What kind of luxury boutique modern onsen ryokan is Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori in Wakura Onsen?
We took the JR express train from Kanazawa Station to Wakuraonsen Station, and then took a free shuttle bus to the ryokan where we would be staying for the night. From the station, it was quite a distance to walk, so the shuttle bus was a great help. Wakura Onsen is a town of the Kagaya Group, and the small spa town is filled with the aroma of Kagaya.
The exterior of the building is quite ordinary, but once I stepped inside, I was overwhelmed by the museum-like atmosphere. Local traditional crafts were displayed here and there. We were greeted by dynamically arranged straight cedar trees and lacquerware painted in contrasting shades of red and black. Is this a museum? Or a ryokan? This is a stunning entryway. It was an exceptional moment that further heightens the exuberance of our trip.
Once inside, a staff member led us to the lobby lounge. As we proceeded from the entrance to the lobby lounge, the view of the Japanese garden and Nanao Bay looked like a still photo cutout. It was impressive to see most of the guests forgetting to sit on their sofas and stopping for a moment to stand in silence. We, too, were mesmerized by the dynamic Japanese painting-like landscape spread out before us. The Japanese garden design was inspired by Tohaku Hasegawa‘s Pine Garden. The artistically pruned pine trees in the garden harmonized beautifully with the lush sea and sky in the background.
The lobby lounge was very spacious and luxurious, with sofas arranged in a large space. Here we checked in while enjoying matcha green tea and Japanese sweets. There were also complimentary Shiratama dumplings with red bean paste, green tea cookies, and apple pie, etc. The lobby lounge can be used as a cafe during the day and a bar at night. Also, there are CDs, DVDs, and books, which can be enjoyed in the room. When we were checking in, the staff was hard at work cleaning the windows.
After relaxing here for a while, the staff escorted us to our rooms. The room was a standard room on the fourth floor with twin beds facing the window. Overlooking Notojima Island and the Notojima Bridge, the room was not large, but very comfortable. The mini bar was available free of charge, such as Japanese Sake, beer, juice, etc. They also replenished the drinks when they ran out. When I asked the staff, they even brought me a bottle of sparkling wine from the British Imperial Household.
We stayed in our room for a while, sipping champagne, and then headed to a tea room in a historic building in the garden to experience the tea ceremony we had reserved at 4:00. This is a free and very worthwhile time, so don’t forget to make a reservation when you check in.
When we visited the tea house, we were greeted by an elegant tea ceremony teacher. I admired her lovely kimono and her dignified manner. I was able to experience the spirit of hospitality and Japanese culture in a historic space and a spectacular view, a very valuable experience even for a Japanese person like me.
This tea house was used about 150 years ago, and the ceiling inside the tea room was beautifully decorated with the Maeda family crest, a sword-plum bowl crest and a phoenix, alternating. In addition, the ceiling of the alcove was decorated with a golden fabric with a dragon on a single board. The view of the bay from the tea room was breathtaking. The tea room has a window hollowed out in the shape of a Buddhist bell, through which the view of Nanao Bay is a perfect example of traditional Japanese beauty. If you are lucky, you can see a beautiful scene of the moon in the night sky and the moon reflected on the surface of the sea.
Then the luxury ryokan also had a wonderful communal outdoor hot spring baths and communal indoor baths. Especially when I was soaking in the outdoor bath, I felt as if I were floating on the calm waters of Nanao Bay, blending in with the sea and sky. It was just dusk, so the sky was tinted with the setting sun, creating a mystical atmosphere. Near the communal baths, there was a lounge with a box garden made of ferns and stones. Yogurt, ice cream, and milk were available here free of charge. The lounge has a stylish ambience with jazz music at night.
Then we had breakfast and dinner here, which was refined kaiseki cuisine. Noto is a treasure trove of high quality ingredients, and the dishes made the most of them. For example, cold yellowtail, Noto crab, Nodoguro, rice, Noto vegetables, Noto beef, and so on. Each dish was carefully prepared and presented in a variety of dishes and containers, and we had endless conversations about the menu that touched all five senses. Also, both dinner and breakfast are served in a private room. Drinks, including alcohol, are also free during dinner and breakfast.
