Kaminoyama Onsen × Stays Popular For Snow-View BathsHighly rated for rooms and amenities at Hotel·Ryokan

This was my third stay. I usually stay here during the bar season, but this time I wanted to relax with my daughter, so we chose a Room with an open-air bath and the Yamagata beef sukiyaki Plan. The entire property is clean and well maintained, and both the amenities and the shop are well stocked. The Room offers a panoramic view of downtown Kaminoyama, and best of all, the open-air bath was at the perfect temperature and left my skin feeling wonderfully smooth. Everything at dinner was delicious, and we were completely full. If I may make one request: it would be great if we could add the sukiyaki beef later so it stays tender. The pudding was truly amazing—I even bought some for myself privately. I love this Accommodation and will definitely return.

From arrival to departure, the staff provided attentive and thoughtful service throughout. My plans before check-in took longer than expected and I arrived late for my spa appointment, but they kindly adjusted the schedule for me. The spa was wonderfully relaxing, and I was able to unwind. Dinner in the room was a delight for both the eyes and the palate, making full use of seasonal flavors and local ingredients. The bath I had been looking forward to met my expectations, and the open-air bath in the room felt refreshing; I also enjoyed it at a leisurely pace in the morning. They were truly supportive with everything, including arranging a taxi and advising on our next sightseeing plans. I would love to visit again when I have the chance.

On a business trip to Akita, I was driving from Tokyo and wanted to stay one night around the halfway point, so I chose Oyado Mori no Ne. What stood out first was how bright and spotless the property felt. The entrance was beautifully maintained and open, and there was a relaxing lounge area with a fireplace, so I felt at ease from the moment I arrived. Check-in wasn’t just a quick procedure at the front desk; I was invited to sit on a sofa while everything was explained calmly, and the attentive hospitality left a strong impression. The room was more spacious than expected, with a great view from the window. After a long drive, having such a comfortable space to unwind in was truly appreciated. The hot spring bath was also excellent. By chance there were no other guests when I went in, so I could enjoy the large bath all to myself. The water felt relatively light, but afterward my skin felt smooth—it was very pleasant. The highlight for me was the food. Although it’s an inn, dinner wasn’t a typical traditional kaiseki; it incorporated Western elements as well. Everything was beautifully presented and enjoyable both visually and in taste. You could tell each dish had been prepared with care, making it an extremely satisfying meal. I booked through Ikkyu.com and received one bottle of wine as a member benefit. Being able to enjoy it with dinner meant I didn’t need to order additional drinks, which felt like a nice bonus. I originally chose this place as an overnight stop on my long drive from Tokyo to Akita, but it turned out to be much more than “just somewhere to sleep.” The atmosphere throughout the property, the room, hot spring bath, meals, and service were all highly satisfying—and I would gladly stay again if given the chance.

We stayed at Kaminoyama Onsen Hayamakan for one night from September 22. Although the building is old, it was thoroughly cleaned down to every corner, making it a very pleasant place to stay. Both breakfast and dinner were delicious—we were truly impressed. At dinner, the staff member who assisted us was a beginner from Nepal, but she explained everything with a smile and was very kind and welcoming. If I could make one suggestion: we couldn’t find the large public bath on the 3rd floor and ended up walking back and forth. It felt like a hidden room, which was interesting, but adding a noren curtain might make it easier to spot. There were five of us (all men), and everyone said with a smile that it was truly a great inn. Each of us would like to come back again with our families. Thank you very much.

Because we moved our trip home forward at short notice, we ended up making a Reservation the day before. From welcome to farewell, everyone at the Accommodation greeted us with warm smiles throughout. The meals—both dinner and breakfast—were just the right portions for us as a couple in our 60s, and everything was delicious. We especially enjoyed the local cuisine, steak, local sake, and local wine—it was wonderful. The younger staff also chatted with us while explaining the dishes, and our Room was quiet and relaxing, making it a great memory. If I had to mention anything, it would be nice to have two Room keys, and I would have preferred a lighter down comforter. Thank you very much.

The service was courteous, and the meals were excellent. I especially enjoyed the simple yet Western-style pot-au-feu and would love to have it again. The bath was also very good (I soaked four times). As someone who usually stays at Business Hotels, this reminded me how great an Onsen Accommodation can be.

It’s conveniently located for sightseeing, and the spacious Room is a real highlight. Even though it’s a tatami-style Room, the chairs and table are set at a comfortable height, making it perfect for getting work done on a business trip! The bath was wonderfully warming as well. Among the private baths available, the open-air bath with the best view is on the rooftop. Since there is no indoor bath, it may be quite challenging to use in winter—it takes some courage. That said, it offers a beautiful snowy-view bath experience. I think it has its own charm that’s different from summer scenery.

We were very satisfied with both the Facility and the meals. In particular, we were truly impressed by the wonderful thoughtfulness of all the staff—those at the front desk, those who served our meals, those who saw us off at the entrance, and those who kept the property clean. Thanks to you, it was a wonderful trip and we are very grateful. Thank you very much.