The first stop on my two-ryokan trip in Hokuriku was the stylish and sophisticated Hanamurasaki in Yamanaka Onsen. This time, because I booked at the very last minute, the only room available was the suite called “Natsu no 5.” It was certainly a splurge, but for two people it felt incredibly luxurious 💛. The design was so stunning that I couldn’t stop taking photos, and in this post I’ll share both words and pictures to give you a sense of the experience.
- 🚪 Check-in: The Comfort of a Long-Established Ryokan with a Fresh Twist
- 🚶♂️➡️ Hallways and Interiors
- 🛋 Guestroom Review: Suite “Natsu no 5”
- 🛏 Living Area, Tatami-Inspired Space, and Bedroom
- 🛁 Bathroom and Semi-Open-Air Onsen
- 💡 Impressions from the Stay
- 🎯 Final Thoughts
- 🌼 Related Articles
- 📷 Texture Gallery
- 📹 Room Tour Video | Follow my YouTube
🚪 Check-in: The Comfort of a Long-Established Ryokan with a Fresh Twist
| Item | Details |
| Ryokan | Hanamurasaki, Yamanaka Onsen |
| Location | Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture |
| Features | All rooms with river views, Japan’s first “Art Salon” concept ryokan |
| Renovation | Renovated floor by floor, completed in 2022 |
| Room | “Natsu no 5” – Modern Japanese-style suite |
| Stay Period | Mid-October 2025 |
We arrived in the afternoon by rental car. The moment we pulled up to the entrance, a staff member appeared and smoothly guided us to the parking area, handling our luggage with practiced ease. It was lightly raining, but they had umbrellas ready and escorted us to the entrance without a single step left unattended.
A large noren curtain hung above the entrance, giving an immediate sense of the inn’s heritage and dignity. These small but symbolic touches do wonders in raising anticipation for the stay.
Inside, the lobby revealed a minimalist and modern design—stripped of unnecessary ornamentation, yet quietly elegant. Check-in was done at a seated table, setting a calm tone for the rest of our stay.
Next to the lobby, there was a chic gallery-like shop and a tea lounge. We even received a discount ticket for the tea lounge at check-in, but in the end, the room was so comfortable that we never made it out there… something to look forward to on a future visit.
🚶♂️➡️ Hallways and Interiors
The path from the lobby to our room continued the same polished design language. Even the elevator walls were striking. The ryokan isn’t laid out on a single flat floor but rather in levels, so you pass by shared baths on the 2nd floor and the rooftop open-air bath on your way through the property.
Our suite, “Natsu no 5,” was located on the 2nd floor. Stepping out of the elevator, we found a cozy relaxation space, again styled in the same sleek, artful tones as the rest of the property 🖤.
🛋 Guestroom Review: Suite “Natsu no 5”
🔑 Entrance and Bar Area
The first impression upon entering was the sophisticated black and dark gray palette. At first, the lighting seemed quite dim, but once our eyes adjusted, it became clear that this was intentional—designed to highlight depth and shadow.
The bar area featured glossy black tiles that reflected the light beautifully, adding just the right amount of shimmer to the subdued tones. Even making coffee here felt like a special ritual.
🛏 Living Area, Tatami-Inspired Space, and Bedroom
The suite is laid out in three zones:
- A tatami-inspired space at the entrance
- A central living area
- A bedroom extending to the window
The tatami-style room was especially interesting: at a glance it looked like traditional tatami, but on closer inspection, it was actually a modern material. Futons were stored in the closet, and a yoga mat was thoughtfully provided—perfect for a night-time stretch session. The sliding doors had a textured finish reminiscent of shoji paper, so beautiful that I found myself wishing I could replicate the look at home.
The living area centered around a gorgeous wooden table that immediately commanded attention. It had such presence that it elevated the entire room’s atmosphere. The sofas were on the firmer side, fine for short use but less so for long lounging. The television was small for the size of the suite, but cleverly hidden behind cabinet doors so it didn’t interrupt the design flow.
The bedroom, set against large windows, opened out to sweeping views of the river and surrounding greenery. From the left-hand window, the bridge outside allowed passersby a glimpse into the room, though only the bed area was visible. With blinds partially drawn, it was easy to balance privacy with enjoying the view. The mattresses were quite firm—perhaps too much so for my taste—but with two types of pillows provided, I was able to find a comfortable setup.
🛁 Bathroom and Semi-Open-Air Onsen
The bathroom design carried through the black-tile aesthetic, with a basin finished in a copper-like material—very chic but slightly heavy in feeling. Amenities were by Aesop, adding a sensory lift to bath time, while a Dyson hairdryer ensured convenience. Two full sets of skincare products were also provided, a thoughtful touch.
The indoor tub was used as a cold bath, while beyond it lay the semi-open-air hot spring bath, constantly refreshed with flowing spring water. Bathing here while breathing in the fresh air through the latticework was pure bliss. After soaking, reclining on the deck chairs and cooling down was perhaps my favorite moment of the stay.
One detail left me curious: when I asked whether the cold water came from cooled hot spring water, the staff member seemed unsure. I didn’t press further, but it would be nice if this were clarified for guests.
The private sauna was adjustable in temperature (we set it to 99°C) and allowed for self-pouring löyly. Being a compact unit, the heat dipped quickly when people entered or left, and it took time to fully warm up, so pre-heating is advisable. The sauna automatically shut off overnight, so if you’d like a morning session, you’ll need to reset it the night before. Despite these quirks, the cleanliness and design made it a highlight—my partner, a sauna enthusiast, was delighted, while I enjoyed alternating between the hot spring and cold bath.
💡 Impressions from the Stay
- The renovated suite highlights the “beauty of shadow,” using dim lighting to accentuate textures and materials.
- Design features such as the sculptural table and curved ceiling added a sense of tension and sophistication while still feeling livable.
- With both hot spring and sauna in-room, there was really no need to leave—the epitome of indulgence in seclusion.
- The firm beds and subdued lighting may not suit everyone’s taste, but the overall depth of experience far outweighed these minor points.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Staying in “Natsu no 5” felt like being wrapped in a self-contained world of luxury. Between the flowing hot spring, the interplay of light and shadow, and the curated design touches, every element encouraged a slower pace and sharper awareness of the senses.
Even for those well-accustomed to luxury ryokan, Hanamurasaki offers something distinctly different. For travelers in their 40s, 50s, or 60s looking for a refined escape, it’s worth going out of your way to experience.
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📷 Texture Gallery
