Kagaya Villa Matsu no Midori

We had fond memories of our first stay at Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori, so we decided last week to pay another visit to find out if we would be as charmed as we were last time, or if some of our recent stays at Japan's top ryokans will have bumped this ryokan down in the pecking order. I'm happy to say that our experience was excellent, although we were more acutely aware of few of the flaws that we overlooked during our initial sojourn to this ryokan.||Kagaya Bettei Matsunomidori was established in 2015 as an annex to the famous and respected Kagaya. The Kagaya group owns and operates several massive properties in the Wakura Onsen area, including Kagaya, Aenokaze and Niji to Umi, all of which are massive, big box properties with a wide array of facilities and activities that is perfect for families and large tour groups. For more discerning travelers, however, the 31-room Matsunomidori stands apart as the luxury option among Kagaya group's portfolio, along with a price to match.||We first stayed in 2016, so Matsunomidori was new, fresh and stylish, and we were enamored with the design, refined cuisine, polished service, the massive and interesting public areas and the enchanting view of the garden and ocean. Most of what we remember still hold true, although we were more acutely aware of some of the shortcomings that our younger selves probably overlooked the first time around.||First off, 31 rooms for a luxury ryokan is on the large side. Many of the very top properties have less than 20 rooms, with several of them having rooms in the single digits. This resulted in a slightly less intimate and bespoke experience than we've recently become accustomed to. On the flip side, the public areas are comparatively massive, with incredible displays and exhibits of traditional and modern art. Most notably, there is a Wajima Nuri lacquerware (輪島塗) exhibit by famed craftsman Kado Isaburo, with his works prominently displayed througout every nook and cranny of the common areas. Also, the garden is photogenic, is fronted by a historic tea house called Tokuryoan (book early for the wonderful tea ceremony experience in Tokuryoan), and offers stupendous views of the ocean as well as Noto Island. In the lounge area, Matsunomidori offers coffee, tea and snacks throughout the day, free of charge, including a delicious Japanese sweet called Manju (among other offerings.) Overall, the scale and quality of the facilities (including the gift shop) is top notch.||The quality further extends to the room as well, for the most part. We stayed in the highest category room - Special Room with Open-Air Bath, which is an expansive 140m² in size, has a living room, a Japanese tatami-matted room as well as a separate and massive bedroom, which also has its own sitting area. Aside from the tatami room, the Suite was unusual in being carpeted and in having Western-style furnishings (couch, table/chairs and beds rather than futons.) While everything was in tip top shape and it was a great place to pass the time, we did feel that the room felt a tad dated - since this is not a traditional ryokan, some of the design elements have not stood the test of time, including the tiles in the shower area. ||The biggest shortcoming, in my opinion, was the in-room Onsen experience. We were surprised to find the bath not being filled with hot springs, with no Onsen continually flowing into the tub - in order to fill the bath with Onsen, you need to push a button near the shower for the hot springs to be unleashed. There are problems with this approach: Because the temperature of the Onsen itself is not regulated and maintained at a predefined amount of warmth, as soon as the tub fills up you need to get in right away before the bath becomes to lukewarm to enjoy it. Once the temperature drops, you're best advised to drain the bath and start the process all over again. It's a real hassle, and something that we feel is unacceptable at a luxury Onsen ryokan that charges such high room rates. This issue can be circumvented by paying a visit to the communal bath, but if that's all you need, it sort of defeats the purpose of staying in a high-end ryokan. Keep in mind also that not all rooms have an Onsen bath in the room. On the plus side, everything in the minibar is available free of charge, and the bathroom amenities are of high quality (although not unique.) Travel sized containers of lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, moisturizer and other necessities are supplied by Omnisens (a Japanese brand), which seems to be what is offered by almost a third of the luxury ryokans in the country.||We enjoyed our dining experience at Matsunomidori. The Noto Peninsula, which is where Wakura Onsen is located, is renowned for nature's bounty from both the sea and land, and the ryokan does a good job that make the most of the local ingredients (especially the seafood.) The sashimi, including the Amaebi Sweet Shrimp, was simply sublime, as was the boiled Snow Crab (the local variety in the area is called "Kano-gani.") While not every single dish was exceptional, overall we were satisfied with the high-quality cuisine on offer at Matsunomidori. The same also applies to the Japanese breakfast - very good overall, although the food portions were on the small side.||Although we enjoyed our second stay at Matsunomidori and are glad we returned, it didn't quite live up to the fond memories and sky-high expectations that resulted from our amazing first visit many years ago. There is no shame in that, and it's still definitely a bona-fide luxury ryokan. But the inconvenient in-room onsen bathing process brings this property down a notch relative to some of the other top luxury ryokans that we've recent visited in Japan.

