Kanazawa Hyakurakusou
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 43 reviews
Kanazawa Hyakurakusou is a purposefully refined onsen ryokan set in the wooded slopes of Yuwaku, Kanazawa, offering a calm, adult-focused retreat across two distinct buildings: the Iroha main building and the more intimate Kagura annex. The property presents a compact collection of traditional Japanese-style rooms and suites designed for privacy and relaxation, with mountain-facing views, tatami living areas and a selection of rooms that include semi-outdoor baths. A complimentary shuttle links the ryokan with Kanazawa’s central attractions and station at scheduled times, making it practical to combine city sightseeing with a countryside hot-spring stay; the property also advertises English-speaking staff to assist international guests. This ryokan with onsen Kanazawa balances secluded natural setting with direct access to the city’s cultural sites.
Thermal facilities are a defining feature: guests can reserve four large private baths that are included for use during a stay and some room types provide their own open-air bathing. The onsen water comes from multiple Yuwaku sources and is described on site as a sodium-calcium-sulfate-chloride spring with mild alkalinity; bathing options therefore span communal open-air and reservable private onsen experiences. Rooms are grouped into categories such as Japanese-style suites and junior suites, and select accommodations include comforts like complimentary drinks in a mini-fridge and lounge access in the Kagura annex, which offers a premium Onborato lounge with light refreshments and evening service.
Food and additional facilities focus on local hospitality: multi-course kaiseki dinners highlight seasonal Ishikawa ingredients and a Japanese-style afternoon tea is served in the Iroha building, while communal spaces include a game lounge, beauty treatment options and small bars. House rules and shuttle reservations are handled at check-in, and the ryokan emphasises a measured, low-key service model suitable for couples or travellers seeking a restorative stay. For visitors prioritising private bathing in the region, this property functions as a ryokan with private onsen Ishikawa that combines traditional design, food-forward dining and curated guest services.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kanazawa Hyakurakusou
Positive Reviews
Outstanding multi-course dining (kaiseki)
Many reviewers called the dinner and breakfast the highlight of their stay — carefully prepared, plentiful, beautifully presented kaiseki meals served in private dining rooms that exceeded expectations.
Attentive, helpful staff (often English-capable)
Staff are frequently described as friendly, accommodating and proactive (including pre-arrival communication). Multiple guests noted English-speaking employees or good English support who helped with bookings, meal needs and special requests.
Private in-room and public onsen baths
Guests praised the hot springs experience — private semi-open in-room baths and open-air/public onsen were comfortable, private and added a memorable onsen element to the stay.
Serene, well-presented ryokan atmosphere
Reviewers enjoyed the peaceful, lush environment, tasteful ryokan-style rooms and public areas, clean facilities, yukata experience and an overall relaxing ambience.
Useful shuttle/amenities and leisure facilities
The hotel shuttle/bus from the train station was described as convenient and timely. Additional amenities cited positively include a game room (darts, pool, ping‑pong), reading area and complimentary coffee/tea.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport cost
Several guests found the ryokan far from Kanazawa center (about 25–30 minutes), noting taxis are expensive (reported ~USD50 each way) and some taxis require cash; shuttle helps but remoteness is a drawback for some.
Price vs perceived value
A number of reviewers felt the rates were high relative to the quality of facilities and room offerings, saying they expected more for the price and that the property sometimes did not feel commensurate with premium pricing.
Room size, layout constraints and low doorways
Photos were reported as making rooms seem larger than reality; standard Japanese rooms can feel tight for four people, tatami areas serve multiple purposes, and some doorways/room transitions are low, requiring caution.
Occasional service mistakes and cleanliness issues
While staff are generally praised, some guests experienced errors (luggage/bedding sent to wrong rooms, incorrect futon setups) or noted rooms were not 100% clean on arrival; a few also reported chilly or less warm interactions at reception.
Language inconsistency and some maintenance/age issues
Although many encountered English-capable staff, others found communication difficult due to limited English. A few guests mentioned aging or poorly maintained elements (untended garden/deck, older building), and isolated issues such as insects entering when windows were opened.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 24 rooms in total; room types vary and some accommodate up to six people using futons while many are sized for 2–4 guests.
Yes; the property offers communal male and female baths plus multiple private baths, and several rooms include en-suite open-air (rotenburo) baths.
Yes; a free shuttle runs between Kanazawa Station, the Kenrokuen area and the ryokan on set schedules, but advance reservation is required and seats are limited.
Komatsu Airport is the nearest (about 46 km); take the airport bus to Kanazawa Station then use the ryokan’s shuttle or a taxi for the final transfer.
Yes; the ryokan has English-speaking staff and reviewers frequently note helpful English assistance at check-in and during meals.
Reception is open during daytime and evening hours; exact check-in and check-out times vary by reservation, so confirm your arrival time with the ryokan in advance—shuttle schedules suggest afternoon arrivals are common.
Yes; some rooms have private open-air baths and there are private-bath options for couples or families—advance booking is recommended for private facilities.
Pets are generally not accepted; full privatization of the ryokan is not a standard offering, so contact reservations directly for any special requests or exceptions.
Yuwaku Onsen is a small mountain village with limited shops; there is no supermarket on site, but central Kanazawa has supermarkets and the ryokan provides restaurants and meal service.
The ryokan has multiple dining venues serving regional Hokuriku cuisine (breakfast and multi-course dinners); dietary restrictions can usually be accommodated if the hotel is notified in advance.