Yamanakaonsen Ohanami Kyubei
8,4/10 Excellent - Based on 183 reviews
Yamanakaonsen Ohanami Kyubei sits quietly in the Yamanaka Onsen district of Kaga, Ishikawa, presenting a balance of traditional ryokan character and straightforward modern comforts. Rooms are arranged in Japanese and mixed styles, furnished with tatami or Western beds, yukata robes and flat-screen TVs; each room opens onto views of the river or surrounding greenery and includes a private bathroom with contemporary fittings. The property follows a seasonal theme of “year‑round cherry‑blossom viewing,” reflected in its decor and the gentle, contemplative pace of service.
The bathing facilities combine communal indoor and outdoor onsen with a bookable private open‑air bath, making it a practical choice for travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen Ishikawa. The private bath can be reserved at the front desk for timed use, while public baths operate on a rotating schedule to ensure a calm experience. Practical details: the ryokan offers a free shuttle from Kaga Onsen Station (about 20 minutes), is accessible from Komatsu Airport by road in roughly 30 minutes and reachable by train from Tokyo in about 2½ hours, which helps position it as a convenient ryokan with onsen Kaga for regional exploration.
Meals emphasise Kaga‑style cuisine with multi‑course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts served in dining rooms or the larger banquet area; there is also an on‑site restaurant and spaces for informal tea and seasonal events. Onsite amenities include free Wi‑Fi, parking and a small programme of cultural activities designed to introduce guests to local crafts and customs. Service is focused on attentive, practical hospitality suitable for couples and families seeking a calm riverside stay with direct access to hot‑spring bathing and regional food traditions.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yamanakaonsen Ohanami Kyubei
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience (public and private)
Many guests praised the hot springs—both public and bookable private baths—for being relaxing with amazing views; private onsen bookings for couples were highlighted as a special feature.
Friendly, helpful and English‑speaking staff
Staff were repeatedly described as warm, accommodating and helpful (some guests noted good English), contributing strongly to a welcoming atmosphere and smooth logistics like shuttle/taxi arrangements.
Spacious, traditional rooms with river views
Rooms, especially suites, were noted as large, comfortable and well‑appointed in traditional Japanese style (tatami, good beds) with pleasant river and mountain scenery and good sound isolation.
Peaceful location and beautiful natural surroundings
Guests enjoyed the quiet, scenic setting next to the river and gorge, nearby walks and hikes, and the relaxing atmosphere that helped them unwind.
Good value, convenient extras and activities
Reviewers appreciated the shuttle service from the station, free snacks and lobby amenities, a variety of guest activities (matcha, dango, sake tasting), luggage storage and overall strong value for the size and experience.
Negative Reviews
Some facilities and bathrooms feel dated
Multiple guests mentioned ageing or slightly worn aspects—notably bathrooms—and suggested renovations; a few reported specific problems like a fridge not working or slow drains.
Inconsistent or underwhelming food for some guests
While many loved the meals, several reviewers found dinner or breakfast disappointing or limited in choice, and some noted buffet crowding and service delays at breakfast.
Remote location and limited nearby amenities
The ryokan is somewhat isolated: walks into town can be long or dark at night, the nearest mall is a drive away, and guests recommend using the free shuttle or having a car.
Operational limits around meals and activities
Some guests reported they could not add dinner on arrival if not prebooked, activities and onsen booking slots close early (around 6pm), and private onsen slots can fill up—requiring early check‑in or advance planning.
Occasional room issues and minor nuisances
A few reviewers noted unpleasant odors in rooms, cold room temperatures, noisy fridges, crowded breakfast areas, or staff interactions that felt abrupt—issues that affected stay comfort for some.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: traditional Japanese rooms use futons and can sleep up to six guests, while suites and twin rooms have beds for smaller parties; check the specific room description for exact maximum occupancy.
The property has public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths; guests should wash thoroughly before entering and be aware that visible tattoos may need to be covered or discussed with staff.
Yes — the ryokan offers a private open-air bath that can be reserved at reception subject to availability; ask staff on arrival to book a time.
A free shuttle is available from JR Kaga Onsen Station (about a 20-minute ride) and can be arranged when you make your reservation; Komatsu Airport is the nearest airport, roughly a 30–36 minute drive to the area.
From Tokyo it’s about 2.5 hours by train to Kaga Onsen Station; Kansai Airport routes take around three hours by public transport, while Komatsu Airport is the quickest by car to the region.
Staff are generally helpful and can assist with common requests, but English fluency may be limited; bring a translation app or a few Japanese phrases for detailed needs.
The ryokan serves in-house Japanese meals (including multi-course dinner and breakfast) and provides cultural touches such as yukata and optional local cultural experiences for guests.
Kakusenkei Gorge and Korogi Bridge are very close and walkable, and the Yuge Kaido street, local pottery museums and riverside sights are all nearby for short excursions.
Pets are not permitted at the property; children are welcome — please check room descriptions for family room options and bedding arrangements.
There are local shops, cafes and a small supermarket within walking distance for basic supplies, and the ryokan provides free on-site parking for guests.