Our stay at Yamanoo Ryokan in Kanazawa was nothing short of enchanting. Tucked away above the historic Higashi Old Town, this ryokan offers a rare blend of tradition and tranquillity. The private onsen, overlooking the timeless streets below, provided a uniquely serene and rejuvenating escape—an experience we’ll cherish. From our arrival, the hosts treated us like family, with a level of warmth and attentiveness that truly set the tone for our visit. The room was thoughtfully designed, merging classic Japanese elegance with modern comforts, making it a perfect retreat. But the real highlight was the kaiseki dining experience—each dish was a miniature work of art, reflecting the seasons and embodying local flavours in a way that was both beautifully authentic and innovative. The breakfast was equally exceptional, each course balancing subtlety with deliciousness. Every moment at Yamanoo was thoughtfully curated, from the gracious hospitality to the pristine facilities, making it a place we’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Kanazawa’s rich heritage with a touch of luxury. This ryokan is not just a place to stay; it’s an experience that resonates long after you’ve left.

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Everything was beautiful. Such a wonderful stay. Staff were lovely, especially Megumi. Everything was beautifully clean. You are offered matcha on arrival which was a nice touch. Garden and ryokan itself are like stepping back in time, so peaceful. Would have loved to have stayed for longer. KAISEKI was amazing.

Some parts of the kaiseki might be a bit of a struggle for western pallets but trying new things is part of the fun. The breakfast was so big, if you are used to just having a coffee in the morning, the breakfast included option probably is not for you, savoury food and raw fish that seemed to just keep on coming. The latest you can opt to have breakfast is 8.30 which is quite early to eat that much food in my opinion.

This ryokan is beautiful. The property with its winding paths and gardens feels like you're staying in a piece of history. The staff is impeccable - attentive, polite, and helpful. And the food is incredible – all of our meals were fresh, delicious, and had great variety. We tried many different traditional Japanese dishes and loved the experience every day. The location is perfectly located, especially for those that enjoy to get around on foot. The historic Higashi Chaya District is footsteps away and other major sites like the Castle and Gardens are a reasonable walk. I cannot recommend Yamanoo more. After spending multiple weeks throughout Japan, this was our favorite accommodation.

Not a thing. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about the property of our time in Kanazawa.

We felt like we’d fallen into a puddle of cream at Yamanoo. It was paradise, from the exquisitely designed room (ours was called Fuki), which has a view of the beautiful and historic Higashi-Chaya district, to the glorious food, cooked by chef/owner Takichi Ota, to the warm and lovely staff. The setting is incredibly special- a Japanese garden carefully tended so as to provide complete serenity and beauty everywhere one looks. Every single detail contributes to the overall effect of peaceful perfection.

I can’t think of anything that isn’t exactly right about Yamanoo.

Authentic experience, you feel like a special guest receiving personal service. Our hostess was amazing tending to our needs and served our private evening meal. Our meal was 9 courses of awesome Japanese dishes and for one of the courses the owner himself came to our dining room and cooked one of the dishes. In summary if everyone is as fortunate as us with their experience then we can highly recommend Yamanoo.

We did not have any issues or concerns, the experience exceeded our expectations.

This ryokan is located on a small hill, and our room overlooked the Higashi-Chaya district. The views were magnificent! The room was very large and comfortable. Our in-room bath was located downstairs and was very nice. The staff were very courteous and efficient, making check-in/check-out pleasant and calling for taxi service when we needed it. Dinner was a gastronomical delight. One dish (the nodoguro) was prepared at our table in our private dining room by the chef/owner. We especially enjoyed that we had a great conversation with him. Every dish was yummy! Breakfast at Yamanoo was just as simple and delicious. This was a great place to stay!

Fantastic staff made our stay incredibly enjoyable. Every meal we had (kaiseki style) was prepared with the utmost attention and detail, and the taste was superb. We even got to try Fugu for the first time, which we had been hoping to try! I still dream about the slices of kobe beef prepared by the owner himself. The property is perched on a hill above the Higashi Chaya District, and our room was directly above the main street. It was incredible to just people watch that busy street as tourists roamed up and down. The room, while ryokan style, was super clean and comfortable. The toilet area was separated from the bath area, and it did get a little drafty while going to the loo (but with the Toto toilet's warmed seat, it wasn't bad). All in all, HIGHLY recommend staying here if you are ever in Kanazawa!

The only thing I could have wished for is an onsen on property! But the bathtub was a nice substitute with views overlooking the Higashi Chaya district.

We could really feel Japan's hospitality here (おもてなし) . The treatment was always kind and considerate, and they even dried out our personal umbrellas upon our arrival. The food was very good, and so was the bathtub in our bedroom too. It is close to higashi chaya and located on a hill. The inner area gardens make up for a nice change of atmosphere, contrasting with the city.

It is not the most accessible Ryokan (some climbs and steps involved). It didn't affect us, but something to have in mind and consult with the staff before if you may need assistance here. Also, such a wonderful experience invariably comes with a price tag.

Phenomenal setting, very gorgeous garden, incredible chef, the best location our room looked down the hill straight down the center of the best street in the district. I never knew that I would love sleeping on a cushioned futon on a tatami mat - Incredibly good sleep - 9 hrs! Super-modern tech, yet minimalist bathrooms, the internet was great, there was a big TV that we ignored. Our room overlooked the street that is in every press photo, just fab! I ate phenomenal Fugu sushi, and I hope, ever in my life again, to eat again the "Crab Hair" dish. THEY ARE PHENOMENAL CHEFS.

Staff are not super-perfect with English language, but good enough, many happy Americans there. You are having a deeply elevated, pure Japanese experience.

Excellent starter Ryokan experience. Highly recommended if you did not have ryokan experience. Good Japanese breakfast, nice kaiseki dinner, good selection of drinks for reasonable charges Good location - right next to geisha quarter, but away from the noise,

meals are served in the dining room, not served in the room like in high class ryokans room a little bit too modernized for experience of the past.