A peaceful sanctuary shaped by centuries of tradition
Experience true Japanese hospitality at The Kayotei, a serene luxury ryokan in Yamanaka Onsen.
Location
Set in the tranquil Yamanaka Onsen area of Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture, The Kayotei is nestled beside the forested Kakusenkei Gorge. Its windows frame unspoilt greenery and rushing river scenery with man-made structures obscuring the views. It’s a short 25-minute train ride from Kanazawa followed by local transport to the ryokan.
Rooms
The Kayotei comprises ten intimate sukiya‑style suites, each with tatami flooring, shoji screens and antique Japanese furnishings. Room options include family suites and several with private indoor or open-air onsen baths overlooking the gorge.
Amenities
Communal indoor and outdoor hot spring baths draw their water from Yamanaka’s famed springs are open 24/7 for a serene experience. Guests also enjoy a cosy bar serving herbal teas, sake and light snacks. There’s a concierge, multilingual staff, internet access, laundry service, and tea lounge.
Activities
Beyond bathing, guests can take guided walks through the gorge, explore artisan workshops in Ishikawa, and indulge in tea ceremonies or creative cultural experiences. Additionally, Kayotei arranges immersions into traditional crafts such as woodturning, washi-making, and lacquer arts - through private studio visits.
Sustainability
The ryokan champions local sourcing and seasonal design. Its kaiseki menus are crafted from hyper-local, foraged ingredients and seasonal produce sourced daily. Seasonal plantings within the grounds reflect a thoughtful integration with nature, and the promotion of regional artisans supports local cultural ecosystems .
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When to go to Japan
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Japan
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is ideal for winter sports in Hokkaido and northern regions, with plenty of snow. Tokyo and Kyoto remain chilly but offer clear skies for sightseeing. Explore Sapporo's Snow Festival and soak in an onsen for the ultimate winter experience.
February
February is the best time for skiing and snowboarding in Nagano and Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival is a major attraction, featuring stunning ice sculptures. Other areas are generally cold and dry and good for sightseeing.
March
March marks the beginning of spring, with cherry blossoms starting to bloom in southern regions like Kyoto and Tokyo. Enjoy hanami picnics under the pink blossoms. It's a great time for hiking and outdoor adventures.
April
April is the peak of cherry blossom season. Witness Tokyo's Ueno Park and Kyoto's Maruyama Park come alive with vibrant sakura. Golden Week, late April to early May, offers festive parades and events.
May
May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and hiking. Explore Tokyo's International Food Festival and enjoy the comfortable climate for sightseeing in Kyoto.
June
June is the start of the rainy season, known as tsuyu, lasting until mid-July. Although it's wet, explore Kyoto's temples and gardens amid light crowds. Festivals like the Sanno Matsuri in Tokyo showcase Japanese traditions.
July
July continues the rainy season, but the Tanabata Star Festival brightens the skies. Hokkaido hosts the Lavender Festival with fields of purple blooms. Kyoto's Gion Matsuri features grand floats.
August
August offers festivals and fireworks. The Obon Festival celebrates ancestors with lanterns and dances. Enjoy the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. Hokkaido's summer flower festivals are perfect for nature enthusiasts.
September
September brings comfortable weather and the iconic Kunchi Festival in Nagasaki. Explore the Sapporo Autumn Festival in Hokkaido. It's a great time for sightseeing with fewer tourists.
October
October features stunning autumn foliage in Kyoto and Nikko. Visit Tokyo's Meiji Shrine during the Meiji Jingu Festival and enjoy Oktoberfest celebrations. Ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
November
November showcases autumn foliage, with Kyoto's temples and parks ablaze in red and orange. Yoyogi Park in Tokyo hosts the International Food Festival, and Kyushu's hot spring resorts offer relaxation.
December
December marks the onset of winter, with holiday illuminations in cities and festive lights. Explore Hokkaido's Sapporo Snow Festival with breathtaking ice sculptures. Ski resorts open for winter sports enthusiasts.
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