Onsen and Garden Nana
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 19 reviews
Onsen and Garden Nana is a restored 200‑year‑old kominka set on a gentle satoyama hill above Kanazawa, offering a calm, low‑energy stay where original timber beams and seasonal gardens shape the experience. The property foregrounds natural materials and a landmark weeping cherry at the entrance, with cultivated maples and ginkgo framing autumn colour. Located within easy driving range of central Kanazawa, this ryokan with onsen in Ishikawa pairs rural tranquillity with straightforward access to city sights, and the public areas are arranged to encourage lingering—tea on the terrace, a quiet book corner and carefully tended herb beds for guests to explore.
The hot spring at Nana is a naturally flowing, undiluted source that feeds roofed open‑air baths on the grounds; several rooms also include exclusive outdoor tubs, and staff operate the baths on an advance‑reservation basis to preserve privacy and water quality. The property emphasises wood‑fired and low‑intervention practices—firewood‑heated water and simple infrastructure—so the bathing experience feels rooted in place rather than stylised. For travellers seeking a more secluded stay, the ryokan with private onsen option provides room‑level access to a covered rotenburo, allowing soaking in all seasons without shared changing room traffic.
Accommodation is intentionally small‑scale: three distinct guest rooms blend historic architecture with modern comforts, modestly sized living areas and practical amenities for longer stays. Meals focus on local producers and seasonal techniques—kamado‑cooked rice, preserved and fermented side dishes, mountain vegetables and occasional wild game—served in an intimate dining space that doubles as a café at other times. Practical touches include on‑site parking and options for private airport or station transfers by arrangement; the overall proposition is a countryside ryokan that prioritises slow dining, natural hot springs and a close connection to the surrounding landscape.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Onsen and Garden Nana
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, locally sourced multi-course meals
Multiple guests highlighted the food as the main attraction — beautifully presented, multi-course dinners using local ingredients and creative preparation; some compared meals to a Michelin-style experience and praised welcome cocktails and breakfast options.
Warm, attentive and hospitable staff
Reviewers consistently mentioned friendly, welcoming owners and staff who were helpful, made guests feel like family, and provided attentive service throughout the stay.
High-quality onsen and bathing options
Guests enjoyed private in-room onsens (for some room types), a well-maintained outdoor rock bath, very hot indoor baths, and overall clean, relaxing bathing facilities that were a highlight of the stay.
Serene setting and beautiful property
The building, gardens and riverside location were described as peaceful and thoughtfully curated — calming music, nature sounds, and a tranquil atmosphere made it an ideal escape and a memorable stopover between major cities.
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms and extras
Rooms were spacious, tastefully decorated and comfortable (noted soft beds); some guests received upgrades, family suites included a play area for children, and the property offered an extensive wine and sake selection.
Negative Reviews
Unclear drink pricing and charges
At least one guest was confused about which drinks were included and was surprised by additional charges for wine and other beverages; billing/communication about drinks could be clearer.
Remote location requiring taxis
The inn is about a 20–30 minute taxi ride from many Kanazawa sights; several guests noted the distance — appreciated for privacy but important to consider for sightseeing logistics.
Slow or inconsistent service timing
Some reviewers experienced slow service or long dinner durations; there were reports of delays and occasional staff oversights (for example, extra bed not prepared or child served an unintended menu).
Onsen access varies by room type
Not all rooms have an onsen directly connected; family suites have private baths just outside the room rather than in-room onsens, which some guests noted as a minor downside.
Noise from children can affect tranquility
Although children are welcome, a few guests mentioned that active children reduced the otherwise very relaxing atmosphere at times, impacting the serenity for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has three guest rooms: Keyaki (2–4 guests), Yamazakura (2–4 guests) and Kuri (2–3 guests), suitable for small groups or families; whole-inn rental is available by prior inquiry.
On-site springs are natural, undiluted free-flowing onsen; there are several roofed open-air private baths, some directly attached to rooms and others reservable for guests.
A private shuttle in a car is available by advance reservation; the nearest major airport is Komatsu (about 40–45 km), so please arrange transfers with the property in advance.
The ryokan is roughly a 25–30 minute drive from Kanazawa Station; on-site private parking is available for guests (about six regular spaces plus two EV spaces).
Staff communicate in Japanese and English.
You stay in a carefully restored 200‑year‑old farmhouse set in satoyama with seasonal gardens and a weeping cherry tree, offering a quiet, authentic rural Japanese experience.
Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle are about a 10–15 minute drive, while the UNESCO villages of Shirakawa‑go and Gokayama are roughly an hour away by car.
Standard check-in begins at 16:00 and check-out is typically by 10:00–10:30; please confirm exact times on your reservation.
Whole‑inn rental (private hire) can be arranged in advance; pets are not allowed; there is no on‑site supermarket but convenience stores and supermarkets are a short drive away and staff can advise directions.
There is an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and seasonal multi-course dinners using local ingredients, and vegetarian, vegan and gluten‑free options can be provided with advance notice.