Kinjohro derives its name from Kinjo Reitaku, which is a sacred spring in the Kenroku-en garden. The property dates back to the 19th century when it used to be a luxurious mansion. It was initially home to Maeda Tsushimanokami's descendants, who moved there after the Meiji Restoration. In 1890, Tsuchiya Kyubei acquired the property, and the ryokan's journey began as a traditional Japanese restaurant, which was featured in the Hokkoku Shimbun newspaper. Soon, a haiku society called Hokusei-kai was also started at the restaurant, with one of the chief members being Japanese author Kawahigashi Hekigoto, who invented modern haiku. Other people with cultural pursuits also frequented the restaurant. Eventually, Kinjohro expanded by taking over neighboring land.

Kyubei aimed to transform the ryokan-cum-restaurant into a top-class establishment while highlighting the traditional Kaga style and Hyakumangoku culture. He wanted to revive Japanese culture and promote it in modern times. The ryokan also housed military guests and soldiers at one point. After Kyubei's death, Mokichi Tsuchiya became the owner of the property. He was the proud winner of the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award because of how well he maintained the food hygiene at Kinjohro. In 1962, the property gained recognition as an international tourist ryokan, and in 1991, it received the Kanazawa Urban Beauty Cultural Award. Currently, it's owned by Tsuchiya Hyoe, who belongs to the fifth generation of owners.

Design and Architecture

Every corner of Kinjohro showcases traditional Japanese architecture. The entrance hall itself boasts a beautifully painted golden screen that guests can admire. The ryokan's annex, Fujian, was established in 1924 to honor the enthronement of Emperor Showa and features an elegant, formal style. You'll also find the "un-gata", a bronze lion statue, which was widely made by kettlemakers for the Kaga Domain, and the ceramic lion head in the Tancho Room. Zodiac sake cups have also been gifted and displayed at the ryokan since 1954 to promote Kutani ware artists.

The on-site garden is a masterpiece in itself. Tea master and architect Kobori Enshu designed it, and it still features details from the past, such as a centuries-old cypress tree, the Fujiishi Stone, and the Shishi Injido Lantern.

Kinjohro has been recognized by the Michelin Guide Hokuriku 2021 Special Edition, so it's no surprise that the ryokan offers excellent food. It has impressed travelers and guests with its delectable Japanese cuisine since it was acquired by Tsuchiya Kyubei. Head Chef Takashi Kamono has been creating magic at Kinjohro since he was 19. He focuses on fresh fish and vegetables for the meals to provide guests with a "real" taste. Fish for the day are either bought at the morning auction or directly sourced from fishing ports. Vegetables are also locally sourced, and rice is obtained from farmers in Noto. Even the sake served here is derived from fresh water from Mt. Hakusan. The chef makes sure to incorporate seasonal produce in the menu, so it keeps changing. Plus, food is served artistically in beautiful tableware, so it's visually pleasing as well.

The ryokan offers kaiseki course meals that come with an appetizer, soup, sashimi, boiled dish, grilled dish, main dish, main course, and dessert. You can also try the Shokado bento and soup. If you need a meal to go, request a bento lunch box that includes boiled abalone, eel rolls, and domestic beef steak, and come with complimentary bottled tea.

Kinjohro also houses a tempura specialty restaurant, Tenkane , which opened in 2015. It uses seasonal fish and vegetables and high-quality oil that makes the tempura tasty and light. Head Chef Tetsuhiro Iida selects and prepares the ingredients himself and serves them fresh to the customers.

Serving hours: Main building: 5 pm - 7:30 pm (dinner), 11 am - 1:30 pm (lunch); Tenkane: 11 am - 2 pm (lunch), 5 pm - 8 pm (dinner)

Reservation: Reservations can be made through the ryokan's official website or via phone.

There are multiple ceremony and reception halls that can be customized according to your needs or group size. Check them out below:

Tanchou-no-ma/Tancho Room: 110-tatami room ideal for a traditional Shinto wedding
Capacity: 100 people

Suehiro-no-ma/Suehiro Room: 40-tatami room ideal for elegant, intimate celebrations
Capacity: 30 to 35 people

Matsu-no-ma: Courtyard-facing room ideal for small ceremonies

Cultural Experiences

Kinjohro is almost like a cultural attraction with its traditional Japanese architecture, unique design pieces with cultural significance, accommodations with tatami mats, yukatas, and shoji screens, and authentic dining experiences. On top of that, there's the gorgeous Japanese garden boasting a historical tree and original stone lanterns. Once you're done exploring the property, head out to visit nearby attractions such as Kanazawa Castle Park to learn about the region's feudal past or Higashi Chaya District to take part in a tea ceremony.

Other Celebrations

The ryokan welcomes private events and celebrations such as birthdays, engagements, and first meals. You can host them in any of the banquet and convention halls. There are set menus for groups of 10 or more guests. Memorial services can also be hosted here. For that, the ryokan accommodates up to 120 guests and offers Buddhist and Kaiseki meals. If you're planning a stand-up party, you can bring up to 200 guests.