TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hidden Ryokan in Kanazawaー
9,8/10 Exceptional - Based on 76 reviews
TAKITEI Riverside Onsen — a quietly sited ryokan along the Saigawa River just outside central Kanazawa — offers a measured blend of traditional architecture, small garden plots and the steady sound of flowing water that structures the guest experience. Rooms face the river or landscaped garden and the property markets itself as a riverside retreat where seasonal foliage and minimalist Japanese detailing set a calm tone. This ryokan with onsen in Ishikawa emphasizes privacy and slow pacing rather than busy tourist services.
The property totals 27 rooms arranged across several wings, including detached "Saigawa" cottages whose ten units each have an outdoor bath and a small number of suites in a separate house with private bathing facilities. Guests may choose rooms with private open-air baths, making it a suitable ryokan with private onsen option for couples or small groups, while a large communal bath with an outdoor rock bath draws on a weak‑alkaline natural spring known locally for its skin‑softening feel. Practical amenities include wired and wireless internet, free parking and a limited pick‑up service from the nearest bus stop by prior arrangement.
Meals follow regional kaiseki traditions: multi-course dinners that highlight Sea of Japan seafood and Kaga vegetables, presented in course sequences and served in a dining room or arranged in-room for select room types. The inn positions itself as an evening retreat after daytime visits to Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya and other Kanazawa sights, reachable by roughly 20–30 minutes’ drive; this balance of culinary focus, private bathing options and a woodland‑framed riverside setting defines the guest proposition.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: TAKITEI Riverside Onsen ーA Hid…
Positive Reviews
Exceptional, attentive service
Staff are repeatedly described as polite, professional and highly attentive — from luggage assistance and guided introductions to personalized touches (e.g., waving guests off, accommodating dietary needs). Many guests felt pampered throughout their stay.
Private onsen and stunning riverside setting
Rooms with private onsen baths and semi open‑air baths overlooking the waterfall, plus outdoor onsen and foot baths, create a tranquil, restorative experience. The gardens, pond and waterfall views are frequently highlighted as magical.
Outstanding kaiseki dining and memorable food
Multi‑course seasonal kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts are praised for quality, presentation and local ingredients; many guests called the meals a highlight of their trip.
Beautiful, tranquil property with thoughtful amenities
The ryokan’s design, communal lounges, multiple libraries, artful details and extras (tea/coffee stations, snacks, massage chairs) contribute to a relaxing atmosphere. Rooms are described as very clean, spacious and well equipped (traditional tatami suites and comfortable western beds).
Negative Reviews
Remote location and transport can be confusing
The ryokan is tucked away and reaching it can require a 25–30 minute bus ride; some guests found station‑to‑bus communication unclear and needed extra help to identify the correct service or arrange taxis.
Very large multi‑course meals may be overwhelming
While food quality is praised, a few guests felt the number and quantity of courses was excessive and noted they might opt to skip a meal on a future stay.
Limited English spoken by some staff
Several reviewers noted that many team members do not speak English; this was generally manageable with translation apps but could be a barrier for some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 27 rooms across several buildings; room capacity varies by type—check each room description when booking for maximum guests and bedding options.
Yes. TAKITEI uses a weak-alkaline natural hot spring with a gender-separated large bath and an outdoor rock bath, and some rooms include private open-air baths.
Certain room types (for example the離れ 'Saigawa' rooms and the辰巳亭 block) feature private open-air baths; contact the property in advance to discuss private or family-bath arrangements.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the ryokan can pick up guests at the 'Sue' bus stop if you call when you board the bus; Kanazawa Station is about 25–30 minutes by car and Komatsu Airport about 60 minutes by car.
Staff can assist in Japanese and English.
The ryokan serves kaiseki-style meals using seasonal Hokuriku ingredients in its dining area; both multi-course dinners and traditional breakfasts are offered depending on your plan.
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the property of your expected arrival time when booking or before arrival and luggage storage is available.
Visible tattoos can restrict use of public baths at many Japanese onsen; guests with tattoos should confirm the ryokan’s policy in advance or use an in-room private bath if available.
Traditional ryokan policies typically do not allow pets—confirm with the property before booking; convenience stores and supermarkets are located in central Kanazawa, roughly a 20–30 minute drive from the ryokan.
Kenrokuen Garden, Higashi Chaya District, Omicho Market and the 21st Century Museum are all about 20–25 minutes by car; public buses run from Kanazawa Station to the 'Sue' stop (a short walk from the ryokan) and staff can meet guests there if notified.