Located in Awara Onsen in Fukui Prefecture, Haiya is a long-established ryokan that has been dedicated to traditional hospitality since its founding in 1884 during the Meiji Era.

The name “Haiya,” meaning “house of ash,” pays tribute to its ancestors who crafted exquisite ash for dyeing garments for kabuki and Noh theater actors. In 2006, the inn underwent a complete renovation, blending traditional style with modern conveniences while preserving its rich heritage. With beautifully laid out gardens and stunning interiors, Haiya’s four unique buildings each offer a distinct atmosphere, all reflecting the inn’s motto of “creating a people-friendly inn.” Known for its meticulous attention to detail, Haiya continues to provide warm and friendly hospitality to its valued guests.

rooms

Haiya offers a variety of room types, ranging from traditional Japanese style to a blend of Japanese and Western styles. For an authentic experience, I recommend booking a room at the Shofuan annex, which dates back to Haiya’s establishment in 1884.

We stayed in the Kyokusui 曲水, the largest suite in the Shofuan annex. This spacious suite features two rooms: one traditional Japanese-style room and one Western-style room with two beds. The suite also boasts a private bath with a view of a serene koi pond, adding a touch of tranquility to our stay. The room is well-appointed with complete bathroom amenities, including skincare products, yukatas, and a charged mini bar.

My favorite part of the suite was the sunroom, which is surrounded by the pond. It felt utterly enchanting watching the colorful koi swimming while enjoying our welcome tea and sweets.

I also wanted to share the unique hallway we encountered on our way to our room. It has the charm of a traditional alleyway, and my friend even remarked that it felt reminiscent of scenes from Demon Slayer. Although I haven’t watched that anime myself, the ambiance felt like it transported me to the enchanting world of a Ghibli film.

onsen

Haiya’s onsen offers a variety of therapeutic benefits, including relief from muscle and joint pain, nervous system disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. The weak salt spring water, kept at a soothing 40 degrees Celsius, is both relaxing to bathe in and drinkable for added health benefits. The slight salinity, a result of the onsen’s proximity to the sea, enhances the water’s skin benefits, making it especially popular among women.
Guests can enjoy a spacious public indoor bath, a public open-air rock bath surrounded by nature, and the option to reserve private baths on a first-come, first-served basis.

Japanese Garden

Haiya boasts a lovely Japanese garden that guests can enjoy throughout the year. This tranquil space features traditional landscaping elements, creating a peaceful retreat where you can relax and take in the natural beauty around you.

Food

At Haiya, guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine crafted from an abundance of seasonal ingredients sourced from the local area. The highlight is the kaiseki dinner course, featuring luxurious offerings such as crab, abalone, and Ise lobster, all beautifully presented to delight both the eyes and the palate. The seasonal nature of the menu means that dishes may vary throughout the year, ensuring a fresh and unique dining experience with each visit.

For vegetarians, it’s a good idea to inform the staff in advance, as they are happy to prepare alternative vegetarian meals.

Nearby Attractions

Awara-Yunomachi

Haiya is conveniently located just a short walk from Echizen Railway Awara-Yunomachi Station. Right in front of the station’s rotary, you can discover some intriguing spots to explore. One highlight is Yukemori Yokocho, also known as Steam Alley, where you’ll find a delightful lineup of small restaurants, each serving a variety of delicious dishes, all beautifully illuminated by lanterns at night. This area also features a public foot bath and a charming photo spot adorned with wagasa (Japanese umbrellas).

mikuni

During my visit, I also explored the nearby Mikuni area, a picturesque coastal town renowned for its stunning scenery, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage. The historic district boasts well-preserved Edo-period buildings, including old merchant houses, providing a glimpse into Japan’s past. This charming old town is only a 6-minute train ride from Awara-Yunomachi Station.

Booking Information

For bookings or inquiries and more information, check out Haiya’s official website here: https://www.haiya.jp/lg_en/

Access

Getting to Awara Onsen from Tokyo is now easier than ever thanks to the recent extension of the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, which takes you directly to Awara Onsen Station. For added convenience, Haiya offers a complimentary pick-up service from the station for guests arriving between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Just be sure to make an advance reservation to take advantage of this service!

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Watch my Haiya ryokan tour video here: