Published date: May 26, 2025
Stuck in the Big Bath of This Hotel
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Do you think hotels are an important part of the journey too? One of my favorite things to do before a trip is to pick a hotel! I get lost in the delightful process of comparing aesthetics, prices, functionality, and characteristics. Before heading to Kanazawa this time, I researched the big bath at SOKI KANAZAWA, and it did not disappoint! I ended up just lounging in the hotel and gave up on going out to see Kanazawa's sights (what a luxury).
▌Three Highlights
1. Welcoming Japanese Sweets
After check-in, the staff personally served seasonal cherry blossom sweets. I was worried the pink ones might be too sweet (an odd bias?), but it turned out to be perfectly lovely, not too sweet with a hint of saltiness, even better with the sweet sake enjoyed after bathing.
2. Stunning Big Bath
Yes, the aforementioned bath! The big bath at this hotel is what I recommend the most!!! Not only does it provide small baskets to carry towels and change of clothes, but there's also a thoughtful manual for using the big bath.
The large bathing pool is encapsulated by an arching ceiling, making it feel like bathing in a cave. After soaking, there’s free coffee milk and Kanazawa's sake, super considerate. The opening hours are long, from 05:00 to 10:00 / 15:00 to 01:00, bath enthusiasts may enjoy it three times!
3. Free DIY Aroma Bags
At the end of the corridor sits a large piece of wood with some canvas bags, wood shavings, and distilled water. Guests can make their own aroma bags. I love the strong fragrance of cypress, and the best part is it’s free!
▌Room Tour
I stayed in the 'Moderate King' room. Although it has a standard layout, the little details show the care put into it. Wooden cups and Kaga stick tea, eco-friendly wooden toothbrush and toothpaste paper, and the sound quality of the TV's sound system were pretty impressive. Overall, it’s very comfortable and has a good sense of quality, allowing for a restful sleep.
▌Nearby Amenities
Kanazawa has no subway; it relies on buses. There’s a bus stop right next to the hotel. Across the street is a 'Sugi Drugstore' that stays open until 22:00 (quite rare for Kanazawa that goes dark early). Just cross the street, and you’re at the 'Omicho Market', making it convenient for food, drink, and shopping.
Experiences during the trip
A 10-minute walk brings you to the intriguing 'Taiko Coffee'. The owner is an energetic grandpa in his 80s, and there's a century-old coffee grinder on the bar counter. He cheerfully asks, 'Do you want sugar in your coffee? Ah no, I mean happiness! Do you want some?' I was totally charmed. Even the apple spread on the toast is made by him, sweet but not overly so. If you ever get the chance to visit Kanazawa, I sincerely recommend dropping by this grandpa's coffee shop to relax.