Machi no Odoriba
9.9/10 (Based on 262 reviews )
920-0845 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Hyoutanmachi 7-6, Japan
Machi no Odoriba is a renovated machiya-style hotel in Hyōtanmachi, Kanazawa (Ishikawa), about a 12-minute walk from Kanazawa Station. The property focuses on private bathing: each guest room includes its own private onsen bath, allowing an in-room hot-spring soak at any time without using shared facilities. Interiors combine traditional elements such as tatami and yukata with modern comfort features, and the house opens onto a quiet garden setting. Dinner is arranged through a partner restaurant, while breakfast highlights local Hokuriku rice cooked in a traditional clay pot. A kura-style café space is also part of the stay experience, and parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Outstanding service with understated charm; beautiful ambience; old-world warmth.
- Unique and special accommodation; feels like stepping into another world; stunning.
- Beautiful and comfortable room; staff super helpful; breakfast exceptional.
- Friendly and welcoming staff; dreamy ryokan; private onsen; spacious with a gorgeous garden; delicious breakfast and incredible food options.
- Great location in a quiet neighborhood, within walking distance of sights; staff friendly and accommodating; free tea/coffee mentioned.
Negative reviews
- Garden has mosquitoes; citronella candle and bug spray provided.
- Some ceilings are low due to the original architecture.
- Mosquito nets over the bed described as “decorative” led to mosquito bites; description felt misleading.
- Garden lights left on at night; may need a sleeping mask.
- Noisy neighbors/limited soundproofing (old wooden building); baby crying or neighbors being loud around bedtime mentioned.
黒梅屋 Kurumiya
9.8/10 (Based on 303 reviews )
920-0902 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, 1-9-14 Owaricho, Japan
Kurumiya (Kanazawa Owaricho, Ishikawa) is a small ryokan-style hot-spring inn with only five guest rooms, set in Owaricho between Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya District. The key feature is the onsen: every room has a private hot-spring bath supplied from Kazan Onsen in Toyama, with a large tub designed for two adults. The spring is described as a mildly alkaline simple spring with sodium chloride and alkaline hypotonic mineral components, associated with warming effects, relief from cold sensitivity, and fatigue recovery. Rooms are non-smoking and include free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, an air purifier, minibar, and in-room safe. Breakfast is served on-site in the second-floor dining area, with a Japanese set meal format.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptional, very attentive and helpful staff; great service and hospitality
- Small boutique property with only 5 comfortable rooms; beautiful design with handcrafted/traditional details
- Private in-room onsen/mineral/hot spring bath highlighted as a major plus
- Breakfast repeatedly described as amazing/delicious/traditional, varied, beautifully presented and high quality
- Complimentary lounge/mini-fridge items (drinks, sake/wine, snacks, ice cream) noted as generous value; good walkable location for Kanazawa sights
Negative reviews
- Some guests noted there was nothing negative / no dislikes
- Room/bedroom noise from car traffic / along a road
- Lack of natural light in rooms/restroom (some felt claustrophobic)
- Location noted as about 25 minutes’ walk from Kanazawa station
- Minor room/amenity issues mentioned: weak AC; no mirror in main room; automatic tap turning off; parking hard to find/unclear directions; wish for dinner offering; milk in fridge for coffee; twin beds instead of queen/king; window views not beautiful/ordinary city look
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hidden Ryokan in Kanazawaー
9.8/10 (Based on 97 reviews )
920-1302 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Suemachi 23-10, Japan
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen (Takitei) is a riverside ryokan in Suemachi, Ishikawa, set in a quiet area along the upper Saigawa River, away from central Kanazawa. The property offers a natural hot-spring onsen described as a weak alkaline spring, with large communal baths for men and women and open-air rock baths. Selected rooms also include a private open-air bath. Dining is centered on seasonal Japanese cuisine, typically served as kaiseki-style dinner with breakfast, with meals offered at the on-site restaurant “Rakuzen”. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi in guest rooms and free parking on site, with access by car or bus from Kanazawa Station.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Japanese-style rooms described as comfortable, spacious, beautiful, and well equipped (some with views, balcony, private bath/onsen, massage chair).