This onsen is a five star facility that costs about $900 for an overnight stay that includes dinner and breakfast. We typically wouldn’t stay in a hotel like this, but we’re seniors and decided to splurge.||||The hotel is not much to look at from the outside. It’s a 5-story building on an ocean inlet that looks more like a large lake than the ocean. There are no waves.||||The lobby is luxurious and there is a museum collection on display throughout. There are soft chairs and white leather couches facing the water and when you arrive, you’re served tea or coffee while you are told about the onsen. The view across the tended garden and ornamental trees to the water is breathtaking.||||We decided to experience a traditional tea ceremony in a small adjacent historic building that was moved to its current location. The ceremony was filled with interesting ritual, and fortunately a friend of ours translated and elaborated on the ancient practice which made it even more enjoyable.||||In our 12-tatami mat twin room, we were given 3 sets of traditional Japanese clothing that we could wear anyplace within the onsen. Our room was about 400 sq. feet with a large screen flat screen television, a modern massage chair, and a well-stocked refrigerator (all drinks in the room, bar, and served with meals were included in our all-inclusive package). The bathroom included a Toto toilet, a deep soaking tub, and a shower within the tub room. A narrow balcony ran along the front of the room facing the sea, not wide enough for a table or a chair, but a place to breathe very fresh air in the morning and to watch the sunrise.||||The onsen has separate hot baths for men and women, and each has both an inside an outside bathing area as well as a dry sauna. The baths are luxurious with dressing areas, lockers, and showering stations well equipped with soaps, lotions, towels, etc. Outside of the bath area, there are individual stations for grooming, shaving (razors are provided), etc.||||The two exquisitely presented meals were served to us in a separate private dining area. Dinner was about 9 courses consisting of many items in each course, and our server explained what each item was. Breakfast was equally involved, with about about 7 items and a large pot of rice. The Japanese food is excellent, varied, and served elegantly.||||We had a memorable experience and we’re glad we decided to have the experience.||||I only have one complaint – the staff we encountered was usually not fluent in English and we felt that we might have understood more about the culture had there been more English speakers available.

We drove to the hotel but was guided to another hotel by the GPS, but the staff was kind enough direct us to the correct hotel which is nearby. Upon arrival we were led to the lounge area and were served tea and snacks and check in was handled there. Very relaxing looking at the Sea Of Japan and a traditional pine garden. I was the told that was the theme of the hotel where water meets the sky and the pine and they are all in one. So tranquil! Later the next day, we had a traditional tea ceremony at the old house in front of the sea. Simply beautiful. The rooms are clean, modern and have a massage chair. At our private dining room, it was set up with a mini Singapore and Japanese flag, such a nice touch. Food was very good with the local seafood. We found the same Japanese Singapore flag set up during our check out at the reception as well. Hilarious! For our two nights stay, we were taken care by Jotai San who spoke excellent English. We found out she lived in Malaysia for 3 years. She was wonderful and helpful. Her colleague Syagawa San also provided very good service though her English was not as good. The outdoor onsen facing the sea was very relaxing though you have to be careful before you walk out. I had to scramble back in to the door when a fishing boat went by as I was walking out. The hotel souvenir shop sells some beautiful and unique pottery dishes. We picked up some sauce plates and were very happy with the purchase. The room charge included all you can drink during dining and also at the bar.

