11 Best Ryokan and Hotels with Onsen in Kanazawa

Photo courtesy of Kokarian

Kanazawa is located on the northern coast of central Japan and is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. Much of the old castle town, such as the samurai and geisha districts, ninja temples, and one of Japan’s most popular gardens are located in Kanazawa. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture, we recommend going to Kanazawa.

That’s why we gathered 11 of the best Japanese ryokan and hotels with onsen in the Kanazawa area, perfect if you need a comfortable place to relax after a long day of exploring the traditional town. Watch the videos below to get a feel of the atmosphere of each ryokan before booking!

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

1. Takitei
2. Hyakurakusou
3. Sainoniwa Hotel
4. Kokarian
5. Yunode
6. Hotel Hakuchoro Sanraku
7. Hotel Intergate
8. Yuya-Ruru-Saisai
9. Sumiyoshiya
10. Murataya Ryokan
11. Motoyu Ishiya
12. Conclusion

Takitei (滝亭)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Welcome to Takitei, a luxury Japanese ryokan on the outskirts of Kanazawa. This video starts in Tokyo on the shinkansen headed towards the north coast of central Japan, which takes about 3 hours. From Kanazawa Station, it’ll take about 30 minutes by taxi to get to Takitei.

0:25 – Here is Takutei from the outside. If you enjoy nature and fresh air, you will be able to get plenty of it here! The scenery is reminiscent of the olden days of Japan. Even just walking up to the entrance, next to the perfectly organized rocks, will make you feel calm and appreciative of the small details.

1:10 – The lobby and the beautifully kept Japanese garden are some of the best features. There is also a lounge, where you can relax with a cup of tea and a beautiful view of Kanazawa nature.

2:15 – Up next is a room tour. From this room, you can enjoy the sounds of the river from your veranda. There is also a private outdoor onsen on the veranda! Relax on tatami mats after taking a dip, all from the privacy of your own room.

3:05 – Don’t forget to check out the large public onsen! The outdoor onsens have an amazing view of a waterfall up close. Relax while listening to the sounds of a waterfall hitting the rocks. The water for the onsen and footbath is actually sourced from the waterfall.

4:05 – It’s time for the food edit! The food is all fresh and designed to be enjoyed by all 5 of your senses, even hearing! Depending on what plan you book, you can have all 3 meals of your day provided by Takitei.

5:20 – If you end up booking a night at Takitei, you may never want to leave! If you plan on having a calming vacation, this ryokan is luxurious so you can get a real feel for Japanese hospitality. If you plan on going to Kanazawa to explore the historic Japanese town, Takitei might not be a great choice, as it is located far away from the town center.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hyakurakusou (百楽荘)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Hyakurakusou is located right on Tsukumo Bay, about 35 minutes by shuttle bus from Kanazawa Station.

2:00 – When you enter the lobby, you should take off your shoes and put on the provided slippers. Wearing them is a classic part of Japanese culture.

3:00 – This is the exit to the bay outside. One of the attractions of Hyakurakusou is fishing in the bay! If you enjoy fishing, borrow equipment from them and enjoy a beer while fishing.

5:30 – Pick up a traditional Japanese yukata in your favorite color before heading to your room. They come in a ton of different colors and sizes, even for young ones. This is a place where you can get emersed in traditional Japanese culture.

6:25 – It’s finally time for the room tour! This room has tatami mats and a private outdoor onsen. There are a ton of private amenities, and even some drinks in the fridge to enjoy.

9:00– If you don’t end up booking a room with a private onsen attached, definitely try booking the rental private onsen! For those with tattoos, or those who want to hop in the onsen with their family or loved ones, this is the perfect option. The rental private onsen is large and has a great view of the bay. There are even chilled oranges for you to juice for fresh juice! This is Japanese hospitality to the next level.

10:20 – Next up is the cave onsen! The public onsen is half located in a cave built into the side of the mountain. If you can, we really recommend this experience, as cave onsen are rare in Japan and are known for their high mineral contents and healing effects.

