Kaga Onsen: Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga
A break from life in a small, rural town near Kanazawa.
Hoshino Resorts is one of the most well known and sought after luxury hot spring and resort ryokan chains in Japan. I’ve stayed at their KAI Kinugawa resort while visiting Nikko, as well as their KAI Sengokuhara resort while visiting Hakone.
I was glad to get another chance to stay at one of their locations in 2020, while on a trip to Kanazawa.
HOW TO GET THERE
We took the Thunderbird Express train from Kanazawa Station to Kagaonsen Station, the quickest way at the moment. Kagaonsen Station is a very local station, but a Shinkansen station is currently being built to replace it. From there, there is a bus that will take you near the resort but if it’s difficult, catching a taxi may be easier.
A Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga staff member greets you at the entrance and guides you to the check-in area. You put your shoes into a locker and wear slippers around the resort. You can then check-in and schedule your meals (2 time options per meal) and any activities such as massages.
The Kaga Onsen area is small and there isn’t much to do or see. This isn’t a big problem though, as the purpose of going to these types of ryokans is to relax at the resort.
The library lounge area
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga is focused on providing a local experience. A lot of the decor is from the area, using traditional patterns and techniques, and are created by local craftsmen. After dinner, a traditional lion dance is performed that was first performed in the region back in the 16th century.
We stayed in the Japanese-style Room TA3, a room that measures between 41㎡～51㎡ big with 2 beds, a living room, bathroom with shower, and balcony.
Living room area with mat flooring and sleep area in the back
The living room area
The balcony space
Bathroom with shower
The Hot Spring
The water that flows through Japanese onsen hot springs vary and depend on where the water is coming from. Each has a slightly different combination of minerals carrying different benefits to the skin and body.
Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga’s onsen water is from the Yamashiro hot spring and is pretty clear in color. They report that their water has sodium, calcium, sulfate and chloride.
This combination is said to help in areas such as protecting the skin from drying out and accelerating the body’s natural healing process, as well as coating the body, therefore warming and moisturizing the skin.
Public indoor onsen bath area
Smaller outdoor public onsen area
Dining
Like most ryokan stays, Japanese kaiseki meals are included. Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga’s meals are served in the dining hall that has separation barriers, allowing each party to have a private room.
Shokujidokoro (dining hall)
The Hoshino Resorts KAI line never fails to have amazing food.
Ishikawa prefecture is known for crab, and there are a few different crab kaiseki courses to choose from.
You can’t go wrong with any. Ours included dishes such as crab sashimi, crab hot pot, and a Shimenawa-Mushi steamed crab that is made by steaming the crab in a saltwater-soaked rope. Just so good.
Breakfast was also great and was centered on a seafood nabe (hot pot).
The Hoshino Resorts KAI Kaga was yet another resort in the KAI line that I enjoyed staying at. They really area an elegant onsen retreat. Whenever we have an extra day on a trip where we can afford to relax, we look to see if there’s a KAI location nearby.
I recommend this resort for anyone looking for a luxurious Japanese getaway.
Furoshiki wrapping cloths to take home