- Onsen facilities praised as super clean and beyond expectations, with indoor/outdoor options and views (forest/hillside/waterfall).
- Food widely praised (kaiseki dinner and breakfast) as amazing/delicious, beautifully presented, high quality and plentiful.
- Staff repeatedly described as attentive, polite, kind, patient, helpful, and providing exceptional hospitality (including English-speaking support, early check-in, gifts/welcome drinks).
- Serene/tranquil setting and beautiful, well-kept property with gardens/waterfall and extra spaces like lounges and libraries (books/manga), plus snacks/drinks in lounge areas.
Negative reviews
- Check-in could take a while (waiting for an English-speaking staff member; long tour and use of Google Translate), with a suggestion that a pamphlet could save time.
- Location is out of the way/outskirts of Kanazawa; often requires taxi (about 20–30 minutes from city centre) and can cost JPY 3000–4000.
- Breakfast noted by one guest as not to the same standard as dinner.
- Kaiseki meals may be challenging for non-adventurous/conservative palates.
- Food portions were very large; some guests struggled to finish everything.
Kocho
9.8/10 (Based on 22 reviews )
922-0126 Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanaka Onsen Kajika-cho Ho 1, Japan
Kocho (胡蝶) is a traditional ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga (Ishikawa Prefecture), set along the Kakusenkei Gorge area and close to local landmarks such as Ayatori Bridge and Korogi Bridge. The property’s bathing facilities use the Yamanaka hot-spring waters; the official information highlights an indoor bath designed for seasonal views through the windows, with the atmosphere focused on quiet relaxation. Dining centers on kaiseki-style cuisine featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes, served in a classic ryokan setting. Guests can also expect typical in-room comforts such as air conditioning and Wi‑Fi, with on-site parking available according to public listings.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Good service and friendly.
- Beautiful property, lovely Onsen.
- excellent dinner and breakfast.
- heart warming services from all staff.
- hotel bus service makes our trip so comfortable and easy.
Negative reviews
- WiFi 有點差
- It's definitely a bit expensive, so I might not recommend it if you don't think you'll enjoy the whole ryokan experience.
- Not at this time.
- nothing
- Everything was the best we could have imagined
Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokarian
9.7/10 (Based on 21 reviews )
920-1123 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Yuwakumachi i 68, Japan
Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokarian (Kokarian) is a small, adults-oriented ryokan in Yuwaku Onsen, a quiet hot-spring village in the hills of Kanazawa, Ishikawa. The key feature is in-room bathing: all four suites are non-smoking and include a private onsen bath—either an open-air rotenburo or a semi open-air style—so you can soak without using shared facilities (there is no public large bath on site). The hot-spring water is a sodium chloride/sulfate spring from the Yuwaku Onsen source. Dining focuses on locally sourced Hokuriku ingredients, served as creative kaiseki for dinner and a substantial Japanese breakfast in a private or semi-private dining room. A lobby lounge is available, and on-site parking is provided.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Amazing
- Fantastic location
- Very friendly staff
- Free shuttle from the train station to the property and on return
- Own private onsen
Negative reviews
- Difficulty setting the room to the right temperature (too hot or freezing cold), impacting sleep
- Food portions generous but too bland
- Ventilation fan in the room was very loud and disturbed sleep
- Staff do not speak English (but adapt using translation software)
- RAS
Kohan-no-Yado Morimoto
9.6/10 (Based on 22 reviews )
922-0412 Ishikawa, Kaga, Katayamazu Onsen 63-1, Japan
