal produce drawn from the Hokuriku region.
The experience at Machi no Odoriba centers on measured, local hospitality: the property reads as a short, residential stay rather than an anonymous hotel, which makes it a practical base for exploring Kanazawa and the wider Ishikawa prefecture. Visitors seeking a compact ryokan with onsen in Ishikawa will find a quiet, garden‑anchored option where traditional architecture, curated meals and a thermal bath converge to support short stays and cultural sightseeing. The scale and placement of the property suit travellers who prioritise location, atmosphere and regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Machi no Odoriba
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere
The property is a restored machiya/ryokan offering a genuine old-Japan experience, with period décor, yukatas and an immersive, tranquil setting praised by many guests.
Exceptionally attentive staff
Multiple reviews highlight very friendly, helpful and English‑speaking staff who provide personalised, caring service and go beyond expectations to assist guests.
Private onsen and relaxing baths
Guests consistently value the private hot‑spring baths (onsen) and large, relaxing bathrooms—often described as a standout, soothing feature of the stay.
Excellent traditional meals and breakfast
The kaiseki dinners and traditional breakfasts receive high praise, with several guests calling the breakfasts among the best they had in Japan and the dinner/chef highly rated.
Beautiful rooms, garden and thoughtful amenities
Rooms are described as spacious and apartment‑like, very clean and well equipped; the private Japanese garden, small touches (tea, snacks, toiletries, Bluetooth speaker, guidebook) and overall attention to detail are repeatedly noted.
Negative Reviews
Limited storage and room cleaning
Some guests noted the typical limited wardrobe/storage in traditional Japanese rooms and at least one mentioned a lack of mid‑stay apartment cleaning for the villa booking.
Construction/maintenance affecting the garden
Occasional renovation work with scaffolding in the garden was reported to detract from the otherwise relaxing atmosphere during affected stays.
Noise and limited soundproofing
Because the building is old and largely wooden, a few guests experienced noise from neighbouring rooms and suggested clearer reminders about quiet hours to ensure mutual respect.
Mosquitoes in the garden
Guests who used the garden noted mosquitoes at times; the property provides citronella candles and insect repellent but viewing the garden from indoors was suggested as an alternative.
Mixed feedback on the on‑site dinner option
While many praised the food, at least one guest did not recommend the property’s restaurant for dinner, indicating the on‑site dining may not meet every guest’s expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by type; some rooms have twin beds plus futons and can accommodate families or groups—check the chosen room’s description for exact maximum occupancy.
Many rooms feature a private onsen or in-room hot spring bath; confirm the room amenities when you book to ensure a private bath.
The property is about a 12-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, and free private parking is available on site.
No airport shuttle is listed; the nearest airport is Komatsu Airport, approximately 32 km away, reachable via train or taxi from Kanazawa Station.
Staff speak English, and some guided services such as the jinrikisha tours are offered in English and French.
This machiya-style ryokan is a restored samurai townhouse offering tea-room spaces, a treasury café, jinrikisha tours, and locally focused breakfasts showcasing Hokuriku rice.
Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market, Kenroku-en Garden and the 21st Century Museum are all nearby and reachable on foot or by a short taxi ride.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and you are asked to provide your expected arrival time in advance; check-out is by 10:00.
You can reserve a room with a private in-room onsen; the property’s pet policy is not published online, so please contact the ryokan directly to confirm pet rules.
Breakfast is served on site and highlights local Hokuriku rice prepared in a traditional kamado pot; dinner is available at the on-site or partner restaurant.