16:40 – The dining area is located in the cave too. Check out this awesome reveal of the appetizers, from the middle of a fire! They serve various in-season foods from Ishikawa Prefecture, fresh fish, and fresh vegetables. Enjoy your meal with a great view of the bay. If you’re interested in a Japanese ryokan by the bay, consider booking at Hyakurakusou below.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Sainoniwa Hotel (際の庭ホテル)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – This is the Sainoniwa Hotel. The path to the lobby is lit up at night for those who prefer to check in late. Sainoniwa Hotel is located only 7-minutes away from Kanazawa Station by the hotel-provided shuttle bus.

0:35 – First thing that we are going to check out is the room. It’s super spacious, and has some Japanese along with western elements! Kick back on the tatami mats after a long day of exploring Kanazawa. There are a lot of amenities, so you could pack light if you wanted to. This room is perfect for friends or a couple’s trip to Kanazawa.

3:35 – To get to the public onsen at Sainoniwa, you’ll have to go through the lobby on the first floor. You can see the inside garden on the way, a small snapshot of nature that is well kept for the enjoyment of guests! Cameras are not allowed in onsen, so we can’t see inside. Have a look at the website to get more insight into what kind of facilities are provided at the Sainoniwa Hotel.

4:10 – After a refreshing bath, check out the night view from the room. If the sky is clear, you might be able to see a starry night sky.

4:50 – This is an overview of what they offer for breakfast. It’s buffet-style, and that of course includes Japanese foods like rice, fresh fish, miso soup, and much more.

5:15 – When you check out and are ready to leave, the hotel will also provide a shuttle bus to get back to Kanazawa Station. Sainoniwa is a beautiful hotel with plenty of modern Japanese design elements. If you want a place close to Kanazawa Station to rest and relax on a 2-day trip, consider Sainoniwa.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Kokarian (古香里庵)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Kokarian is located about 30-minutes by car away from Kanazawa station. It’s a ryokan that is known for its amazing seafood and onsen experience. Each room has its own private onsen attached, and there is no public onsen.

0:50 – Check out the onsen! They are large enough to fit a family or a group of friends. The water is said to increase the health of your circulatory system and moisturize your skin.

1:10 – The rooms are large and have traditional and western elements. Eat dinner while relaxing on tatami mats, but sleep in a bed instead of a futon.

1:30 – Here’s what the onsen looks like on the second floor. Because of the age of the building, they can’t be fully outside. Note that the onsen on the first floor are bigger, so if you are tall, try to book on room on the first floor to fully enjoy the onsen. Kokarian finished renovations in 2018 and has become a luxury destination where you can enjoy special time with family and loved ones on the outskirts of Kanazawa.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Yunode (湯の出)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – This is Yunode, a tranquil Japanese ryokan, located a 30-minute drive away from Kanazawa Station. It’s tranquil because of its location, far away from the city center and near an onsen source. There are plenty of different inns around this area that all use and provide rejuvenating onsen waters to guests. If your ideal plan is to relax in a quaint town, Yunode may be a great choice!

2:10 – Yunode has a relaxing outside view, and there are plenty of art installations and beautiful details located throughout the ryokan. After checking in, head to your room.

2:30 – You can expect your room to look similar to this if you book a night at Yunode. There are tatami mats, classic Japanese sliding doors, lots of amenities, chairs on the floor, and a wonderful view of nature outside. There are snacks in your room that will help you recover after a long journey!

5:05 – Check out all of the Japanese statues! There is also a reading room that they supply with lots of magazines, a great place to get some inspiration.

6:05 – Time to see what the onsen has to offer. The room is full of steam from the hot onsen water, but you can see all of the various types of baths. The outside bath really feels like you’re sitting in the middle of the forest. Get a good rest!

6:30 – Next is dinner. The dishes are made with various fresh ingredients from all over Ishikawa Prefecture and the Kanazawa region. Enjoy fresh fish, Japanese sake, shabu-shabu, fresh vegetables, and a whole menu full of other Japanese foods. You will for sure be tasting something new with all of the dishes that they provide.

