What kind of onsen ryokan is Kagaya in Wakura Onsen?
From Kanazawa station, we took an express train on JR Ishikawa Railway Line bound for Wakura Onsen, and arrived at Wakura Onsen Station in about an hour. Wakura Onsen is a very small spa town, and Kagaya is the most magnificent building in the onsen town. It was truly an overwhelming presence. We took the free shuttle bus from Wakura Onsen Station and arrived at the onsen ryokan in about 5 minutes. At the main entrance of Kagaya, tourist buses were coming in incessantly.
Once inside, we were overwhelmed by the opulence and splendor. There was a lounge with live Koto music, souvenir stores reminiscent of a traditional inn town, dynamic lantern decorations, a glittering bar in a vaulted lobby, and, looking up, magnificent Kaga Yuzen hanging from the high ceiling, creating an elegant ambience. It was as if to represent the prosperity of Kaga million koku. When you ride the elevator, the elevator wall is a glass window through which you can view the giant 37-meter-long Kaga Yuzen. A truly original Kagaya world unfolds. We were led to our room by the staff member in charge while gawking at such a sight.
We went through check-in procedures in our room while enjoying matcha green tea and red bean jelly. Kagaya seems to have one person per room who is in charge of the room. This time we booked a room in Setsu-Getsu-Ka building. Also, We also paid extra and chose a sea side room, but it was not a particularly spectacular view, so a room on Wakura Onsen town side would have been fine. The Sea of Japan seen from Kagaya is surrounded by peninsulas and islands, so there are no waves at all and it is very quiet and calm. I felt a little unsatisfied because there was no change.
Then there are also so many activities and shows on the grounds that you won’t get bored here until you check out. We enjoyed visiting the souvenir shops. With so many stores to choose from, it didn’t take long for about an hour to go by.
Then, the ryokan has large indoor communal hot spring baths on the first floor, large outdoor communal hot spring baths on the second floor, and another large outdoor communal hot spring baths on the third floor. You can move by elevator within the communal bathing areas. Kagaya is probably the only ryokan with elevators in the communal hot spring bath areas. They are too large that I got lost. Every bath overlooked Nanao Bay and gave me a sense of openness. There are only a few rooms with private hot spring baths, so reservations seem to be hard to come by.
Then the onsen ryokan is ideal for families with children. They offer a wide range of services for children. After dinner, there was a magic show and acrobatics that children would enjoy. Also, if you request in advance, the staff will provide items such as bed guards, strollers, couffins, children’s bedding, yukata, sandals, and coloring books, etc.
If I were to venture a fault, it would be that although it is a luxury ryokan, it is a huge ryokan, so it is not for those who want to spend a luxurious holiday in a private ambience. If anything, it is more suited for groups and families, and not for solo travelers or romantic couples.
Then this is perhaps the most famous ryokan in Japan, but today, the interior, furnishings, and facilities of Kagaya may seem outdated, as there are not a few very sophisticated, traditional ryokans in Kanazawa. The hospitality is top-notch, though, so a stay at this ryokan is well worth it.
Check availability and pricing for Kagaya on Agoda
TOP5 Best Hotels and Ryokans for Families in Ishikawa
TOP5 Best Hotels and Ryokans with Private Onsen in Ishikawa
Is the location easy to access?
The location is near Wakuraonsen Station. Free shuttle service is available from the station between 12:00 and 18:30. You need to book it in advance.
Rooms I would recommend?
Rooms are located in four buildings: Noto Kyakuden, Noto Honjin, Noto Nagisa-tei, Setsu-Getsu-Ka. Then 18th to 20th floors of Setsu-Getsu-Ka building are special floors and the highest class rooms. Also, there are rooms with private outdoor onsens in Noto Nagisa-tei building.
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room in Noto Nagisa-tei or Setsu-Getsu-Ka. The décor is Japan-minimalist but truly relaxing. The housekeeping was excellent. On the other hand, I wouldn’t recommend a room in Noto Hongin and Noto Kyakuden building as facilities tend to be worn out.
Then if you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses in tatami rooms, you may want to stay in a room with twin beds on tatami mats. The bedding provided was “Airweave” luxury bedding, so it was comfortable even with a Japanese-style mattress. I was told that it would not be hard on my back. This luxury bedding is also popular among athletes.
