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For travelers seeking a true Japanese hospitality experience near Kanazawa, Hyakurakusou promises a quiet, luxurious stay in the forested hills of Yuwaku Onsen.

A snowy Japanese village, featuring houses, parked cars, and trees, nestled among snow-covered mountains beneath a cloudy sky.

A Tranquil Onsen Experience in the Mountains of Yuwaku

Unlike some cities in Japan, Kanazawa doesn’t have many traditional ryokan with onsen in the downtown area. We ended up staying at Hyakurakusou Bettei KAGURA (百楽荘 別邸神楽), nestled in the quiet mountains about 40 minutes away. If you’re visiting Kanazawa and hoping for a peaceful, restorative stay, this ryokan is a beautiful place to recharge. We’ve stayed in a lot of ryokan over the years and we’ve ranked it in our top three.

Located in the historic Yuwaku Onsen (湯涌温泉) district, known since the Edo period, Hyakurakusou blends refined hospitality with the calming rhythm of nature. From the moment we arrived, the warmth of the staff set the tone for a restful retreat. As we settled in, they served us matcha and small seasonal sweets—a thoughtful welcome that made a lasting first impression.

Each suite features its own private bath with naturally heated, mineral-rich spring water, which is surprisingly rare even among ryokan in Japan.

Elegant Kaiseki Cuisine and Thoughtful Service

A Japanese meal with sashimi, sea urchin in its shell, a radish salad, soy sauce, and sea salt in a blue dish—all beautifully arranged on a woven tray atop a dark table at Hyakurakusou.

The dinner was a highlight of our stay—food is always an essential part of any ryokan experience for us. The seasonal kaiseki meal was beautifully balanced, featuring local vegetables, fresh seafood, and artful presentation. Each course arrived at just the right pace, blending tradition with creativity. It was one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever had at a ryokan, and our family still talks about it.

What stood out even more was the service. Our room attendant helped us choose the right size yukata, and checked in gently without ever intruding. It felt like staying with someone who intuitively knew what we needed before we even asked.

Fun Breaks in the Game Room

After the delicious dinner, our family spent some time in the guest game room. It was a nice surprise to find a space with ping pong, digital darts, and even a pool table—all available for guests to use. It added a lighthearted touch to the stay and gave us a fun way to unwind together in the evening.

How to Get to Hyakurakusou

Shuttle Bus

  • Hyakurakusou offers a free shuttle from Kanazawa Station, but you must book it in advance.

Taxi/Rental Car

  • A taxi from Kanazawa Station to Hyakurakusou costs around ¥5,000–¥6,000 and takes 30–40 minutes.

Why We Loved Our Stay at Hyakurakusou

A wooden tray with assorted Japanese desserts from Hyakurakusou, sushi rolls on a plate, and stacked red lacquer bowls sit on a decorative table runner beside flowers and red berries, near a window.

We absolutely enjoyed our stay at Hyakurakusou. If you’re looking for an exceptional ryokan with warm hospitality, this place feels like a hidden retreat in the mountains—quiet, luxurious, and incredibly relaxing.

It’s just a short drive from Kanazawa, but it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. And with so few onsen ryokans in the city center, this peaceful spot strikes the perfect balance of nature, privacy, and thoughtful service. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

More to Explore Nearby

After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Yuwaku Onsen and Hyakurakusou ryokan, return to central Kanazawa for more culture, food, and history: