Stay here: OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts

What’s the deal

OMO5 Kanazawa Katamachi by Hoshino Resorts goes beyond refined luxury, championing smart and convenient urban tourism accommodation – the ideal place for business and leisure travellers. The hotel opened in 2022 and is located in the Katamachi district of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, which is considered the top culinary destination in Hokuriku. Top attractions, such as Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan's three great gardens), the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and Kanazawa Castle are easily accessible, while JR Kanazawa Station is only a short drive away.

Located on the 400-year-old Tatemachi Shopping Street, the area retains its charming, bustling heritage that the hotel has incorporated into its design. For example, the communal space in the lobby, OMO Base, features striking Kutani porcelain wall decorations representing Ishikawa's famous craft. These are inspired by the form of hachiman okiagari koboshi, a tumbler folk doll and Kanazawa mascot, with vibrant colours and playful characteristics. At the centre stands a meticulously detailed two-metre-long map of the surrounding area, displaying restaurants and traditional shops recommended by locals and hotel staff. The OMO Cafe & Bar is adorned with exquisite examples of another Ishikawa weaving craft called mizuhiki, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich cultural ambience without leaving the hotel.

Why stay

The hotel offers six distinct room types, all of which feature minimalist design motifs throughout, some equipped with an extra-large sofa and desk for comfort and convenience, whilst storage space beneath the bed ensures easy luggage placement. The snow-white sheer curtains and cushions subtly display patterns reminiscent of snowfall and the yukitsuri (special ropes to protect tress from heavy snowfall), seen in the Hokuriku region. The largest room type, OMO House, spans 480 square feet and is ideal for larger groups. These rooms feature kitchens, making them ideal for families or friends who want to explore the nearby Omicho Market to gather local ingredients and prepare their own food.

For dining, OMO Cafe & Bar serves an array of food and beverages throughout the day. Breakfast is served in a semi-buffet style, featuring main course options, such as Italian risotto, curry toast, and a special cheese and ham toast. My personal recommendation is the hotel's original dish, fu risotto — fu garnished with crispy rice crackers and served with a delectable broth made from Kaga hojicha tea.

Cathay editors say...

“The hotel offers guided tours of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and experiences such as crafting fresh rakugan (dry confectionery), enabling guests to delve deeper into the Katamachi district. I joined the complimentary guided Kanazawa Katamachi Food Culture Walk, which was led by an OMO Ranger who wandered through Katamachi introducing its history and culture while recommending noteworthy restaurants. While exploring the nostalgic Kanazawa Central Food Street and Kikuramachi, we sampled chocolate yokan (red bean jelly) and kanten (agar jelly) at Sakakobo Taro.”