Stayed 2 nights in this hotel during the month of January.||||The hotel lobby is big and impressive. While sitting in the sofa waiting for check-in, drink and dessert were being served by the hotel staff. There is a small peaceful garden facing the sea outside the lobby. The atmosphere was claim and relaxing. The hotel also provides free drink & Japanese snacks in the afternoon for certain hours. It’s a pity that we had no time to enjoy it as we were busy for sight-seeing.||||Our room is clean, spacious and comfortable. The beds are facing the Japan sea directly. There are also sofa and massage chair in the room. Snacks & drinks are provided free in the room too. ||||After settled down, we went to outdoor onsen to wash away our tiredness. We had a good time soap inside the onsen while the outside temperature was cold. The beautiful bay view can be seen clearly from the outdoor onsen. We felt so refresh after that. They are ice-cream, milk, yogurt and beer provided in the resting area. ||||The dinner was delicious and well presented. After the good dinner, we slept well for the night. The morning breakfast was good too.||||Overall, we are happy and satisfy with this great onsen hotel and their dedicated services.

Opened on 1st October 2015, Matsunomidori has to be one of the most elegant and spectacular accommodations in the world. Located in a city full of hotels and ryokans, this one stands out in its exceptionally high standard of appointments and service. It is tucked away one street behind the main street and our GPS had not even been updated to take us there. A neighboring hotel staff showed the way. ||||Once you drive up to this low-rise understated but very zen building you are greeted by staff who take your luggage and car and welcomed you through a lobby filled with artwork. You are settled into comfortable chairs in a large lobby which overlooks the bay and a landscaped garden with large bonsai trees. You are served tea and cakes while you check in. Unhurried but very efficient. The lounge was quiet and very comfortable. There is a library of books and music. Everything exudes an air of freshness, calm and sincerity.||||There are only 33 rooms, but the hotel is very large and well-planned. The spaciousness and quiet were very much appreciated after the smaller and busier ryokans you often encounter.||||You are then shown to your room. On the way you pass by a beautiful shop selling very interesting crafts and art. Not your usual souvenirs but art pieces that you would be proud to own. ||||The lobby of the onsen is large and relaxing with attendants serving drinks and snacks during opening hours. ||||The room we had faced the bay. You can see into the horizon of hills and water. It was a beautiful suite. A most unexpected upgrade.||||All rooms in the suite faced the bay. Very well designed.||||The suite had a huge living room with white leather furniture. A private onsen and shower opening out into a view of the bay led from a lovely large bathroom. ||||The bedroom was enormous with another large and beautiful bathroom but only a small shower which was the only negative in this whole hotel. ||||There were two sets of fridges and nespresso machines. All drinks set up were included in the room rate. In addition there were cookies and chocolates. Toiletries were for both men and ladies. All luxury Japanese brands - packaged and wrapped. Very impressive. Everything was replenished each day.||||Service was of the highest standard. Both housekeeping and dining. ||||For dinner you have your own private room in the dining area. Service was really top class. Everything was included even top rate sake. The kaiseki was also of excellent quality and presentation.||||Breakfast is served in a large bright room overlooking the bay. It was wonderful to start the day in such a peaceful and bright environment with great views. You have a choice of western or Japanese breakfast. Again of high quality .||||This review is much longer than my usual review as this ryokan just opened and there is no English website. Hardly any English is spoken. But this is a ryokan where you are pampered. Very expensive but highly recommended for the ultimate ryokan experience!

This ryokan is top-class in every way. My wife and I loved our well-equipped room replete with a large selection of Japanese evening apparel, an aggressive massage chair and a complimentary minibar. The staff was extremely service-oriented. And the onsen was beautiful with an indoor bath that had great flat areas to do back stretches in the morning and a slightly cooler outdoors pool overlooking the water. The food was also very good. Our favorite ryokan in Japan so far (the third we have stayed in this week on our Butterfield and Robinson biking trip).

