Feudal hot-spring ryokan
Lantern-lit pathways connect historic timber pavilions against a hillside garden, where eighteen generations of family hospitality cultivate a contemplative mountain retreat.
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Continuous family hospitality since 1639, preserving feudal Maeda clan chambers and Rosanjin calligraphy.
Remarkable
Three distinct thermal bathhouses and private cypress tubs drawing pure spring water daily.
Remarkable
Seasonal Kaga kaiseki served on local Kutani porcelain, highlighting Sea of Japan seafood.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
All of the rooms here have a tatami-style living room in classic neutral tones and windows framing views of the woods, plus a simple bedroom with futon-height beds.
Somewhere quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Situated in Yamashiro Onsen's historic Yuno Garuwa quarter, the property sits tucked between quiet village bathhouses and forested slopes.
The rooms
Tatami sitting areas frame wooded hills, while eleven guest rooms include private open-air baths crafted from fragrant Yoshino cypress.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Three communal bathhouses draw pure thermal water, ranging from fragrant cypress soaking tubs to a cavelike steam bath.
At the table
Seasonal Kaga kaiseki arrives on local Kutani porcelain, and the timber garden pavilion pours sake after dark.
How it began
Operating for eight centuries, the property originally served as the dedicated hot-spring keeper and lodge for the feudal Maeda clan.
Good to know
Stay here
Araya Totoan
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Kaga
More like this
Beniya Mukayu Ryokan
“Modernist forest ryokan”
Hanamurasaki
“Artisan salon ryokan”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.