🕓 2024/12/16
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Table of Contents
Ishikawa Prefecture is renowned for its harmonious blend of breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Located on the Sea of Japan, the region boasts diverse landscapes, including coastal views, lush mountains, and relaxing hot spring towns, attracting numerous visitors from Japan and abroad.
Ishikawa’s cultural heart lies in Kanazawa, a city brimming with historic and artistic treasures. Notable attractions include Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s three most famous gardens, as well as spots where visitors can immerse themselves in traditional crafts and history.
To enhance your journey through Ishikawa, we present three carefully selected luxury accommodations that promise an exceptional stay.
Located in the serene countryside of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Saigawa Onsen Kawabata no Yuyado Takitei is a ryotei-style hot spring inn. Despite being just a 20-minute drive from the city center, the inn offers a tranquil environment surrounded by rich nature and stunning seasonal scenery.
1. A Variety of Room Types
Takitei offers 27 rooms across three unique styles. Guests can choose from modern Japanese-style premium rooms perfect for special occasions, spacious rooms overlooking the Saigawa River, or calming traditional Japanese rooms with views of seasonal gardens. The Hanare Saigawa private villa features a Japanese-style room with an open-air bath where guests can enjoy the soothing sound of the river, a highlight highly praised by visitors.
2. Comprehensive Hot Spring Facilities
The inn features an outdoor rock bath surrounded by the sounds of cascading waterfalls and a large indoor bath known as Tsurutsuru-yu, which boasts mildly alkaline water that leaves the skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal views while bathing: cherry blossoms floating on the water in spring, gentle breezes in summer, the sounds of insects in autumn, and serene snow-covered landscapes in winter.
3. Seasonal Delicacies Highlighting Local Ingredients
Takitei offers a refined selection of Japanese cuisine, showcasing the seasonal bounty of Kanazawa. Each dish is crafted with care and attention to detail, with menus that change seasonally. Guests can savor specialties such as Noto beef shabu-shabu or steak, as well as winter-exclusive live snow crab dishes, all prepared using premium, fresh ingredients.
4. Enchanting Nightly Illumination of the Meoto Falls
The inn's grounds feature the Meoto Falls, which are illuminated at night, creating a magical and soothing atmosphere. The softly lit waterfalls, accompanied by the tranquil sounds of nature, provide a unique experience for visitors. Visible from the inn’s public areas and outdoor baths, guests can enjoy the falls' changing expressions at different times of the day and night, making it a signature feature of the stay.
5. Warm Hospitality
Takitei’s thoughtful service ensures a welcoming stay, starting with traditional matcha and sweets served in the spacious lobby lounge upon check-in. Guests staying in the Hanare Saigawa private villa have access to an exclusive lounge, Sakura, where they can enjoy complimentary beverages, light snacks, and even a relaxing foot bath while gazing at the waterfalls. These services contribute to a memorable and luxurious experience.
Situated on the shores of Tsukumo Bay in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hyakurakuso offers breathtaking views of the bay, one of Japan’s Most Scenic Spots (Nihon Hyakkei), from every guest room. Below, we explore the exceptional features that make this inn truly special.
1. Japan’s Only Hand-Carved Cave Bath
The centerpiece of Hyakurakuso is its hand-carved cave bath, said to be the only one of its kind in Japan. Located on the fifth underground floor, this bath was meticulously crafted by a single master stonemason who used only a pickaxe over a span of three years. The bath's atmospheric lighting and ambient music enhance the mystical ambiance, offering guests an otherworldly and deeply relaxing experience.
2. Luxurious Rooms with Panoramic Views of Tsukumo Bay
yakurakuso provides a range of accommodations, each with its own unique appeal. The nine suite rooms stand out as luxurious retreats, each individually designed to blend modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics. These spacious suites feature separate living and sleeping areas and are ideal for special occasions. Some suites even include private open-air baths, allowing guests to soak in the warm waters while enjoying serene views of Tsukumo Bay.
3. Themed Private Baths
For guests seeking more privacy, Hyakurakuso offers three private baths, each uniquely designed with a distinct theme. These baths provide a tranquil setting to soak while enjoying the stunning scenery of Tsukumo Bay.Hinoki no Yu: Crafted from fragrant cypress, this bath exudes warmth and tranquility.Ishi no Yu: Built with natural stone, this bath has a grounding, earthy charm that invites deep relaxation.Each private bath ensures a luxurious and personalized bathing experience.
4. The Exclusive Cave Bar
Hyakurakuso is home to a unique Cave Bar exclusively for its guests. Inspired by the sea of Tsukumo Bay, the bar’s lighting and decor create a mesmerizing and otherworldly atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy a wide selection of drinks, including locally brewed sake, wines, and signature cocktails. Special highlights include Noto’s regional sake and handcrafted cocktails made with local ingredients, offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.
5. Fishing from a Private Pier
Hyakurakuso provides a private pier for guests who want to try their hand at fishing. Depending on the season, visitors can catch a variety of fish, including horse mackerel, sea bass, black sea bream, and squid. Fishing gear rentals are available, allowing even beginners to enjoy this relaxing activity without any preparation.
Located in the heart of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Asadaya is a historic ryokan with over 150 years of tradition. Despite its prime location within walking distance of Omicho Market, it retains a serene ambiance with its elegant sukiya-style architecture. Below, we delve into the unique features that make Asadaya a standout destination.
1. A Legacy of History and Tradition
Founded in the third year of the Keio Era (1867), Asadaya has been welcoming travelers to Kanazawa for over 150 years. Its roots trace back even further, to the second year of the Manji Era (1659), when the first-generation proprietor, Ihē Asadaya, was entrusted with the responsibility of managing cargo for the fourth lord of the Kaga domain, Maeda Tsunanori. For approximately 200 years, the family served as trusted retainers before establishing the inn at its current location in 1867.
2. Exclusive Guest Rooms for a Unique Experience
To ensure the highest level of hospitality, Asadaya has limited its accommodations to just three exclusive guest rooms. These rooms are crafted in the sukiya style using Akita cedar, and they are adorned with local traditional crafts and furnishings, creating a refined and distinctly Kanazawa atmosphere. Built with reinforced concrete for added safety and soundproofing, the ryokan offers a peaceful and comfortable stay.
3. World-Renowned Kaga Cuisine
Asadaya is celebrated for its Kaga cuisine, earning a Michelin one-star rating for two consecutive editions. Its dishes showcase local, seasonal ingredients while embracing both tradition and innovation. Even the tableware reflects this blend, featuring items ranging from 100-year-old Kaga maki-e lacquerware to modern pieces by contemporary artisans.
One standout dish is the winter specialty, Truffle Chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), a dish approved and inspired by the French chef of the renowned Bouley restaurant in New York. Incorporating luxurious ingredients like truffles, caviar, and foie gras, it offers a fusion of traditional Japanese and global gourmet sensibilities.
4. A Prime Location for Exploring Kanazawa
Asadaya’s convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring Kanazawa. Major attractions like Omicho Market and Kenrokuen Garden are easily accessible, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the city’s cultural and historical heritage. Despite its central location, the ryokan provides a tranquil retreat, offering a perfect balance between city exploration and relaxation.