A Review Of Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan

Excellent service

Upon arrival to this near-new 64 room boutique hotel, you will most likely be met at the curb by the manager or a member of the staff. The covered walkway will shelter you from any passing rain showers as you make your way into this comfort palace with traditional and modern design touches. In the lobby you will see a ceremonial kimono of bright colors and supreme craftsmanship. Large windows look out on one of several gardens in and around the hotel.

The staff will take great care of your needs making sure you are satisfied from the start. Whether you choose a Comfort Twin Deluxe or an upscale Double Deluxe room, be assured this is one of the best lodging choices in town. Prices range from about 17,200 JPY/150 USD to 44,000 JPY/390 USD depending on dates and availability.

Clean and new

Each room is sparkling clean and still look just-opened new. Notice as you approach your room that each entrance features a museum-like glass display case by the door. Here is where they display work by local artisans showing off the deep heritage of Kanazawa.

The lower cost rooms will be less spacious than the top of the price list rooms. Beds are firm, but comfortable and two kinds of pillows will insure you have the type you need for a restful night’s sleep. All room feature top-of-the-line bathroom fixtures and toiletries. A tea and coffee set are provided if you don’t want to venture to the main floor lounge. If your room is feeling a bit small, try hanging out in the spacious lounge by the front door. There you will find complimentary coffee, tea, and cold beverages, and a view of the gardens in front of the hotel. This is a great place to read and relax.

The best amenities

Amenities are well above average with a gourmet breakfast, bicycle rental, shuttle bus to and from the train station, onsen-style baths, massage chairs, self-serve clothes washing room, business center, Wi-Fi, umbrellas, and more. All are included with the price of your room. The breakfast features hot and cold entrees, both Western style and Asian style. Delicious pastries, breads, and jam are begging for your attention. Just in case you want ice cream with that delicious breakfast, they have six kinds in a self-serve freezer.

What's for dinner

The Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel doesn’t have regular dinner service but you will find that’s not a problem. To get lunch and dinner, you can take the hotel shuttle certain times of the day or a taxi will cost you a mere 600 JPY/4.50 USD to dozens of restaurants near the train station. Kanazawa’s food scene is off-the-charts-good. Try Fukuwauchi, a laid-back noodle restaurant where you get to order from several tasty noodle and meat combinations and cook your meal right in front of you. This popular restaurant is a local favorite that will probably require you to make reservations so you don’t miss one of the best noodle meals in Japan.

For more upscale dining try Tsuroko, a modern kaiseki (small plates) type restaurant. For sushi ask the front desk to make reservations for Tobi, one of the best restaurants in a town famous for sushi and sashimi. This seven seat restaurant accommodates only seven lucky customers. Prices for the two set menus run about 10,900–12,900 JPY/90–107 USD for 7–8 amazing courses of creative fresh fish. The chef personally selects his fish from the Omichi Market each of the six days per week dinner is served. You will need the front desk to arrange a taxi as most visitors would never find this gem hidden in a back alley with just a tiny sign to let you know of its existence.