Kohan-no-Yado Morimoto is a long-established ryokan in Katayamazu Onsen, Ishikawa, set by Lake Shibayamagata in the center of the hot-spring town. The property’s main draw is its natural hot-spring bathing: a large public bath with lake views, open-air baths, and two reservable private baths (one lakeside, one garden-facing). The ryokan states its baths use 100% natural hot-spring water and are continuously replenished. Meals are served on-site, with seasonal local ingredients presented in Japanese-style dining. Common areas are designed for calm downtime, including a lobby lounge atmosphere and an in-house shop for small essentials and souvenirs.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Great staff
- Great location
- Very authentic Japanese experience
- Lovely staff
- Great view (including from the onsen / rooms facing the lake)
Negative reviews
- Don’t expect up-market furnishings
- Way overpriced
- Only bath towels provided; would have liked a face-washing towel in the room
- Overall the property feels old (though repaired/cleaned)
- Outdoor hot spring (mentioned as a negative point)
Motoyu Ishiya
9.3/10 (Based on 801 reviews )
920-0165 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Fukatanimachi chi 95, Japan
Motoyu Ishiya is a traditional ryokan in Fukatani (Fukaya) Onsen, a quiet valley area about 20 minutes by car from Kanazawa Station and the city center. The main draw is its amber-colored “moor” hot spring, described as smooth water rich in plant-derived organic matter and bicarbonate; bathing areas include separate men’s and women’s public baths and a small open-air bath with an operable window. Private onsen reservations are not offered. Dining focuses on seasonal kaiseki featuring Kaga vegetables, seafood from Nanao Port, and local specialties such as jibu-ni; some plans include Noto beef. The property preserves a historic atmosphere and includes a classic Noh stage, lounge and rest areas, and private dining rooms. Free parking is available.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Sensational/amazing dinner and breakfast; high-quality traditional kaiseki meals
- Very kind, welcoming, attentive and helpful staff; excellent service
- Onsen/hot spring described as wonderful/terrific/excellent; clean facilities and soothing/therapeutic water
- Traditional, authentic ryokan atmosphere with historic character; beautiful property/artifacts
- Peaceful setting in nature with well-maintained surroundings/gardens; relaxing calm atmosphere
Negative reviews
- Staff can be too strict with meal timings/timetables; timings described as too tight
- Location is far from the city/center; often requires taxi and public transport options can be limited (e.g., only one bus)
- Onsen/outdoor bath can feel basic/small or have limited/no view (walls/glass roof); some found it less special at night
- Some rooms/facilities issues: dry room in winter with air con; room can get cold; dated/small bathroom; some facilities feel dated
- Comfort issues for some: futon/beds not comfortable; many/steep stairs can be difficult
Matsusaki
9.1/10 (Based on 154 reviews )
923-1245 Ishikawa, Nomi, Tatsunokuchi 3-1 , Japan
Matsusaki is a traditional ryokan in Tatsunokuchi Onsen (Nomi, Ishikawa), set around a landscaped Japanese garden. The onsen uses Tatsunokuchi hot-spring water (mildly alkaline, sulfur-containing sodium sulfate–chloride). Bathing options include separate large public baths in the main building (with both a heated bath and a cooler bath fed at source temperature), open-air baths facing the garden, and three panoramic open-air baths on the top floor of the Hou-ou building with views toward the Hakusan range. A private open-air bath is also available for exclusive use. Dinner is served as seasonal kaiseki prepared by in-house chefs using local ingredients, with menus changing regularly. Practical amenities include free parking and property-organized shuttle transfers (advance request required).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Delicious Japanese kaiseki-style breakfast and dinner; meals described as excellent/superb and well presented.
- Convenient access with shuttle service (pick-up/drop-off) to Matto and Komatsu stations.
- Helpful, attentive and friendly staff (often mentioning Natalie); owners also welcome guests.
- Relaxing, tranquil atmosphere with a beautiful garden/setting; pleasant views (pond/garden).
- Private open-air onsen/bath in-room is a highlight and considered a luxury; rooms described as spacious/comfortable.
