Motoyu Ishiya
Tatami room with low table, shoji screens and adjacent beds at Motoyu Ishiya in Ishikawa, Chūbu
Compact washbasin area with mirror, wooden stool, toiletries and adjacent shower at Motoyu Ishiya, Ishikawa
Reflective indoor onsen bath with large windows overlooking lush garden at Motoyu Ishiya, Ishikawa, Chūbu
Traditional tatami room with low table, shoji screens and garden-facing veranda at Motoyu Ishiya in Ishikawa Chūbu
Tatami room with low seating and garden view at Motoyu Ishiya, Ishikawa, Chūbu, Japan
Entrance courtyard of Motoyu Ishiya with traditional wooden buildings, tiled roofs and cedar trees in Ishikawa, Chūbu
Traditional tatami room with low dining table, floor chairs, shoji screens and garden view at Motoyu Ishiya in Ishikawa

Motoyu Ishiya

9.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.2/10, based on 298 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
Mountain Setting Valley Scenery Garden Setting Hot Spring Town Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,6/10
Facilities 9,3/10
Cleanliness 9,4/10
Comfort 9,3/10
Value for money 8,7/10
Location 8,4/10

Ryokan highlights

Historic hot spring ryokan in Kanazawa’s Fukatani area, known for classic architecture, kaiseki meals, and a Noh stage.

Historic Ryokan CharmFounded in 1789, it preserves an old Kanazawa atmosphere rather than modern resort styling.
Amber Hot SpringNatural amber-colored onsen with open-air baths is a standout for relaxing stays.
Rare Noh StageThe courtyard Noh stage gives the property a distinctive cultural identity in Kanazawa.
Quiet Mountain SettingSet in a calm mountainous area, it feels secluded while staying within reach of Kanazawa.
Kanazawa Kaiseki DiningDinner highlights local seafood, Kaga vegetables, and traditional Kanazawa dishes like jibu-ni.
Easy By CarAround 20 to 30 minutes from JR Kanazawa Station, with free parking available.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1 nightDining-and-onsen rhythm is the main driver here: arrive mid-afternoon, soak before dinner, enjoy the kaiseki meal, take a morning bath and breakfast, then continue to Kanazawa or onward travel.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a quiet traditional onsen retreat just outside central Kanazawa, not as a walkable city base or long sightseeing hub.

Know before booking

Limited walkabilityThe inn sits in Fukatani Onsen on Kanazawa’s outskirts, so restaurants, shops, and evening wandering are very limited nearby.
Not barrier-freeThe property explicitly warns that stairs and older building layout may be difficult for guests with mobility needs.
No private bathsIt has communal baths and an open-air bath, but it does not offer reservable private onsen.
Old-building tradeoffsExpect preserved historic atmosphere, but also possible insects and seasonal humidity from the valley setting.

Food & drinks

Verified Fukatani Onsen ryokan in Kanazawa with on-site kaiseki dining and Japanese breakfast, but no clearly named restaurant was found.

Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

Main meal venue for Ishiya Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast.

  • Ishiya KaisekispecialtySeasonal multi-course local dinner.
  • Jibu-nifoodKanazawa duck stew in a small pot.
  • Noto seasonal fishfoodFresh seafood from the Noto area.
  • Kaga vegetablesfoodLocal vegetables used through the meal.
  • Japanese breakfastfoodTraditional morning set meal.
Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Relaxed in-ryokan dining space for leisurely seasonal courses.

  • KintokisofoodLocal Kanazawa-style dish.
  • Seasonal cuisinespecialtyCourse menu changes with the season.
  • Traditional seasoningsspecialtyLong-loved Kanazawa flavors.
  • Tea servicedrinkTypical ryokan-style hot tea.
Breakfast Room (on-site)
on-site

Simple breakfast setting with Japanese items and local touches.

  • Yogurt with fruitfoodYogurt served with seasonal fruit.
  • Three picklesfoodSmall assortment of pickled vegetables.
  • Local breakfast setspecialtyJapanese breakfast served at set times.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Motoyu Ishiya is a traditional hot-spring ryokan in the Fukatani area of northern Kanazawa, best reached from Kanazawa Station by taxi or local bus rather than on foot.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

Motoyu Ishiya is a historic hot-spring ryokan in Fukatani, Kanazawa, suited to travelers who want atmosphere, tradition, and a quiet countryside setting rather than modern luxury. It is especially appealing for a classic ryokan stay, but less ideal if you want easy city access, barrier-free facilities, or a freshly renovated feel.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Rare historic atmosphereThis is a long-established inn with Edo-period roots, and the stay leans heavily into old Kanazawa character rather than a polished hotel style. If you want a ryokan that feels genuinely timeworn and traditional, it stands out.
  • Distinctive Noh stage settingMotoyu Ishiya is known for having a classic Noh stage on the property, which gives the whole place a cultural identity you do not get at most ryokan. That detail adds a memorable sense of place beyond just sleeping and bathing.
  • Amber-colored onsen waterThe bath is a natural hot spring with amber-colored water, giving the onsen experience a more distinctive character than a standard large bath. It is a strong fit for travelers specifically seeking a traditional soak in a rural setting.
  • Quiet retreat outside central KanazawaBeing in Fukatani, away from the city center, gives the ryokan a calm mountain-valley feel that suits a slower overnight stay. It works well if you want to disconnect after sightseeing rather than stay near the station.
  • Traditional rooms and cuisine focusThe property emphasizes preserved Japanese-style rooms and seasonal cuisine, which makes the stay feel like a full ryokan experience instead of just lodging with a bath. Travelers looking for tatami, kaiseki-style dining, and old-fashioned hospitality are likely to appreciate it.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not convenient for city-first tripsIt is outside central Kanazawa, so this is less practical if your priority is walking to major sights, restaurants, or the station area. The location suits retreat-style stays more than high-efficiency sightseeing.
  • Old building comes with quirksThe inn openly preserves its historic structure, so some rooms and common areas may feel dated rather than refreshed. Travelers expecting sleek renovations or luxury-modern finishes may be disappointed.
  • Stairs can be a real issueThe property is not barrier-free, and the ryokan itself warns that stairs and movement around the building may be inconvenient for elderly guests or anyone with mobility concerns. That can materially affect comfort during the stay.
  • Humidity and musty feel in seasonBecause the building sits in a valley surrounded by low mountains, the inn notes that it can stay humid from the rainy season into mid-September. Even with dehumidifiers and air purifiers, sensitive guests may notice dampness or older-building odors.
  • Nature is part of the packageThe nostalgic rural setting means insects may come in when windows are opened, which some guests will find charming and others will find annoying. If you prefer tightly sealed, urban-hotel cleanliness and predictability, this may not be your style.

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: 9th out of 66 ryokans in Ishikawa.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
4th Gunjo no Tsuki 9.6/10 163
5th Ryokan Yamamuro 9.4/10 942
6th Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen Kokarian 9.7/10 33
7th Minshuku Ginmatsu 9.3/10 385
8th Machi no Odoriba 9.3/10 299
9th Motoyu Ishiya Current ryokan 9.2/10 298
10th Yuyaruru Saisai 9.2/10 295
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
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