Shirasagiyu Tawaraya — Hotel in Kaga

This is by far the best onsen ryokan I had. Of course it doesn't mean there aren't better options, but with the service they offered, I am absolutely in love with the stay at Shirasagiyu Tawaraya in Yamanaka Onsen. The town itself Yamanaka Onsen is actually a VERY quiet town with almost nothing alive at night. It's all but total darkness once you stepped out of the ryokan, though there are some vintage shops and crafts shops in the day, but in general this is a small quaint town with good onsen. The onsen is with clear water, no sulphuric smell or anything, they have both indoor and outdoor onsen and all are large enough to fit at least 20 people at one time. The best part is the outdoor onsen, where it overlooks the river and gave you the best music from the nature. The bathing area was sparkling clean, and the dressing area is so spacious and they even fit each cubicle with a Dyson hairdryer! The one thing I love the most about Shirasagiyu Tawaraya is their hospitality services, even with the lack of proficiency in English, they will strive to ensure that the message is delivered across and their guest is at utmost comfort throughout the stay. I would like to thank Mr Higashi Tani especially for his effort to help on my various requests, I really appreciate the support he had offered. 本当にありがとうございます！ The food (breakfast and dinner) was superb and comes with many dishes. It was served in the restaurant and all the staff are just so warm and welcoming. Although it's all in Japanese when it comes to introducing the dishes served, with Google Translate you will managed to get a brief idea of what you are having and how to eat it. All the ladies server worked hard to ensure all their guests are well attended to, hence no worries if you need an extra spoon or something. There was this older lady which was very chatty and always watch out for the needs of the guests, she is very attentive and caring, but I was a little shy to ask for her name. When I told her I was going to another onsen ryokan in Noto, she had a big smile and said "ohh.... 海!" I wish her and all staff well and happy always. Thank you Shirasagiyu Tawaraya! It was a wonderful...

The location of this ryokan was easy to find, just behind the Japanese confectionery shop selling the local speciality, nya-nya manshou. Our room was next to the Kakusenkei gorge and the sound of the flowing river just next to the room was great. ||||Dinner and breakfast was satisfying and the lady, Sato san, taking care of us was very motherly and friendly. The onsen was good but we didn't sleep well due to difficulty with the temperature control in the room and also very thin futons.||||We went on a Thursday during sakura season and found that most of the shops were closed. We didn't get to try the handmade soba noodles the area is known for and the street was very quiet. It seems that the area as well as the ryokan has seen...

This Onsen Ryokan started their business about 1200 years ago. Now it is a 8 stories building at river side slope and have Showa ( Japanese way of the period ) feeling over 30 years ago. The room has much space and clean. The Onsen is a little bit hot but comfortable. You can take a good relaxed time within it. in winter, you can choose Zuwaigani cuisine. Japanese says this crab cooking has subtle difference in others crabs. I think it has very yummy but needs to do fine handling to eat fully. I would suggest you to learn how to eat Zuwaigani before...