Yunokuni Tensyo
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 46 reviews
Yunokuni Tensyo is a large, Japanese-style ryokan set in the Yamashiro Onsen area of Kaga, known for its varied hot-spring bathing options. The property features three main bathing zones that alternate between men and women by time, giving guests access to a total of 18 distinct indoor and outdoor baths during a single stay. Public facilities include seasonally open outdoor swimming, multiple relaxation areas and a souvenir shop; the scale and choice of pools make it a notable ryokan with onsen in Hokuriku for travellers seeking a broad onsen experience.
Accommodations range from standard tatami-and-futon rooms to suites with private open-air baths; select upper-floor rooms feature Shigaraki-ware open-air tubs supplied with hot spring water. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, fridge, electric kettle, complimentary Wi‑Fi and provided yukata robes, and some units combine Western beds with tatami areas. A free shuttle from Kaga Onsen Station can be arranged in advance, and onsite parking is available. For visitors prioritising seclusion, the availability of rooms with private onsen in Ishikawa provides an option to enjoy hot springs directly from your room.
Dining follows traditional multi-course kaiseki service for guests on meal plans, served in the property’s dining areas, and light refreshments and afternoon snacks are noted as part of the guest experience. Additional services include massage treatments (fee applies), coin laundry, karaoke rooms and a 24-hour front desk. The ryokan coordinates local experiences and tickets for a nearby craft village, and its location makes day trips to regional attractions straightforward; check-in is generally from mid-afternoon with morning checkout, and pets are not accepted.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yunokuni Tensyo
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Many guests praised the onsen: a variety of clean baths (including outdoor/open‑air baths), multiple pools and a sauna, private room onsens for some rooms, and the ability to relax after using the pool.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Reviewers repeatedly noted welcoming, professional and helpful staff, with warm check‑in guidance, attentive dining service and overall polite hospitality.
Complimentary extras and activities
Guests appreciated the extras such as onsen‑egg cooking activities, free snacks, buns/jelly, welcome drinks and other small services that enhanced value and made stays feel special.
Clean, well‑maintained common areas and facilities
Multiple comments highlighted clean facilities, spacious common areas and good overall upkeep of public spaces, contributing to a comfortable stay.
Attractive location and scenic views
Several reviews mentioned a lovely location and great views (including snowy outdoor scenery and sea/land vistas), which guests found memorable and relaxing.
Negative Reviews
Some rooms and parts of the property feel dated
A number of guests said rooms and certain areas appeared somewhat old or in need of updating, which affected impressions for some visitors.
Mixed feedback and limitations around food
Several reviewers expected better meals for the price; other comments noted limited breakfast options or difficulty changing to a plan that included breakfast, causing disappointment for some.
Temperature and heating issues in rooms
At least one guest reported lack of heating and feeling cold overnight; a few others mentioned curtains that did not block morning light, impacting sleep comfort.
Arrival, booking and check‑in confusion
There were reports of difficulties locating the correct hotel name on booking platforms, unclear check‑in procedures or timing, and inconsistent instructions (e.g., parking guidance), which led to inconvenience on arrival.
Connectivity and minor operational inconveniences
Isolated issues included complicated Wi‑Fi access and parking directions that felt unnecessary (being asked to park farther despite nearby vacancies); these were occasional but affected some guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from twin rooms for two to family suites that sleep up to six using futons, and the property has 156 rooms.
The ryokan offers 18 indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths across three large bathing areas, with themed baths, saunas and alternating men/women schedules by time.
Yes — a free shuttle runs between JR Kaga Onsen Station and the ryokan (about 10–15 minutes); reservations are required, so request it when booking or contact the hotel in advance.
Komatsu Airport is roughly a 25–40 minute drive; you can take a scheduled airport bus or taxi to JR Komatsu or Kaga Onsen Station and then use the ryokan’s shuttle.
Staff can assist in English and the website has English information, though proficiency varies; a translation app can be helpful for detailed requests.
Check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with the last recommended check-in around 18:00, and check-out is by 10:00 AM — please notify the hotel if you expect to arrive late.
Some suites and select rooms include private open-air hot-spring baths; public bath areas are large and alternate by gender, so ask the hotel when booking if you require a private in-room bath.
Pets are not allowed at Yunokuni Tensyo.
Yes — a Lawson convenience store and other small shops are within walking distance in the Yamashiro Onsen area for basic supplies.
Guests with meal plans receive traditional multi-course kaiseki dinners and Japanese breakfasts; dinner service is typically around 18:00–19:00 (finished by 21:00) and breakfast around 7:30–8:00 (finished by 9:00), and the front desk can recommend nearby restaurants for room-only guests.