Awara Onsen Kofu Yuden Beniya
Room Types
5
Established
1884
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
About
Kofuyuden Beniya is a prestigious 17-room ryokan in Awara Onsen, Fukui Prefecture, founded in 1884 and rebuilt in 2021 by architect Tetsuo Kobori after a fire destroyed the original. Recognized with one Michelin Key, featuring all rooms with private semi-open-air hot spring baths, in-room kaiseki dining, and innovative architecture harnessing natural light, breeze, and geothermal energy.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Awara Onsen Kofu Yuden Beniya?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Suite (特別室)
Most luxurious with Yoshino hinoki cypress bed, counter, lounge area, and premium garden views.
- Yoshino hinoki cypress bed
- Counter and lounge
- Semi-open-air hot spring bath
Standard Room - Bed
Individually designed with Western-style beds.
- Individual design
- Semi-open-air bath
- Up to 3 guests
Standard Room - Futon
Tranquil 8-tatami room with separate dining area.
- Separate dining access
- Semi-open-air bath
- Up to 3 guests
Semi-Special Room - Bed
Three individually designed rooms with warm wood interiors.
- Unique room designs
- Up to 5 guests
- Semi-open-air bath
Semi-Special Room - Futon
10+8 tatami with distinctive Shakudani stone bath.
- Shakudani stone bath
- Chair and table dining
- Up to 3 guests
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Sodium chloride, calcium chloride spring (isotonic neutral high-temperature)
Private Baths
- Semi-open-air hot spring bath (all 17 rooms)
- Shakudani stone bath (Semi-Special Futon)
Duration: 24 hours — continuous natural flow
Indoor Baths
- Hikari no Yu — women's communal bath
- Mare no Yu — men's communal bath
Outdoor Baths
- Hikari no Yu outdoor section
- Mare no Yu outdoor section
- Wash thoroughly before entering
- No towels in bath water
- Communal baths gender-separated
- Communal hours: 3 PM to 10 AM
Dining
In-room kaiseki dinner
In-room breakfast
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms in the garden
- Fresh mountain vegetables in kaiseki
- Golden Week is peak season
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Natural cooling from wind-channeling architecture
- Firefly viewing nearby
- Hot and humid
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Stunning garden foliage
- Matsutake mushroom kaiseki
- Popular season — book ahead
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Echizen crab season — the culinary pinnacle
- Snow-covered garden views from private bath
- Deeply warming onsen in cold weather
- Heavy snowfall possible
- Crab plans are premium-priced
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- Check-in conducted privately in your own room
- EraL PREMIER haircare amenities manufactured locally in Fukui
Building channels prevailing winds for natural cooling
Shakudani stone bath uses historic Edo-era material
Must-Try Experiences
- Echizen crab kaiseki (winter Nov-March)
- Monko incense ceremony
Breakfast with Okera Farm eggs and Tagawa Farm rice cooked in donabe
Experience Tips
- Arrive by 3 PM for communal bath and garden time
- Request Monko incense ceremony for cultural immersion
Explore barefoot to feel geothermal heated floors
Day trip to Tojinbo Cliffs or Eiheiji Temple (30 min each)
Cultural Notes
- Awara Onsen has been cherished since 1883 as blessing from sacred Mount Hakusan
- Kofuyuden (光風湯圃) means light, wind, hot spring, garden
In-room check-in reflects tradition of treating each guest as private household visitor
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
2 nights for ryokan plus day trips to Tojinbo or Eiheiji. One night sufficient for onsen and kaiseki.
Getting There
- Complimentary shuttle from JR Awara Onsen Station
- 15 min from Kanazu IC on Hokuriku Expressway
- 30 min by bus from Komatsu Airport
- Echizen Railway to Awara-Yunomachi Station (walking distance)
- Free parking
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance
Booking Tips
- Book through awara.co.jp for best availability
- Reserve Echizen crab plans well ahead for winter
- Request shuttle when booking
- Communicate dietary needs 3+ days ahead
Preparation Tips
- Pack light — yukata and amenities provided
- Download Beniya mobile app before stay
- Check seasonal kaiseki highlights to time your visit
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
JR Awara Onsen Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen)
History
Founded in 1884 by a beni powder cosmetics wholesaler from Mikuni. First Government Registered International Tourist Hotel in Hokuriku (1951). Hosted PM Ito Hirobumi in 1899 and Imperial Family members. Designated national Tangible Cultural Property in 2015. Lost to fire in 2018, reimagined by architect Tetsuo Kobori with Arup engineering, reopened summer 2021.
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