Negative reviews
- Some areas/facilities feel dated/worn/shabby.
- Room seating comfort: lack of comfortable lounge seating; floor/tatami seating can be uncomfortable for some guests.
- Bedding comfort issues: futon a little hard (and one guest wished for tatami-futon-floor beds).
- Practical issues: more convenient power outlets requested.
- Odor/noise/location concerns: musty smell reported; one room was very loud at night due to a motor; some found the location isolated/inconvenient (though shuttle helps).
Tachibana Shikitei
9.1/10 (Based on 71 reviews )
922-0256 Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamashiro-Onsen Banshoen-dori 16 , Japan
Tachibana Shikitei is a traditional ryokan in Yamashiro Onsen (Kaga, Ishikawa), located on Banshoen-dori in the heart of the hot-spring town. The onsen uses water from the historic “Yamashiro No. 1” source. Guests can bathe in the large public bath area, including a garden open-air bath set among trees, and some room categories feature private open-air hot-spring baths (including hinoki cypress tubs). Dining focuses on seasonal kaiseki cuisine, served either in a private dining room (Senshinkan) or in-room depending on the plan and room. The property also offers a tea and bar lounge, free Wi‑Fi, and free parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Exceptionally hospitable, warm and attentive staff; guests felt very welcome (named staff mentioned: Hitomi-san, Midori, Tomoko, Kana, Natsuko, Toma).
- Outstanding food: kaiseki/multi-course dinners and breakfasts described as delicious, plentiful and even Michelin-star-like; beautiful presentation.
- Onsen experience highly praised: private in-room/open-air baths (including heated spa pool on balcony) and attractive shared indoor/outdoor baths.
- Rooms/suites described as spacious, comfortable and spotless/very clean; well organised facilities.
- Great atmosphere and setting: serene, beautiful surroundings and views (shrines/temple/shrine garden path/greens); extras noted like yukatas provided, station pickup/shuttle, and thoughtful help (e.g., shipping a forgotten jacket).
Negative reviews
- Train-station pickup times could have been more flexible.
- One guest found the stay too “full-on” with little flexibility (staff in personal space, resistance to deviating from the plan; meals at set times in-room; no restaurant).
- In summer, one guest felt the hot spring wasn’t as enjoyable due to warm weather (27°C at midnight).
- One guest reported a very bad experience: food described as inedible, no shower found, language barrier (no English), and being forced to pay upfront; they left after 12 hours.
- Some guests mentioned specific minor issues: town of Kagaonsen not as charming as expected; insects prevented relaxing in the room’s open-air bath; makeup room could have tissues; meal content felt lacking local/regional character; one review listed “location” as a negative.
Kuriya Yasohachi
9.1/10 (Based on 27 reviews )
922-0139 Ishikawa, Kaga, Yamanakaonsen Sugatanimachi 62, Japan
Kuriya Yasohachi (also known as Yamanaka Onsen “Kuriya Yasohachi” / 山中温泉 厨八十八) is a Japanese ryokan in Kaga’s Yamanaka Onsen area, Ishikawa (922-0139, Sugatanimachi Ro-62). The on-site hot-spring bathing is centered on shared facilities, with separate large baths for men and women and an open-air bath. A private bath option is also mentioned by several public listings, but details vary by source, so availability and conditions should be confirmed locally. Dining is a key part of the stay: the inn emphasizes rice culture and serves Japanese meals, with freshly cooked rice highlighted at breakfast. The property offers a restaurant area plus private dining rooms. Practical features include Wi‑Fi and free on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Simply perfect; guests praised being looked after by Hiroko in the dining room
