“Unraveling the time that has been passed down.” Tonight marks 1,300 years of tradition, carried forward by the 47th generation.
An Accommodation in Awazu Onsen, founded in Yoro 2 (718). Discovered by the monk Taicho Daishi, its sacred spring still flows today. A nationally registered commemorative garden passed down from Kobori Enshu to Sano Toemon. A group of nationally registered tangible cultural properties, masterfully assembled by temple carpenters without a single nail. Time carried on since the monk Garyo, and handed down through 47 generations as guardians of the waters. In the garden moss, in the temperature of the water, in the cypress beams—1,300 years of time quietly seep through. Spend a night within it, and the rhythms of everyday life gently begin to unwind.
The Room was spacious, easy to use, and clean, making for a very comfortable stay. I was traveling home, so it helped me recover from the fatigue. The Room amenities were minimal. I thought it would be nice to have cotton pads or cotton swabs, but they weren’t really necessary. The meals weren’t flashy, but they were pleasantly tasty. It was a great-value stay. Thank you very much.
I stayed here on my way back from a business trip.They kindly upgraded me to a slightly larger Room than the one I had reserved, and I was able to relax and unwind.What left the strongest impression at this Accommodation was its history. As you walk through the building, you’ll find various exhibits and furnishings that evoke Kaga’s past, and the building itself bears the marks of many years. The phrase “the oldest Accommodation in Hokuriku” felt not like a mere title, but something you can truly experience firsthand.Of course, given how historic this Accommodation is, there are parts of the interior that feel old. This is not an Accommodation for those seeking cutting-edge Facilities or the polished atmosphere of a modern luxury Ryokan. However, I believe there is unique value here in experiencing that long history—including its age.Dinner was an excellent Kaga kaiseki meal. They served each dish one by one while carefully matching our pace, and everything was delicious—I could enjoy it slowly and comfortably.Just as memorable as the food was a young male staff member who took care of my meal. Not only were his explanations clear, but our conversation was genuinely enjoyable; even though I was dining alone, it became a very pleasant evening. It wasn’t formal or scripted service—his natural warmth made all the difference.The next morning, at departure, the proprietress personally saw me off and offered kind words. It reminded me that this long-established Ryokan still values human connection.Enjoying Kaga’s history, its cuisine—and above all, people’s warmth—may be the best way to appreciate this Accommodation.A night spent at Hokuriku’s oldest Accommodation: I left feeling refreshed by the proprietress’s warm words. It was a stay I won’t forget.
| IN | 15:00～18:00 |
|---|---|
| OUT | 10:00 |
| Number of rooms | 41 rooms |
| Pet | Not allowed |
| Your child | Permitted |
Unraveling time. The Awazu hot springs, flowing since the second year of Yoro (718). The 47th-generation guardian continues the tradition today.
1,300 years ago, a sacred spring discovered by Master Taicho after receiving a revelation from Mount Hakusan still flows here today. Since then, the family has inherited the name “Hoshi Zengoro” through 47 generations, serving as guardians of these waters. The garden drew the attention of Kobori Enshu and was later refined by modern master gardener Sano Toemon. At the heart of the Hoshi Garden stands Enmeikaku, built in the Meiji era by master temple carpenters entirely from cypress and assembled without nails—its original form preserved to this day. The hot spring, the garden, and the architecture have been passed on continuously from one hand to the next. Step into time itself. A night at Hoshi is a stay layered with history.
At the center, surrounded by four Accommodation buildings, lies the nationally registered monument “Hoshi Garden.” A man-made hill reflecting Mount Horai and crane-and-tortoise stones symbolizing longevity. Noticed by Kobori Enshu, tea master to Tokugawa Iemitsu, and refined by modern master gardener Sano Toemon, this garden continues the history recorded in old texts and remains here today. From your room’s veranda, you can simply sit and take in the view.
The Awazu Onsen hot spring source discovered by Master Taicho has never run dry since it first opened. For 47 generations, the guardians of the waters have carried on its care, and tonight again the baths are filled with its spring water. As you soak, you can quietly feel yourself connected to 1,300 years of tradition.
Standing in one corner of the grounds alongside the Entrance Building, the detached “Enmeikaku” is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Built in the Meiji era by master temple carpenters entirely of hinoki cypress and without a single nail, this shoin-style space has hosted members of the Imperial Family and other distinguished guests many times. A crystallization of time, carefully passed from its builders to successive guardians, it still retains its original form today. Simply being in this Room quietly conveys that the space itself is a living testament to that legacy.
