Yamanoo

Our stay at the Yamanoo Ryokan was a highlight of our trip to Kanazawa. Nestled just above the historic Higashi Chaya-gai district, we had one of the 'simpler' rooms, the Daffodil room. Each room is a small cottage set around the main entry and dining area, each having its own entrance and path through a small garden area and feeling very private. We were greeted with some lovely matcha and a delicious sweet treat, which we enjoyed on the chair overlooking our lovely view and watching the adventures of a local cat in the garden. There were two sitting areas, one with Western style chairs and one with sitting on the floor. After dinner, this was moved aside to make room for very comfortable mattresses that were put on the floor. The room also came with a lovely full tea set and kettle awaiting us, Japanese-style robes to wear to dinner and around, and a bathroom with a large hinoki cedar bathtub, which was lovely to enjoy after dinner. The dinner was also phenomenal, and it was an expert showcase of local specialities and seasonal ingredients, from the amuse of strawberry mixed with sake, to clams and fishes, Blowfish shiraki with seasonal mountain herbs, hairy crab, Nodoguro (which the chef came out to cook for us at our table, almost like a shabu shabu style), a delicious beef from Noto served with young, grilled bamboo shoot, Firefly squid and rice, and the most delicious dessert jellies of strawberry, grapefruit, and sweet pea. Furthermore, each dish was served in the most beautiful dishes, showcasing local craftsmanship. Breakfast was also a delight, and we counted 15 (!) various dishes between pickles, multiple kinds of fish, soup, omelets, mutliple kinds of vegetables, and rice. It was truly a luxurious, breakfast and a treat to start the day.

We didn't really know what to expect from a Ryokan. But this is the real deal. A few cottages around the main house in the middle of a wonderful garden define this estate. Each home is a beautiful building with a bathtub and is prepared for you for each night. This alone is an experience. Now comes the food: What the team at Yamanoo creates is simply magic. We stayed two nights and had two different dinners with various courses, freshly made, using local food whenever possible. All tasted perfect. The breakfast in the morning was another treat that we loved so much. Then comes the staff that were so friendly, helpful, and caring that we didn't want to leave, it's a magic place for us. Kanazawa isn't that big, the Yamanoo is a great location to explore the vicinity and walk to the castle or garden easily.

Un modèle d’hospitalité japonaise. Exceptionnel sur tous les plans, ryokan qui surplombe Kanazawa. Paisible, confortable, cuisine locale de très haute qualité (peut toutefois surprendre les goûts occidentaux). Une pépite dont nous nous souviendrons.

Сердечный персонал, прекрасные номера в старинном стиле. Очень вкусно, прямо кулинарный рекорд! В номере свой онсен с деревянной ванной. Расположен прекрасно, в старинном районе: храмы, чайные домики, частная застройка. Рекомендую!