11:30 – Breakfast also looks delicious! A traditional Japanese-style healthy breakfast with noodles, miso soup, and much more!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hotel Hakuchoro Sanraku (金沢白鳥路ホテル山楽)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – This is a promotional video put together by the company that runs Hotel Hakuchoro Sanraku. It starts with an opening of the lobby where you can feel the Western-style atmosphere of the furniture.

0:20 – If you have trouble sleeping on the floor, or just prefer Western-style beds and rooms, you’ll feel more comfortable at Hakuchoro Sanraku. There is a lot of colored glass throughout the building including many of the rooms.

0:40 – Hakuchoro Sanraku is famous for the traditional Kanazawa confections, Yoshihashi. Japanese who visit Kanazawa and don’t stay at Sanraku sometimes stop here to enjoy an afternoon tea with Japanese sweets in their tea lounge.

0:50 – The ingredients for the meals are all fresh and prepared daily. Seafood, vegetables, fruits, soups, and much more are all waiting for you. Enjoy a delicious Kanazawa kaiseki dinner and breakfast here!

1:00 – One of the best parts about Hakuchoro Sanraku is their onsen. They describe the color of the water as coffee, and it is said to have beneficial moisturizing effects because of its high mineral content.

1:15 – Have a look at the breakfast buffet, and grill your own fresh fish over a flame grill. They offer both Japanese and Western-style breakfast. If you want to slip back in time to the olden days of Japan, check out Hotel Hakuchoro Sanraku.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Hotel Intergate (ホテルインターゲート金沢)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Hotel Intergate is a 5-minute taxi ride or a 7-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station. It’s located next to the famous Kenrokuen Park and central to most of the popular sightseeing spots in Kanazawa. If you were planning on visiting everything, Intergate is a great choice.

0:30 – The video introduces Hotel Intergate starting here. It is styled as a modern Japanese hotel. There is a wall of books next to where you check-in, pick one up and relax in the lounge while waiting for dinner.

1:10 – This room is the superior twin room. There is no need to pack pajamas, as they provide room wear along with plenty of other amenities. There is an onsen on the second floor, and you have to check it out as the walls are filled with local Kanazawa art.

5:00 – Relax in the first-floor lounge, where you will also eat breakfast. They have various services that they provide throughout the day, so make sure to grab a schedule when you check-in. Pick up a drink and a snack during happy hour.

5:45 – Dinner is served from 9 to 11 at night. They offer an ochazuke buffet, where you serve yourself rice with your favorite toppings, and then pour tea over it. If you’re an early bird, grab a coffee or smoothie in the morning from 6 to 7 AM.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Yuya-Ruru-Saisai (由屋るる犀々)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Yuya-Ruru-Saisai is located 20 minutes away from Kanazawa Station by bus. This Japanese ryokan is located on the bank of the Sai River. This video is going to introduce one of the suite rooms at Yuya-Ruru-Saisai!

0:15 – This suite comes with a private outdoor onsen. Enjoy the fresh Kanazawa air while relaxing from the bath on your veranda. The room has classic Japanese tatami mats.

0:40 – The sleeping area is separated from the living area, and they have western-style beds! You’ll have your own garden to enjoy on your balcony.

1:10 – Take in a great view of the mountain range of Ishikawa while taking a dip in your private onsen. They only have 3 suites, so if you plan on booking it for a special occasion, we recommend booking as early as you can. The suites can sleep up to 6 people total, enough for a large group of friends or family!

1:50 – As the river is right next to the ryokan, you should be able to hear the calming sounds of the river. There are many other facilities at Yuya-Ruru-Saisai, including a large public onsen, delicious foods, and great special event planning!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Sumiyoshiya (すみよしや)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – This is Sumiyoshiya, a Japanese ryokan with over 400 years of history and a close location to Kanazawa Station. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture, consider booking a night or two here when you visit Kanazawa. This video is a tour done in English. Check out the amazing traditional artwork and sculpture in the front of the lobby.

0:20 – Take a quick look at the onsen! It has many traditional features, including some classic Japanese decor. If you enjoy onsen experiences, you will enjoy Sumiyoshiya’s onsen.