We had a very small room in the 300’s. There is a large construction project going on in front. Try to book a room other than in that wing. |Lovely grounds and public spaces. |However not my cup of Japanese Tea

You can feel japanese genuine OMOTENASHI at this hotel. Much more expensive than same group Kagaya,but I think you will be better to stay this hotel and recomend to visit Wajima-by Noto gets udon train-,Tamasu,Nanao also Kanazawa. When we went there ,last December,it is snowy day, KANOU-KANI(a kind of Japanese rare crab), SAKE( ATSUKAN) was one of the best seasons. ||||

We took the JR Thunderbird train from Osaka to Wakura Onsen to this hotel. Hotel staff were waiting with shuttle vans at the station. They only have a few staff who can speak English. Our hostess was very attentive, helpful with our stay at the hotel and local sightseeing. We arrived late so our dinner was in the restaurant and not in the room. After dinner, futon was already laid out. We went to the onsen instead. It was snowing on the day so walking outside getting in the pool was cold. Others were enjoying hot sakes in the water. It was quite an experience sitting in onsen while snowing. The winter yukata set was pretty elaborate. It was noted the style of the yukata also denotes our room class. Hostess taught us that men's belt should be worn below the belly and ladies' worn below bosom and of course I did it wrong. Next morning we were awaken by the hostess and an elaborate breakfast was served. It look as if she sleeps after we went to bed and get up to prepare breakfast while we were still sleeping. May be she takes a nap mid-day while we were out. After the trip, friend asked if I gave a tip. As it turned out, onsen hotel hostess is one of the few places tip is customary in Japan, probably Y10,000.

This was by far one of my favorite Ryokan stays in Japan. From the pickup service at the train station to the drop off service the following day, everything was simply perfect and all-inclusive. Upon arrival at the Ryokan, there was a welcome drink and snack in the beautiful lobby overlooking the bay. At that time, I was asked if I was interested in attending a traditional tea ceremony and what time I would like to dine. Shortly thereafter, I was escorted to my room where all of the features were explained. After a short, I participated in the tea ceremony which was simply perfect. Following the tea ceremony I went to the spa for a relaxing dip in both the inside and outside baths. Afterward, I relaxed outside the spa with a nice beer. Dinner was simply amazing...a wonderful 9 courses with choice of beverages along the way...including a local sake tasting. Breakfast the following morning was just as wonderful. Overall, a perfect stay...a great spa, spectacular service and a fabulous culinary experience. Two hours outside of Tokyo via Shinkansen, Wakura Onsen was a great find!

Our tour guide saved the best hotel for last. The interior and architecture is one of the most beautiful I have seen in a hotel. The building is even located right next to the peaceful waterfront. If you have time, explore the whole hotel. They have a cute street of shops within to buy gifts and snacks. The staff does not know too much English, but there's free wifi throughout the whole hotel so you could try to use an app or Google translate. Upon arrival, we were taken to our rooms which an attendant provided us with matcha tea and mochi. She then helped us dress in our yukatas complete with toe socks and sandals. This is one instance in Japan where you should tip the attendant. The room itself is a more traditional setting with bamboo mats, a large sitting room, a smaller sitting room, bedroom, and two separate rooms for bath and toilet. Instead of beds, you sleep on tatami spread on the bamboo mats. They were quite comfortable. After dressing up, we were treated to a kaiseki dinner and drum performance. I was so full from lunch, but the presentation of the food was so appealing I had to stuff myself to such a state of uncomfortableness. You're treated to course after course: abalone, sea urchin, ebi, crab legs, wine, beer, and more. Breakfast was a similar ordeal. The public baths are clean and refreshing. There are two for woman, one for men. One of the women's public path has a view with the ocean. The rules are strip naked and store your clothes in the lockers. Shower yourself before you go in to the public bath. Be completely naked with people. They give you body soap, shampoo, conditioner, comb, hair dryer, lotions, etc.

You can't find better 5 star hot spring hotel than this in Japan. The view,the room, the food, the hospitality are all next level. It is a good place to unwind and reflect.

Was recommended by two friends to stay at Kagaya. One hour north of Kanazawa. A seaside traditional ryokan with large open air hot spring bath. Kagaya was touted as receiving the recognition as the best Japanese Inn by the Japanese travel industry. For me the best part of the experience was the service. We had one attendant from the check in tea service, kaiseki dinner and even breakfast all which were served in our room. Hot spring bath had open air view of the sea. (Custom when checking into traditional ryokan is to tip your attendant first when you first get settled in your room. One of the rare occasion when such money is provided for service in Japan)