Hakuchoro
Kanazawa

The Hakuchoro is a charming and quirky property dating from the feudal Edo period in the 19th century. It exudes an old-world Japanese charm, with an idiosyncratic layout due to the fact that Edo-period property rates were calculated on building frontage rather than area. The old customs of Japan are evident in the tatami mat dining room, their kimono clad concierge team, as well as the communal hot spring baths. These natural onsen are a rarity in Kanazawa and provide a great spot for a long, relaxing soak after a day’s sightseeing - particularly as the bathrooms in the renovated rooms are a typically compact modern style. Other relaxing treatments are available, such as a sauna and you can even indulge in a Japanese massage.

The rooms themselves are of a very generous size, starting at 30 sqm with premier rooms at 40 sqm (equivalent to a luxury Tokyo hotel). While the rooms only offer twin beds, in keeping with the Japanese preference, effort has been made to accommodate Western guests in other aspects - especially at breakfast as one can choose between the mixed selection of cuisine available. Dinners are a more formal affair with ‘kaiseki’ traditional cuisine being prepared using local ingredients.

One of the most endearing features of this hotel is the tea lounge, which retains the original stained-glass windows that were in vogue in Japan towards the end of the 19th century. For those seeking an unalloyed Japanese experience, we recommend enjoying drinks in the Maharoba lounge with its panoramic windows looking onto the private traditional garden.

The Hakuchoro is home to many useful amenities, such as speedy Wi-Fi and sits in a convenient location. It is well within walking distance of the majority of the key sights of this culture-rich city. Kenrokuen (famed for being one of Japan’s 3 most beautiful gardens) and Seison-kaku Villa are just five minutes away, while Higashi Chaya district (the traditional tea house district) and the sleek 21^st century art museum are both less than fifteen minutes away. Bicycles are available to rent from this hotel, if you tire from sightseeing on foot and would like to cover more ground as there are so many sights to see in this exhilarating, often overlooked, city.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson