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Hotel Tachibana Shikitei in Yamashiro Onsen combines traditional ryokan hospitality, exquisite meals, and soothing hot springs.
Why We Stayed in Yamashiro Onsen
Kaga is a region that deserves more than just a quick stop. With its hot spring towns, historic temples, and traditional crafts, spending a night lets you experience it all at a slower pace. We chose Yamashiro Onsen as our base because of its central location and inviting atmosphere. The town is easy to explore on foot, with cultural attractions like Yakuoin Onsenji Temple and the Kutaniyaki Kiln Museum nearby.
For accommodations, we booked Hotel Tachibana Shikitei, a refined ryokan that felt both welcoming and elegant.
About Hotel Tachibana Shikitei
Tachibana Shikitei balances traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comfort. The hotel is not overly large, so it maintains a quiet and attentive atmosphere. Guests can choose from a variety of room styles, including tatami mat rooms with garden views and Western-Japanese suites with private open-air baths.
Highlights of Our Stay
- Superb Location: Our room overlooked Yakuoin Onsenji Temple. In winter, the snow-covered temple grounds looked like a painting.
- Warm Hospitality: The staff greeted us with genuine kindness. Guests remove their shoes upon entering, and in winter, the hotel carefully cleans and warms them so that when you step outside again, your shoes feel comfortable and cozy.
- Exquisite Meals: Dinner and breakfast were served on Kutani ware and lacquered trays, showcasing regional craftsmanship. The kaiseki meals featured seasonal ingredients prepared with care.
- Thoughtful Setting: Instead of the usual low table and floor seating found in many ryokans, our room featured a Western-style dining table and chairs. It made it easier for us to sit together, chat, and enjoy more time relaxing in the room.
How to Get to Hotel Tachibana Shikitei
By Train and Taxi
From Kanazawa Station, take the JR Limited Express to Kagaonsen Station (about 30–40 minutes). From the station, it’s a 15-minute taxi or shuttle ride to Yamashiro Onsen. The hotel is near the center of town, across from Yakuoin Onsenji Temple.
By Car
If driving, the hotel is about 1 hour from Kanazawa via the Hokuriku Expressway.
Pro Tip: Contact the hotel in advance to confirm shuttle availability from Kagaonsen Station and note any seasonal schedule changes.
Is Hotel Tachibana Shikitei Worth Staying?
If you’re looking for a stay that combines comfort and genuine hospitality, Hotel Tachibana Shikitei is a wonderful choice. The meals, service, and hot springs were true highlights, and its central location made sightseeing simple.
For us, ending the day with a soothing bath and watching snow fall over the temple across the street was an unforgettable moment.
More to Explore Nearby
The Hotel Tachibana Shikitei (たちばな四季亭) is a high-end, traditional ryokan located in Yamanaka Onsen, one of the four famous hot spring towns of the Kaga Onsen Village. After experiencing the ryokan‘s exquisite hospitality and relaxing in the renowned hot springs, the surrounding area is rich with nature, traditional crafts, and historical sites.
- Kakusenkei Gorge – Take a tranquil walk along the Daishoji River through this dramatic gorge, located right near the ryokan. The path is famous for its unique bridges (such as Korogi Bridge) and stunning seasonal foliage.
- Yamanaka Lacquerware Workshops – Yamanaka Onsen is the historic home of this elegant, high-quality lacquerware. Visit local studios and shops to see the craftsmanship firsthand and perhaps buy a unique souvenir.
- Yamashiro Onsen – Explore the neighboring onsen town, which is a key center for Kutani porcelain. It features a historic public bath (Soyu) and a beautiful restored townscape, offering a different atmosphere from Yamanaka.
- Natadera Temple – Discover this ancient, unique Buddhist temple, famous for its dramatic architecture built into natural rock caves, offering a spiritual and photogenic side trip near the Kaga area.
