Overview
Step into history at Araya Totoan, a traditional ryokan in Yamashiro Onsen with more than 800 years of heritage. Set against the quiet backdrop of a mountain garden, this ryokan invites you to experience Japanese hospitality, refined comfort, and one of the most celebrated hot springs in the Hokuriku region. The moment you cross the wooden corridors and see the light filtering through paper screens, you’ll feel time slow down.
Accommodation
Each room at Araya Totoan blends traditional Japanese design with modern comforts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a luxurious getaway, there’s a room to match your style.
Twin Room with Open-Air Bath: Sleep on low-profile twin beds raised on tatami flooring. Step out onto your private terrace and soak in a natural hot spring bath. With views of the mountain garden, these rooms are perfect for unwinding in any season.
Detached Suite “Arisugawa Sanso”: Follow a wooden corridor to reach this private retreat, tucked among centuries-old trees. Originally built without nails and recently renovated, this stand-alone house includes two tatami rooms, a bedroom with twin beds facing the garden, and a large stone bath filled with flowing hot spring water. The building honors Prince Arisugawa Taruhito, who once stayed here in the Meiji era.
Special Rooms and Japanese-Western Suites: Choose from rooms named after local landmarks like Wakana, Kutani, or Shofuku. Many include spacious tatami areas, Western-style beds, or even private baths. Each space offers a unique atmosphere, encouraging you to relax and take in the quiet surroundings.
Dining
Taste the seasons of Kaga through carefully prepared dishes made from local ingredients. The kitchen crafts each meal to showcase the richness of the sea, the mountains, and the fields.
In spring, enjoy sea bream, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables, and cherry trout. Your meal may feature freshly caught crab, sweet shrimp, or rich Kaga vegetables, all served in handcrafted dishes that are a pleasure to see and touch.
Every dinner is served in a private dining room with table seating, so you can focus on each dish in a peaceful setting. The chefs adjust the menu to reflect the freshest ingredients of the day, creating an elegant experience rooted in the traditions of Kaga cuisine.
Onsen and Wellness
Yamashiro Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns, and Araya Totoan draws its water directly from the original source. With a daily flow of 100,000 liters, the ryokan’s hot spring is rich in minerals and warmth, ideal for easing body and mind.
Rurikou Bath: Named after the temple’s guardian Buddha, this bath features cypress-wood walls and a natural fragrance that blends with the scent of the spring water. Built in the 1950s, it remains a favorite among hot spring lovers.
Gensenkaku Bath: Once the site of a traditional pond garden, this modern bath lets you enjoy mist effects and artworks inspired by local legends. Large windows open to garden views.
Private Bath “Toritoyu”: Enter a dimly lit space filled with steam from the natural spring. Alternate between warm and hot pools for a meditative soak that invites you to feel the spring with all five senses.
All three baths operate on a schedule that rotates men’s and women’s hours, allowing you to try each one during your stay.
Guests with Tattoos
The ryokan does not provide specific guidance on tattoos, but to ensure your comfort and privacy, it’s best to request a private room with a bath or inquire about less busy times at the public baths.
Facilities
You’ll find thoughtful features throughout the ryokan to enhance your stay:
- Private dining rooms with traditional table seating
- A gallery showcasing works by artist Rosanjin Kitaoji, including calligraphy and ceramic pieces
- A curated shop featuring local crafts, including Kutani ware and lacquerware
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
- Select rooms with open-air baths or garden views
Activities
Wander the nearby hot spring town, where old wooden inns line narrow streets. Take time to explore “Yunokawa,” the historic central area where hot spring water once flowed through wooden pipes. Visit the art gallery in the main building, or walk through the mountain garden and listen to the sound of wind in the trees.
You can also view antiques, local pottery, and handwritten scrolls that reveal the ryokan’s long connection to artists, nobles, and spiritual leaders.
Additional Features
- Founded over 800 years ago, still owned and run by descendants of the original family
- Historical ties to the Maeda clan and Prince Arisugawa
- Private suite “Arisugawa Sanso” available for exclusive stays
- Seasonal menus highlighting fresh local ingredients
- Quiet mountain garden ideal for reflection and relaxation
From its quiet baths to its rich culinary traditions, Araya Totoan offers you a deep connection to Japanese culture and history. Come here not just to stay, but to breathe in the legacy of a place that continues to honor its roots with every detail.