In a word, this is a luxury onsen ryokan for adults that beautifully expresses Noto’s traditional manufacturing culture. And since there are only 31 rooms in total, the grounds are very quiet and private. If anything, it is suitable for couples or solo travelers. The minimum age to stay here is 13 years old. On the contrary, its sister ryokan, Kagaya is more suitable for families and groups.
It would be difficult to dare to list any faults, but if I had to, I would say that the lobby lounge has a wide variety of free alcohol, which is heaven for drinkers, but may be a bit disappointing for those who do not drink. Also as for the quality of the hot spring water, it is neither good nor bad, as it faces the sea. For those who love hot springs, it may be a little unsatisfactory.
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Is the location easy to access?
A free shuttle service is available from Wakuraonsen Station to the ryokan. Reservations are required in advance. The free shuttle service runs between 12:00 and 18:30. Alternatively, it is a 25-minute walk. FYI, from Kanazawa Station to Wakuraonsen Station is approximately 60 minutes by express train.
Where is the best accommodation for anniversaries?
If you are looking for a good place for a special occasion, I would recommend staying here. This is a luxury onsen ryokan for adults. The staff arranges flowers and cakes to celebrate an anniversary at additional charges if you request in advance.
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How about rooms?
Although these rooms are Japanese-style rooms, they are adapted to modern lifestyles. Sofas, twin beds, and electric massager chairs are provided in all rooms, so even those who do not like Japanese-style rooms can stay in these rooms with peace of mind. There are also some guest rooms with private outdoor hot spring baths where you can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, samue outfits, a coffee machine with capsules, Japanese sweets, snacks, a green tea set, a complimentary minibar including beer and Japanese sake, etc. There are POLA amenities in the bathroom. The free WiFi reception was great on the property. A DVD and CD player, and air cleaner, and a massager were placed in our room. Then complimentary wine, Japanese sake, beer, champagne, shochu, whiskey, and sweets are available at the lobby lounge while viewing a beautiful ocean. Also, complimentary ice cream, yogurt, beer, milk, and orange juice, etc., are available near the communal hot spring baths from 5:00 to 11:00, 15:00 to 20:00.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are wonderful indoor and outdoor communal hot spring baths with ocean views. All of them are open from 5:00 to 11:00, 15:00 to 25:00. Also, you can use communal hot spring baths in the sister inns, Kagaya, and Aenokaze nearby. It takes just 5min on foot. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas.
Then Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori is a perfect universal design. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing. Each room has twin beds. If you bring people with weak legs, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can arrange a room near the lift.
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How about activities on the property?
You can see a free Japanese drum performance at 8:15 p.m., which is held at the sister inn, Kagaya. There are also many valuable art works at Kagaya, so why not take a free art appreciation tour?
Then we would recommend visiting Wakura Onsen Town’s Seven Deities of Good Luck Tour. A map is available at the reception desk, and if you visit all seven gods of good fortune, you will receive a nice gift. Enjoy your morning stroll.
How about meals?
As described above, Kaga kaiseki food was just wonderful. Dinner starts between 17:30 and 21:00. You need to check in by 18:00 if you have dinner in-house. Breakfast starts between 7:00 and 9:00. Overall the portion tends to be big. All meals are served in a private room. We enjoyed meals with a spectacular view from a wide window.
Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request it on that day.
After dinner, don’t forget to visit the Lobby Lounge. Complimentary drinks including wine, beer, cocktails, brandy, whiskey, and liqueurs with finger foods are available. I asked for a cocktail named “Matsunomidori.” The azure color of the cocktail was beautiful and delicious. Udon noodles were also served as an evening snack. Open from 8:00 p.m. to 24:00 p.m.
My impressions
It was no exaggeration to say that this luxury onsen ryokan was a place just for adults to spend their holidays in luxury. I checked out, thinking that next time I visit Kanazawa, it would be worth a trip to Wakura Onsen to stay here.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the luxury onsen ryokan from the below space. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori
| Style | Luxury Boutique Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out time |
15:00/11:00 |
| Estimated Price | 100,000JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | Call at 0767-62-8000 from domestic Call at +81 767-62-8000 from overseas |
| Internet Connection | Free Wifi in the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available Valet parking is available |
| Location | Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori’s MAP |
| Access | Free shuttle service from Wakuraonsen station between 12:00 and 18:30 |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 767-62-8000 |
| Official Homepage | Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
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