Araya Totoan

During the 2025 cherry blossom season, nearly all the Kyoto hotels I booked had negative reviews, citing high business, poor maintenance, and declining service. I was satisfied with all the hotels in the Kaga area of Hokuriku. Kaga Onsen Station is conveniently connected by the Shinkansen, and all hotels offer free shuttle service. Yamanaka Onsen Kisshin-tei offers excellent value for money, with friendly and generous service. Nearby, the Huazi Hotel, with its aesthetically pleasing design by renowned designers, is tranquil and elegant. Yamashiro Onsen is a 15-minute taxi ride away, but I made the wisest choice, choosing Araya Totoan over Kai Kaga. Its 4.9 rating is well-deserved, with the 0.1 point deducted for the lack of a light on my nightstand, which required me to get up and turn it off. Checking in at 2 PM meant there was no early check-in. After storing my luggage, I explored the town, which is more lively than Yamanaka Onsen. There's a thatched hut where Rosanjin once lived. He must have been well-recognized, carving signs for established shops, learning Kutani ware techniques, enjoying delicious food, and soaking in the hot springs. Totoan houses a large collection of Rosanjin's works and has an exhibition room, but unfortunately, it was closed on the Monday of my stay for other reasons. I was disappointed. Entering Totoan is a breathtaking experience, with Rosanjin, Isamu Noguchi, Nordic furniture, and Kutani ware all under one roof. The service is exceptional, in the style of a traditional hot spring establishment. Even the younger staff are attentive, attentive, and responsible. The hot springs are excellent, and the food is impeccably seasoned. The interior is fully tatami-mat, including the elevator, and artwork is everywhere. There's no unpleasant tatami mat smell, and you don't have to sleep on the floor. The air conditioning is excellent and the heating is adequate. The hotel is child-friendly. I stayed next to a family of three, and while it was a bit noisy at night, I'd definitely stay again.

It's a very nice inn. The hospitality, food, and rooms are all at a satisfactory level. I arrived by car, but there was no parking lot, but I had to hand over the key to the staff and have them move me. The room was large, and the semi-open-air bath in the room was large, and the hot water was slightly hot. However, the hot spring water was very nice. I think this is one of the best inns I've ever stayed at. This is an inn that you will want to come back to again. The food was delicious and the quantity was sufficient. I think it's too much to eat if you're a small eater. Also, the wine selection was pretty solid. I didn't take any photos, but there were empty bottles of SALON in the aisle, and I could see two or three types of the five major chateaus in the cellar visible from the aisle. Mouton was on the wine list. I think this is a recommended inn if you want to have a meal while enjoying wine. By the way, I think the price of wine is reasonable considering that it is served at a hot spring hotel. It says that you are not allowed to bring your own drinks, but even if you don't bring your own, I think you will not be dissatisfied if you drink what is available at the hotel. If you like wine, let's go to a hot spring! If so, I think I can recommend it. Of course, I think you can be satisfied even if you go with your family.