We stayed in a corner room in Setsu-Getsu-Ka building, which has a glass wall and a comfortable table from which we could look out over the ocean and Notojima. Also, ikebana flowers casually displayed in the room’s tokonoma (alcove) created a delicate seasonal setting. Moreover, although we stayed two nights in a row this time, the second day was decorated with different flowers.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including enough toiletries, yukatas, Japanese sweets, and a green tea set, etc. Then free WiFi reception was good on the property. Room service is available between 18:00 and 23:00. For example, ramen, tempura udon, traditional rice soups called ochazuke, fried octopus balls called TAKOYAKI, fried potatoes, fried chicken, wine, shochu, sake, soft drinks, cocktails, beer, ginger ale, etc.
How about In-house Facilities?
As noted above, Kagaya offers extensive facilities. There is a variety of communal hot spring baths on the grounds. The spring quality wouldn’t be special. They are open from 5:00 to 25:00. *Please note that if you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas, so you may want to book a room with a private hot spring bath in Noto Nagisatei building. Free green tea, ginger peach tea, and lemon water were available just outside the communal baths.
Then the property is a perfect universal design. There are some accessible rooms in Noto Nagisatei building. Wheelchairs are available for borrowing. 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.
TOP5 Best Accessible Hotels and Ryokans in Ishikawa
Then don’t forget to visit the bar after dinner. In the evening, musicians performed Latin music.
Then there are some vending machines for drinks, ice cream, and cigarettes, etc. There is a convenience store nearby too.
There is a nice spa treatment shop. The spa shop seemed crowded after dinner. You need to make an appointment in advance. It’s open between 13:00 and 22:00.
How about services?
After dinner, you may want to go and see a Japanese drum performance in the lobby from 20:15.
Also, there are two nightly shows, one at 8:45 p.m. and the other at 9:45 p.m., each lasting about 50 minutes, performed by a theatrical troupe. The price is JPY2,750 per person, but it is a great way to enjoy the world of Takarazuka Revue.
Then if you have time, why not take an art tour of the grounds organized by the ryokan staff? It’s complimentary. Reservations are required. There are two tours of the ryokan, one at 16:00 and the other at 17:00
Also, the morning market is held every day from 6:30 AM. If you are interested in local products, why not take a look?
Then there is a one-hour walking course that takes you around the stone statues of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune that bring happiness, which is just right for a stroll around Wakura Onsen town. A walking course map is available at the front desk.
How about meals?
The seafood kaiseki was wonderful. All local ingredients were fresh, exquisite, and tasty. Dinner starts from 18:00 to 19:00. Breakfast starts from 7:00 to 9:00.
If you stay in a room of Setsugekka, Hamarikyu, or Noto Nagisatei building, all meals are served in your room. If you stay in a room of Noto Hongin or Noto Kyakuden building, all meals are served in a dining area. There is a difference between meals in the dining area and meals in the guest rooms. The latter will be more sophisticated.
Then you can order baby food at an additional charge of JPY1,000 for dinner and breakfast. You need to inform the staff of it by 3 days before if you want to order. Also, 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.
Alternatively, you can go out for meals. There are some local restaurants around here. Local papa mama shops are closing early. You may want to book a table in advance.
My impressions
This place is like a theme park with hot spring facilities. It is fun for children and adults alike. Although our grandmother, who is in a wheelchair, was not with us this time, we felt that we could safely bring her to Kagaya. We would like to stay with our grandmother next time.
At last, Kagaya is popular all year round. If you want to relax at the property in a tranquil ambience, you may want to avoid staying during Lunar New Year, late April to early May, weekend in Oct and Nov, and the end of the year and New Year holiday.
Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the ryokan from the below space. Check availability and pricing for Kagaya on Agoda
Info about Kagaya
| Style | Luxury Onsen Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 65,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact E-Mail | Fill in the form |
| 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’s MAP |
| Access | 60min by train from Kanazawa Station to Wakuraonsen station. Free shuttle bus from Wakuraonsen station |
| Address and TEL | Tel +81 767-62-4111 |
| Official Homepage | Kagaya’s HP |
*All information above is as of the date that I posted on my blog.
Still not sure where to stay in Kanazawa, Ishikawa?
Browse through my TOP5 Ranking Lists of all the best places to stay in Ishikawa.
Alternatively, you could leave a message at the below space for advice.