The garden’s design was passed down from Kobori Enshu to Sano Toemon, and even today it spreads out, surrounded by the Accommodation buildings. The beams of Enmeikaku still stand today in the form assembled by master temple carpenters of the Meiji era. Kaga cuisine is crafted by our chefs, while the hot-spring stewardship has been carried on for 47 generations by the Hoshi Zengoro family. For 1,300 years, those who pass it on and those who receive it have never once been interrupted. What exists here is time like that.
Soak in the hot spring, gaze out at the garden, savor Kaga cuisine one carefully served dish at a time, then drift to sleep. In each of these moments, 1,300 years quietly seep through. As you settle into the time carried on through 47 generations, the hurried rhythm of everyday life gently begins to unwind. By morning—when it’s time to pack—you’ll still feel it with you.
![[Houmei]](https://www.img-ikyu.com/contents/common/image/acc2/00000792/5/org/11760954.jpg?auto=compress,format&lossless=0)
To ensure a more comfortable and safe experience for our guests, the public bath hours will be changed as follows from September 1, 2026:
3:00 PM–12:00 AM / 6:00 AM–10:00 AM (next morning)
Thank you for your understanding.
A must-have highlight of a winter trip to Hokuriku: snow crab.
This year again, we are offering a special kaiseki course to savor crab to the fullest.
[Serving Period]
October 1 to March 20 (the following year)
All of our staff look forward to welcoming you.
1. Natadera Temple (approx. 3.5 km from Hoshi)
One of Komatsu’s most famous autumn foliage spots.
The contrast between the white rock faces of the Yusen-kyo gorge and the red and yellow leaves is especially beautiful and highly recommended.
According to Komatsu City, the best season is November, and Ishikawa’s official tourism website notes that peak viewing is typically from early to late November.
Best time to visit: Early–late November
2. Rojo Park (approx. 12 km from Hoshi)
A park in central Komatsu City. The city advises that maple leaves are best from late October to early November, while cherry tree foliage is best from late October to mid-November.
Best time to visit: Late October–mid-November
3. Kibagata Park (approx. 5 km from Hoshi)
Also featured on Komatsu City’s official tourism website as a recommended autumn foliage spot, alongside Natadera Temple and Yunokuni no Mori.
With scenic lakeside views and rich autumn nature, it’s ideal not only for leaf viewing but also for guests who want to enjoy a relaxing walk outdoors.
| Taxes | Hot Spring Tax |
|---|---|
| Card information | VISA / MASTER / JCB / AMEX |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Breakfast | Japanese Set Menu |
| Your child | You can stay. |
| Room service | Not available |
| Common amenities |
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| Facilities and Features |
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| Esthetic Massage | None |
| Fitness gym | None |
| Public Bath |
|
| Open-air bath |
|
| Private bath |
|
| Room with Open-Air Bath |
|
| Room with Onsen Indoor Bath |
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| Spring quality and benefits | Sodium sulfate spring Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, chronic dermatitis, and wounds ※Regarding the notation of "Gensen Kakenagashi" |
| Sauna | Available |
| Hot stone spa | None |
*Reviews that have been translated from Japanese.*
*Showing only reviews from 一休.com (Japanese) and Yahoo!トラベル.*
■By Train
Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kaga-Onsen Station
■By Car
Approx. 20 minutes from the Kaga or Komatsu I.C. on the Hokuriku Expressway
■From the Airport
Approx. 25 minutes by taxi from Komatsu Airport
・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: None ・Cloudy hot spring water: None ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring (Heating)
The spring quality and efficacy of the hot spring are as follows. ・Spring quality: Sodium sulfate spring ・Spring efficacy: Chronic rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia, chronic dermatitis, and wounds
There are the following facilities and features. Hot spring・Rooms with open-air baths available・Open-air bath・Large public bath・Private bath・Sauna・Within a 5-minute walk to the convenience store.・Free shuttle service
■By Train Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Kaga-Onsen Station ■By Car Approx. 20 minutes from the Kaga or Komatsu I.C. on the Hokuriku Expressway ■From the Airport Approx. 25 minutes by taxi from Komatsu Airport
・Fee： Free for guests ・Parking space： Length --- Vehicle width --- Vehicle height --- ・Number of parking spaces： 60 cars ・Valet Service： Unavailable
・Hot spring: Available
・Free-flowing: Available
・Cloudy hot spring water: None
・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: None ・Cloudy hot spring water: None ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring (Heating) 50 minutes: JPY 3,630 (tax and service charge included)
Yes, there is.
