Hitotsu Notojima

Hitotsu Notojima in Kōda, Japan, designated as a Michelin Key One-Keys property, consistently receives high praise as a unique and exceptional luxury retreat. This boutique "sushi auberge" offers an immersive experience blending gourmet dining, serene natural beauty, and refined Japanese hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hitotsu Notojima is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stay as a "special experience" and "most wonderful time." Review platforms show exceptional ratings, with scores like 9.5 out of 10 and 4.83 out of 5, highlighting superior cleanliness, comfort, facilities, and staff performance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Hitotsu Notojima:

• Panoramic Views and Serene Location: All eight rooms offer sweeping water views of Nanao Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a peaceful and picturesque atmosphere.
• Gourmet Sushi Auberge Concept: The hotel is renowned as the first sushi auberge in the Hokuriku region, offering exquisite sushi prepared by skilled chefs using fresh local ingredients from the Sea of Japan.
• Exceptional Hospitality: The staff's "amazing hospitality" and "polite and kind" demeanor are frequently highlighted, with a focus on creating memorable experiences.
• Luxurious Amenities: Amenities include a tranquil spa with fragranced outdoor baths, a wood-burning sauna (some rooms have private saunas), a fireplace in the lobby, a bar, and free in-room WiFi.
• All-Inclusive Dining: The omakase dinner notably includes unlimited alcohol.
• Unique Experiences: The optional dolphin cruise is often mentioned as a "cherry-on-top experience" due to close encounters with wild dolphins.

3. Room Quality

The hotel features just eight adult-only rooms, each thoughtfully designed with a minimalist aesthetic that blends traditional Japanese elements like tatami mats with modern Scandinavian influences, including blonde wood platform beds. All rooms boast spectacular, panoramic views of Nanao Bay.

Guestroom comforts include:

• Premium bedding, pillowtop mattresses, and down comforters.
• Air conditioning and free stocked minibars.
• Laptop-compatible safes and free WiFi.
• Dark-tiled bathrooms equipped with rainfall showers and deep soaking tubs, often overlooking the ocean or bay.
• Bathrobes and spa baths.
• Some rooms offer private terraces and saunas for an enhanced experience.

4. Dining Experience

Hitotsu Notojima stands out as a "sushi auberge," where dining is a central and celebrated aspect of the stay. The restaurant, 饗処 (Kyōsho), focuses on sushi prepared by chefs with experience from renowned establishments in Ginza and Kanazawa, utilizing the rich bounty of the Sea of Japan. The omakase dinner is a significant highlight, with guests praising its quality and the inclusion of unlimited alcohol. Breakfast, served with a view of Nanao Bay, features local vegetables, fresh fruits, and dishes such as grilled Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch) and freshly made dashi-maki tamago (rolled omelet).

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Hitotsu Notojima consistently receives high marks, with staff described as "amazing" and dedicated to providing a memorable experience for each guest. Reviews emphasize the careful consideration and polite nature of the team, aiming for guests to feel that their visit was truly worthwhile. This attention to detail and personal touch contributes significantly to the overall positive guest sentiment.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is situated on Notojima Island in Nanao City, Ishikawa Prefecture, an area known for its spectacular natural beauty, peaceful way of life, and designation as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. The island is connected to the mainland by the Notojima Ohashi Bridge and the Twin Bridges of Noto, making it accessible by car.

Nearby attractions include the Notojima Glass Art Museum (approximately 3.1 miles away) and the Twin Bridge Noto (about 6.2 miles away). Noto Airport is located approximately 23 miles from the property. While guests appreciate the secluded and scenic location, one review expressed a desire for shuttle service from the nearest station.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Michelin Key One-Keys property and an upscale all-inclusive sushi auberge, Hitotsu Notojima is positioned as a premium experience. The pricing reflects the high quality of accommodation, gourmet dining (including omakase with unlimited alcohol), and extensive amenities. While specific daily rates require direct inquiry, some guest experiences indicate prices for dinner and accommodation in the range of JPY 60,000 - JPY 79,999 per person, suggesting it offers a luxurious and indulgent stay. Guests generally consider the experience worth the cost, given the unique offerings and high service standards.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of feedback have been noted:

• Insects: One guest mentioned noticing outside insects and suggested improved countermeasures.
• Transportation: A desire for station pick-up service was expressed by one guest.
• Accessibility: The two-story property does not have an elevator. For guests with concerns about stairs, the hotel recommends specific ground-floor rooms (KUKI or NEYA).
• Policy Restrictions: The hotel is adults-only, with no capacity for children, cribs, or extra beds. Pets are also not permitted.

Sources

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11. hitotsu-notojima.com
12. d-reserve.jp
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15. sparkle.travel
16. ishikawatravel.jp