Awazuonsen Kitahachi
8,3/10 Excellent - Based on 18 reviews
Awazuonsen Kitahachi is a traditional ryokan with onsen in Ishikawa set on the small hot-spring lane of Awazu Onsen, offering a quietly domestic base for exploring the Hokuriku coast. The property sits within easy reach of local transport — a short drive from Awazu Station and under half an hour from the regional airport — and provides a complimentary guest parking area and shuttle service by prior arrangement to simplify arrivals. The setting blends a compact garden and a small public-facing café, positioning the inn as a practical choice for visitors seeking an authentic hot-spring stay rather than a large resort experience.
Rooms follow a conventional Japanese layout with tatami and futon options alongside a limited number of suites with garden views; many units include an ensuite bath or shower, flat-screen television and standard toiletries, and the property maintains complimentary Wi‑Fi across guest areas. Facilities focus on bathing: guests can use indoor communal baths and an outdoor hot-spring bath that draw on the Awazu spring waters, plus ancillary services such as massage and a bar. The ryokan with onsen operation concentrates on calm, routine service rather than extensive leisure programming, and the on-site dining programme offers hotel-prepared meals for guests who reserve ahead.
The experience here suits travellers who prioritise a neighbourhood onsen atmosphere, traditional room styling and straightforward access to regional sights such as Kanazawa and nearby cultural sites. Staff can advise on local sightseeing and arrange transport options; guests are encouraged to observe customary onsen etiquette during public bathing. For visitors planning a short multi-destination trip through Ishikawa, the inn presents a compact, service-oriented option to include a genuine hot-spring stay in a quieter part of the prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Awazuonsen Kitahachi
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple guests highlighted very kind, helpful and polite staff who provided local information and made the stay pleasant.
Delicious meals
Several reviews praised the food—fresh sashimi and well‑prepared meals with good portion sizes and tasty breakfasts.
Relaxing onsen/hot baths
The onsen/hot baths were frequently mentioned as a strong point, described as very nice and enjoyable.
Clean, modern lobby and atmosphere
Guests liked the tidy, stylish lobby and calm atmosphere, which contributed to a comfortable, relaxing stay.
Convenient location for travel/relaxation
Reviewers noted the property's convenient location (handy for Komatsu airport for some) and overall suitability for a short relaxing trip.
Negative Reviews
Outdated room decor and furniture
Multiple guests reported that guest rooms and furnishings feel old or dated (some said 1990s style), even when cleanliness was acceptable.
Garden/grounds maintenance issues
Some guests were disappointed by garden problems—construction blocking views or many fallen leaves making the garden less appealing.
Occasional missing amenities and insects
Instances were reported of a missing toothbrush and a stink bug found in the dining area, indicating occasional lapses in small amenity supply and pest control.
Inconsistent modern vs older areas
A few guests noted a contrast between the modern lobby and the older guest rooms, which created a mismatch in expectations.
Bath temperature
One guest mentioned that the public bath felt a little too hot for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include twin, suite, quadruple and family layouts; some Japanese-style rooms use multiple futons and the largest family room can accommodate groups (booking shows configurations up to 12 futons).
The property offers communal indoor hot-spring baths and an open-air (rotenburo) bath, plus optional services such as massage.
Private onsen rental is not listed as standard; guests should contact the ryokan directly to request or confirm any private-bath options.
A free shuttle is offered but must be reserved at the time of booking; the property is about 9 km from Komatsu Airport.
By car or taxi it’s a short drive from Komatsu Airport (roughly 15–20 minutes); public transport options include buses toward Awazu Onsen from Komatsu Station with a short walk from the Awazu Onsen stop.
Check-in is from 15:00 (guests should arrive by 18:00) and check-out is until 10:00; please notify the ryokan in advance if you expect to arrive after 18:00.
The ryokan has an in-house ryotei (local seafood cuisine) and a cafe; meals at the property require advance reservation (typically at least one day before) and the cafe/restaurants operate in daytime and evening hours.
Children are not allowed and pets are not permitted at the property; guests with tattoos may be refused entry to public bathing areas under the ryokan’s onsen rules.
Staff are highly rated for service; English support may be limited so contact the ryokan ahead of arrival for assistance. The stay is traditional, with tatami rooms, yukata available and kaiseki/ryotei-style meals.
Awazu Onsen’s shops and cafés are within a short walk; nearby attractions include Yunokuni no Mori, and Kanazawa sights such as Kenrokuen and Kanazawa Castle are around 35–36 km away for day trips.