Shirasagiyu Tawaraya

9.1
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.1/10, based on 80 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM / Check-out until 11:00 AM
Riverside Location Hot Spring Town Old Town Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath Public Onsen
Staff 9,3/10
Facilities 8,9/10
Cleanliness 9,2/10
Comfort 9,1/10
Value for money 8,8/10
Location 8,7/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic Yamanaka Onsen ryokan with strong hot-spring credentials and an excellent gorge-side location.

Kakusenkei Gorge BaseRight by Kakusenkei Gorge, with Ayatori Bridge and Yamanaka walks close at hand.
Abundant Natural OnsenUses 100% natural hot spring water with notably strong flow from its own source.
Long Ryokan HeritageOne of Yamanaka Onsen's oldest inns, giving the stay a distinctly traditional feel.
Easy Bus AccessAbout a three-minute walk from Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal for simple local arrivals.
Scenic Riverside SettingThe setting suits travelers who want quiet scenery and a more atmospheric onsen stay.
Large Traditional StayA sizeable ryokan, better suited than tiny inns for groups or family trips.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive by mid-afternoon for baths, kaiseki dinner, evening strolls, then use the next morning for Kakusenkei and central Yamanaka before moving on.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-2 night Yamanaka Onsen stay for baths, dinner, and town-and-gorge walks rather than as a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Weak rail accessYou still need a bus or ryokan shuttle from Kagaonsen Station, so this is not a grab-and-go station stay.
Limited long-stay depthYamanaka Onsen supports a relaxing short stay, but many travelers will run out of nearby variety after two nights.
Room feature mismatchPrivate sauna or in-room open-air bath exists only in select special rooms, not as a standard ryokan-wide offering.

Food & drinks

This historic Yamanaka Onsen ryokan offers Kaga kaiseki and drinks on-site, with a few easy nearby options for sweets and sushi.

Lobby Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

Open dining space with gorge views for dinner and breakfast.

  • Kaga KaisekifoodSeasonal multi-course local dinner.
  • Breakfast SetfoodJapanese breakfast at the ryokan.
  • Local SakedrinkPairs with Kaga cuisine.
  • Natural WinedrinkCarefully matched with meals.
Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Calm Japanese-style meal venue for kaiseki and breakfast.

  • Kaiseki CoursefoodRefined seasonal set meal.
  • French CoursefoodFull-course meal with local ingredients.
  • Japanese-Western KaisekispecialtyTraditional and creative mix.
  • BreakfastfoodMorning meal service.
Kakusenkei Kawadoko (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Seasonal riverside cafe near Ayatori Bridge.

  • Kaga Bocha TeadrinkRoasted local tea.
  • Iced Green Tea ShirukofoodSweet chilled dessert.
  • Roll CakefoodSimple cafe sweet.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Shirasagiyu Tawaraya is a Yamanaka Onsen ryokan best reached from Kagaonsen Station, with the final approach usually by local bus, shuttle, or taxi.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a well-located Yamanaka Onsen ryokan with strong riverside bath appeal and easy access to the town’s signature sights. It suits travelers who want a classic onsen stay with scenic baths and local kaiseki, but it may feel less ideal if you want a fully modern luxury property or guaranteed private bathing at no extra cost.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Riverside onsen settingThe standout experience is soaking in baths that face the mountain stream, which gives the property a much more atmospheric feel than a standard town hotel. The river sounds and gorge scenery are a real part of the stay, not just a distant view.
  • Excellent base for walking YamanakaYou can reach Kakusenkei Promenade, Ayatori Bridge, Kiku-no-Yu and the main Yuge Street area on foot in just a few minutes. That makes it easy to enjoy the onsen town without relying constantly on transport.
  • Strong hot spring credentialsThe ryokan emphasizes 100% natural hot spring water and a notably abundant flow, which is meaningful if the bath quality matters to you. This feels like a serious onsen property rather than a hotel that simply happens to have baths.
  • Interesting room varietySome rooms were newly built or renovated in 2022–2023, and the lineup includes options with open-air baths, semi-open-air baths, terraces and even sauna-equipped rooms. That gives you more flexibility than a ryokan with only one traditional room style.
  • Traditional dining with local characterDinner and breakfast focus on Kaga kaiseki, with seasonal ingredients and presentation using regional crafts such as Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani porcelain. It adds a clear sense of place to the meal experience.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Parts of the property feel olderThis is a long-established ryokan, and some room categories and common areas may feel more classic than sleek. Travelers expecting a uniformly fresh, ultra-modern finish should choose carefully by room type.
  • Best rooms may cost much moreThe most appealing experiences seem tied to upgraded or recently renovated rooms, especially those with private baths or better views. Booking an entry-level room may not deliver the same wow factor seen in promotional photos.
  • Private bath is not includedThe reservable private bath comes with an extra charge and must be booked in advance by phone. If private bathing is a priority, that added planning and cost can be a drawback.
  • Traditional meals may not suit everyoneThe ryokan leans into a classic Japanese breakfast and kaiseki-style dining, which is great for many guests but not ideal for picky eaters or travelers wanting a more international food experience. Meal enjoyment here depends a lot on your openness to Japanese flavors and formats.
  • Access still requires a final transferEven though the ryokan offers a shuttle from Kaga Onsen Station, it is not directly next to the rail hub. If you prefer total door-to-door convenience, the extra bus or shuttle leg may feel less effortless than staying near the station.

Ranking around this ryokan in Ishikawa

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 16th out of 66 ryokans in Ishikawa.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
11th B&B MIKAWA – Kanazawa Fish Harbour 9.2/10 284
12th Matsusaki 9.2/10 223
13th Yamanaka Onsen Kissho Yamanaka 9.1/10 454
14th Murataya 9.1/10 451
15th Yunokuni Tensyo 9.0/10 948
16th Shirasagiyu Tawaraya Current ryokan 9.1/10 80
17th Yamanakaonsen Hanamurasaki 9.1/10 73
18th UTAIMACHI 9.5/10 16
19th Kinjohro 9.0/10 169
20th Kohan-no-Yado Morimoto 9.1/10 52
21st Kocho 9.6/10 12
Loading full ranking...
Traveler routes

Popular in traveler itineraries

Not in any shared itinerary yet

Be the first traveler to include this ryokan in a public route.

Similar ryokans in Ishikawa ? Similarity is calculated only among ryokans in the same region. We compare their stored environment and wellness pills, prioritize exact pill matches, then sort by the number of shared pills, rating comparison, rating value, and recency.