1:00 – Of the rooms available at Sumiyoshiya, this is one of the biggest. It has a private toilet and bath, which is rare for traditional Japanese ryokans. It comes with tatami mats and futons. It’s traditional to be served and eat your meals in your room. You can expect a wide array of seafood and in-season fruits and vegetables local to Kanazawa and the Ishikawa region.

1:40 – This room comes with a view but without a bath. You’re expected to use the onsen downstairs to take a shower. There are only 8 rooms at Sumiyoshiya, so don’t worry about the onsen being too crowded. There are also tall chairs and a table in this room if you want to take a break from sitting on tatami mats. Sumiyoshiya is centrally located in Kanazawa, perfect if you want to explore the town during the day. Check it out below.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Murataya Ryokan (村田屋旅館)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Here is another video tour in English! Murataya Ryokan is a genuine Japanese ryokan. If you appreciate history and are on a budget, definitely consider booking a night here.

0:10 – The walls of the lobby are decorated with various famous places in Kanazawa. While relaxing with a cup of tea, try and see if you can spot some of the famous landmarks! The garden is full of traditional Japanese elements too.

0:30 – It’s time to check out the onsen! After taking a shower, take a dip in the onsen and relax in the traditional tile bath.

0:50 – The next look is of one of the smaller rooms for 2 people. After a long day of walking, get out of the onsen and sprawl out on the tatami mats. This room has a nice garden view.

1:00 – This room is large, and is for a family or large group of friends. This room comes with a great view of the garden too. The ryokan has laid out the futons for the tour, so you can see how many people can sleep in each room.

2:00 – If you are traveling solo, this room may be perfect for you! Note that none of the rooms have bathrooms in them, so you’ll have to share the onsen and bathrooms with other people on your floor.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Motoyu Ishiya (元湯石屋)

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

0:00 – Motoyu Ishiya is on the outskirts of Kanazawa, a 25-minute drive from Kanazawa Station. The location is great if you want to take your time to relax and enjoy nature and the scenery.

1:15 – Welcome to Motoyu Ishiya! A traditional ryokan with plenty of space and classic Japanese features.

1:35 – Let’s start with a room tour. Take in the Japanese art pieces, while relaxing on tatami mats with a great view. There’s a traditional fire pit for boiling tea or warming up in the winter. Snack on one of the specialty Kanazawa snacks that are in your room. Take in serene nature while taking a walk in the garden. The air is freshest away from the city.

2:30 – After a long day of traveling, you’re going to want to use the onsen. The video doesn’t show inside because cameras aren’t allowed in the onsen!

2:45 – The halls of Motoyu Ishiya are lined with pieces of history and artifacts from the past. Vases, tools, arrowheads, swords, and much more can be seen while walking around the ryokan.

4:00 – This is a traditional stage for performances. While walking around the area, stop at one of the 3 shrines and pray to the deities for good luck.

8:35 – Here are some pictures of the onsen. They are large and have large landscapes of nature, and are very large. You won’t ever have to worry about the onsen being crowded. Enjoy the stars from the outdoor onsen on a clear night!

9:15 – Dinner at Motoyu Ishiya looks something like this! Note that the menu is constantly changing to include fresh and in-season produce from all around Ishikawa prefecture. They provide you with a grill for the freshest foods, cooked exactly how you like.

11:45 – Breakfast will likely be Japanese style, with rice and miso soup along with other traditional dishes. Check out Motoyu Ishiya if this experience interests you!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

Did this help you decided where you want to stay when you visit Kanazawa yet?

Most of the hotels, ryokans, and resorts that we included on this list are near Kanazawa Station, but Kanazawa has a ton of different beautiful nature areas on the outskirts too!

After watching these videos, you can have a good idea of what to expect when booking a room. If you want to explore the city or relax in your room, whatever it is, we hope you have a good time in the old town of Kanazawa!

Have you booked your SIM card or pocket WiFi for your trip to Japan yet?

In Japan, you’ll want to be connected without missing out on high speed data and internet!

By reserving online before departing, you can

• Lower your rental fees
• Avoid stock shortages at the airport

To learn more about data and WiFi options for your trip, check out our products below.

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

↑ Go back to the table of contents