I took a star away because of the dinner, which was easily the worst meal I have had in Japan. It is an attempt at fine dining that is a little too extra. The dinner was 8 rounds dishes that were mostly distasteful, bland, or otherwise gross. For example, one of the dishes was a ball of shrimp in a bowl of green pea soup. Another dish was fish tempura, but here’s the kicker, the fish wasn’t cleaned. My wife bit into the fish and but into the heart and guts, and was close to throwing up right there. She had to spit it out into a napkin. The worst destruction of a dish that could have even amazing was their wagyu. Wagyu is not a difficult dish to create. Grill it for a short time, maybe a little bit of a char, and a small amount of salt and it will melt in your mouth. But no, what did the chef do? He steamed the wagyu until it was soggy and flaccid and then placed it in a bowl filled with tomato juice and diced tomatoes. We were instructed to eat the meat together with the diced tomatoes and it was utterly disappointing. 9/10 for the location and venue. 1/10 for the dinner. Whoever created the dinner menu needs to be taken to the back and beaten with a bamboo stick.

Wonderful Ryokan experience with a fantastic view. The wooden, very deep bathtub, was one of the best bathing experiences I’ve ever had.

Stayed in May 2024

Nothing

The onsen bath, the location, the view of the geisha district, the service was exceptional.

Stayed in April 2024

This was a gorgeous experience. The food was a little wild, lots of raw fish, even jelly fish, we gave everything a go. Perhaps breakfast could have been a little more conventical, or maybe a ramen rather than more raw fish. Just eggs would have been great.

Stayed in December 2023

Not accessible while carrying luggages without taxi.

Everything was impeccable, quite possibly the best accommodation we have stayed in. The meals in particular were prepared with great finesse using the freshest ingredients. Nothing to fault.

Stayed in January 2024

The staffs are extremely nice and caring. We were very well looked after during our stay. The hotel is charming and quaint. The whole experience was exquisite and memorable.

Stayed in January 2024

Everything was perfect

Beautiful authentic ryokan experience. Amazing service and hospitality. Very relaxing stay, ideal for couple, highly recommend. Beautiful traditional dinner and breakfast, like nothing we had ever experienced.

Stayed in January 2024

Nothing

Great beautiful room with the most traditional tatami, peaks over the old town of Kanazawa. We were blessed to bath over the sunset our first night! The food (dinner and breakfast) was amazing!!! One of the best we have had in a long time. The chef really values on season local materials. Every dish was done at such a humble way but extremely high standard. They also cater to dietary requirements with advance notice.

Stayed in December 2023

Fantastic experience. Rooms were beautiful, very traditional. Hot sauna like bathrooms were fabulous. The dining experience was certainly one to remember. We even tried puffer fish. Staff were attentive and helpful.

Stayed in December 2023

Nothing, really.

Excellent and ample.

Stayed in November 2023

Food was excellent

Stayed in November 2023

Not a thing. I can't think of a single negative thing to say about the property of our time in Kanazawa.

This ryokan is beautiful. The property with its winding paths and gardens feels like you're staying in a piece of history. The staff is impeccable - attentive, polite, and helpful. And the food is incredible – all of our meals were fresh, delicious, and had great variety. We tried many different traditional Japanese dishes and loved the experience every day. The location is perfectly located, especially for those that enjoy to get around on foot. The historic Higashi Chaya District is footsteps away and other major sites like the Castle and Gardens are a reasonable walk. I cannot recommend Yamanoo more. After spending multiple weeks throughout Japan, this was our favorite accommodation.

Stayed in October 2023

The food and staff were mind blowing, the room was a tranquil respite, the garden and grounds were like from a dream.

Stayed in October 2023

Everything. The room, the privacy, the staff, the food… amazing experience

Stayed in October 2023

The room and the gardens are really good

Stayed in October 2023

I can’t think of anything that isn’t exactly right about Yamanoo.

We felt like we’d fallen into a puddle of cream at Yamanoo. It was paradise, from the exquisitely designed room (ours was called Fuki), which has a view of the beautiful and historic Higashi-Chaya district, to the glorious food, cooked by chef/owner Takichi Ota, to the warm and lovely staff. The setting is incredibly special- a Japanese garden carefully tended so as to provide complete serenity and beauty everywhere one looks. Every single detail contributes to the overall effect of peaceful perfection.

Stayed in September 2023

Some parts of the kaiseki might be a bit of a struggle for western pallets but trying new things is part of the fun. The breakfast was so big, if you are used to just having a coffee in the morning, the breakfast included option probably is not for you, savoury food and raw fish that seemed to just keep on coming. The latest you can opt to have breakfast is 8.30 which is quite early to eat that much food in my opinion.

Everything was beautiful. Such a wonderful stay. Staff were lovely, especially Megumi. Everything was beautifully clean. You are offered matcha on arrival which was a nice touch. Garden and ryokan itself are like stepping back in time, so peaceful. Would have loved to have stayed for longer. KAISEKI was amazing.

Stayed in September 2023

No, everything was great.

The food was amazing and some of the best that we have had. The garden walk to the room was beautiful and the window overlooking the city was fantastic. The location was great and was right next to the beautiful Higashi Chaya district.

Stayed in September 2023

great traditional ryokan

Stayed in August 2023

all good

warm hospitality, exceptional dining experience, atmosphere. Yamanoo is located at the heart of an old fascinating area.

Stayed in August 2023

Nothing!

A very well looked after property, traditional, however featuring modern facilities like a beautiful bathroom. Located in a Japanese garden overlooking the city. Stunning dinner rooms.

Stayed in July 2023

Traditional, tranquil, very warm welcome, nice in-house private dining

Stayed in April 2023

Amazing food! Beautiful property! People working there were so kind and accommodating! English friendly

Stayed in July 2023

The quiet The ambiance The amazing dinner The gracious staff

Stayed in July 2023

It was perfect!

It’s the most gorgeous, romantic and peaceful haven. A historic hilltop oasis with stunning Japanese gardens and elevated views over the city in all directions. Rooms are bright and spacious and the futons are incredibly comfortable with big soft pillows and a super light fluffy duvets. The food and service is exceptional. What makes this ryokan stand out is the great love and care in everything they do. It’s a real gem and we feel really fortunate to have found it!

Stayed in June 2023