Beniya Mukayu

Beniya Mukayu is a sophisticated and intimate 16-room ryokan that focuses on hospitality, food and the onsen experience, all within a one-hour drive from Kanazawa.** **

• The private onsen and views of the garden from every room
• The thoughtful kaiseki dinners based on seasonal and local produce and seafood
• The tea ceremony led by the owner of the ryokan** **

Beniya Mukayu is located in Yamashiro Onsen in the Ishikawa Prefecture, just a one hour drive from Kanazawa  (and two hours from Kyoto or three from Tokyo). This location allows the ryokan to serve as a comfortable home base for those looking for both a traditional countryside ryokan experience and access to Kanazawa, a larger cultural city with feudal sites such as the Kenroku-en Gardens and samurai district.

The ryokan has sixteen rooms offering both traditional tatami mat sleeping arrangements and Western style bedframes. Each room has its own deck overlooking the garden with an open-air onsen that pumps in natural, thermal mineral water to be enjoyed in the privacy of one’s room. Based on the mantra of the property - richness in emptiness - the décor of the hotel is austere but warm, with simple, natural elements of white-plastered clay walls, bamboo and tatami. The Forest Library and the Main Library are where guests can relax, enjoying books on local flora, arts and crafts. Throughout the ryokan are subtle pieces of art, including the Tsukubai, a type of water design artwork by Kenya Hara, the Paraíso Vertical, an installation of local plants growing along one of the facades; and QR codes connecting to an A/R collaboration project with Kodue Hibino on contemporary dance.

Part of Relais & Chateaux, Beniya Mukayu showcases local ingredients in the fine dining restaurant Kaiseki Horin, constantly shifting its offerings throughout the season from snow crab to hairy crab and goroujima potato to persimmon. These menus, thoughtfully curated and served in the property’s communal dining area, are enjoyed by guests wearing yukata, bathrobes worn traditionally in onsen bathhouses and offered in each of the guest rooms.

Along with the quality of the food, hospitality is paramount, and the Nakamichi family that owns the ryokan is deeply involved in its day-to-day management, personally leading traditional tea ceremonies before dinner. The Spa Entei offers specialized treatments and natural Yakushiyama products to enhance the communal onsen bath experience. The ryokan has an excellent lobby boutique, which showcases local kutaniyaki ceramics, glass and lacquerware specifically made in partnership with local artisans.

Those looking for a sophisticated, traditional Japanese inn experience in a mountain onsen town with the ability to visit the city of Kanazawa nearby. Please note there is a seven-year-old age minimum.