Published date: April 18, 2025
SOKI KANAZAWA | Participate in an Overnight Exhibition in the City of Art
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Kanazawa has many outstanding hotels, making it difficult to choose when booking.
Even so, SOKI KANAZAWA under the UDS group stands out uniquely.
Starting out in the design field, the UDS group is involved in architecture and interior design and runs its own hotels.
Staying here is not just a brief stay, it feels like attending an "overnight exhibition".
Upon check-in, I received the famous wagashi "Odamaki" from Ishikawa Prefecture, which at first glance seemed like an ordinary daifuku; however, biting into it was astonishing. The chewy texture is quite rare, and the sweetness is just right. When I wanted to find out where to buy it, I discovered that the nearest store requires an hour's drive. It was at that moment I realized SOKI had curated the best local delights for its guests.
The day I checked in was overcast, and I was initially concerned that the room might be a bit dark. But as I opened the door, I felt the light had been meticulously adjusted to gently welcome travelers.
"Welcome to Kanazawa. To give you a feeling of staying in a movie, we designed the lighting especially for you."
Next, my gaze traveled left to the selected Kaga stick tea and wooden teacups, and the geometric red bean-colored sofa.
After a visual feast, I found two Japanese-style double beds quietly arranged on the wooden floor.
SOKI is a hotel that keeps your senses busy.
From check-in to check-out, every angle and every moment is curated.
If you love taking pictures, be prepared—it’s hard to stop clicking the shutter.
There’s also a small SOKI guidebook at the bedside, introducing the hotel’s carefully prepared tea "Kinbōcha SHUN" and the wooden teacups made with traditional Ishikawa craft techniques, which feel light and have a thin, smooth rim.
Experiencing Kanazawa's craftsmanship through daily utensils is a beautiful experience.
When traveling in Kanazawa, spending a night at SOKI already provides a taste of the city's essence.
SOKI is also conveniently located next to the Omicho Market. Though not very large overall, it features a beautiful public bath.
While there’s no outdoor bath, the arched ceiling of the indoor bath offers a comforting cave-like shelter.
After soaking, not only is coffee milk prepared for you, but you can also enjoy sweet sake from Kanazawa Fukukomiyashiki. It’s recommended to take it back to your room, add ice, and savor it with a glass cup. When you’re all warmed up, pairing it with a cold and nutritious sweet sake gives you an unforgettable sensation of being cleansed from the inside out.
The "SOKI" brand combines the concepts of "simplicity" and "utility", removing unnecessary decorations and returning to the essence to create a minimalist yet profound space. After a whole night of experience, I’m even more convinced that this philosophy is fully conveyed.
Currently, there are two SOKI hotels: one in Kanazawa and one in Atami. The Atami property is more resort-focused, while Kanazawa is more compact and urban, with a more affordable price. If you wish to experience the charm of SOKI, I recommend unlocking it during your travel in Kanazawa!
Experiences during the trip
▪️Food
SOKI is a 1-minute walk to: Tenpura Tenjin
It is recommended to sit at the counter to watch the chef fry the tempura right in front of you.
The ingredients are very fresh, and the portions are quite generous.
The chef is friendly and chatty; on the day I visited, a regular customer even brought a gift, creating a great atmosphere in the restaurant.
SOKI is a 3-minute walk to: Nodoguro Kamameshi Specialty Store Nakanana
Due to the limited seating for breakfast at SOKI, reservations are required in advance.
On that day, I couldn’t get a breakfast reservation, so I enjoyed fresh nodoguro fish kamameshi at a nearby market.
This place opens at 7 AM and offers only one type of set meal.
At that time, the price was 2800 yen, which I found very reasonable considering that nodoguro is a premium fish.
SOKI is a 20-minute walk to: Uchu Ken Shokudo
A hidden eatery in a narrow alley where almost all set meals are under 1000 yen.
The famous pork belly set meal is served with a special sauce, and the white rice is irresistibly addictive.
There is also a Japanese home-style stew set meal with potatoes, which is a very tasty and affordable choice.
▪️Attractions
｜Kanazawa 21st Century Museum｜
You must visit when in Kanazawa! The public art outside can be viewed for free, and it's recommended to stroll both day and night as the ambiance differs.
Be sure to visit early as renovation plans are ahead!
｜Ishikawa Prefectural Library｜
Ishikawa Prefecture is in my opinion "the best place in Japan for library architecture".
Though it requires a short bus ride from the city center, the space is very much worth a visit.
I suggest setting aside half a day to fully enjoy the beauty of the architectural space.
Their cafe also impresses with the quality of coffee and desserts; the seasonal strawberry pudding is highly recommended.