- Beautiful, serene setting; a great onsen for relaxing/unwinding
- Outstanding traditional Japanese meals (dinner and breakfast), including very fresh seafood
- Excellent service, including pickup/drop-off shuttle from the JR station and helpful staff/drivers
- Spacious Japanese-style rooms, sometimes with a terrace overlooking the river; complimentary lounge drinks/snacks (e.g., ice cream, sake, whiskey, tea, wine)
Negative reviews
- Location is a longer walk/out of the way from town (though a shuttle is available)
- Rooms are not super modern; some areas of the building feel aged/could use a refresh
- Lack of transparency about extra charges (e.g., karaoke charged without clear pricing/inclusion)
- Room issue reported: rough wooden door track causing wood splinters and injury; manager perceived as not proactive
- Onsen/bath-related issues mentioned: water felt too hot for some; long route to the public bath; no towel in the toilet area
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machi no Odoriba | 9.9▲ | 262 | 3▼ | 10.0▲ | 9.9 | 9.9 | 9.4 | 9.5▲ | 9.9▲ |
| 2 | 黒梅屋 Kurumiya | 9.8 | 303 | 4 | 9.9 | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.7▲ | 9.4 | 9.9▲ |
| 3 | TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hidden Ryokan in Kanazawaー | 9.8 | 97 | 5▲ | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.9 | 9.2 | 9.5▲ | 9.9▲ |
| 4 | Kocho | 9.8 | 22 | 4 | 10.0▲ | 9.8 | 9.6 | 9.5 | 9.2 | 9.5 |
| 5 | Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokarian | 9.7 | 21▼ | 3▼ | 10.0▲ | 9.8 | 9.9 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.9▲ |
| 6 | Kohan-no-Yado Morimoto | 9.6 | 22 | 4 | 9.7▼ | 9.8 | 9.8 | 9.7▲ | 8.9 | 9.1 |
| 7 | Motoyu Ishiya | 9.3 | 801▲ | 4 | 9.7▼ | 9.5 | 9.4▼ | 8.4 | 8.7 | 9.3 |
| 8 | Matsusaki | 9.1▼ | 154 | 4 | 9.8 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 9.1 |
| 9 | Tachibana Shikitei | 9.1▼ | 71 | 5▲ | 9.7▼ | 9.4 | 9.5 | 8.8 | 8.3▼ | 9.0 |
| 10 | Kuriya Yasohachi | 9.1▼ | 27 | 4 | 9.7▼ | 9.2▼ | 9.4▼ | 8.3▼ | 8.6 | 8.8▼ |
FAQ
Machi no Odoriba is a strong pick if you want a hot-spring soak without shared facilities, since each room includes its own private onsen bath. The stay blends renovated machiya charm with modern comforts, plus a quiet garden setting. Breakfast highlights local Hokuriku rice cooked in a traditional clay pot, with dinner arranged via a partner restaurant.
黒梅屋 Kurumiya is ideal if you want a small, ryokan-style stay between Omicho Market and the Higashi Chaya District. Every room has a private hot-spring bath supplied from Kazan Onsen, with a large tub designed for two adults. Breakfast is served on-site as a Japanese set meal, and rooms are non-smoking with Wi‑Fi and air conditioning.
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen is set along the upper Saigawa River, offering a peaceful, nature-focused atmosphere away from central Kanazawa. It features large communal baths plus open-air rock baths, and selected rooms include a private open-air bath. Seasonal Japanese cuisine is served at the on-site restaurant, typically as kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast.
Kocho is a classic choice in Yamanaka Onsen, set near the Kakusenkei Gorge area and close to local bridges and scenic walks. The ryokan uses Yamanaka hot-spring waters and emphasizes quiet relaxation with an indoor bath designed for seasonal views. Dining centers on kaiseki cuisine featuring local ingredients and seasonal dishes.
Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokarian is a small, adults-oriented ryokan where all suites include a private onsen bath, either open-air or semi open-air. It focuses on in-room soaking and does not offer a large public bath. Dinner is served as creative kaiseki using local Hokuriku ingredients, with a substantial Japanese breakfast in a private or semi-private dining space.