Located in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, “Kaminoyama Onsen” is one of the three famous hot spring areas known as the “Ōu Sanrakukyō,” along with Yunohama Onsen in the Shōnai region and Aizu Higashiyama Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture.

I, who live in the prefecture, also visited with a friend on a short trip, and it was such a wonderful inn that I felt “I definitely want to come back again.”
In this article, I will introduce the charm of this inn through photos based on my actual stay.

What is “Oyado Mori-no-Ne”?

Oyado Mori-no-Ne is a hot spring inn surrounded by rich nature in Kaminoyama Onsen, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture.
The building was originally a retreat facility, which was renovated by the Koyō Group—the same group that operates “Koyō” in Kaminoyama Onsen—and reopened in August 2016.

It is a 14-room-per-day, adults-only inn (junior high school students and older), allowing guests to forget the busyness of daily life and spend a slow, relaxing time.
Because the concept is “to spend time quietly while feeling the sounds of nature,” children of elementary school age or younger (including infants) unfortunately cannot stay.

Since it is an adults-only inn, many couples, married pairs, and groups of women were enjoying their time, and there were also guests relaxing alone.
It is the perfect place for those who want to spend calm, unhurried time at their own pace.

Introducing the Relaxing Interior Spaces

Inside Mori-no-Ne, you’ll find a spacious environment filled with the warmth of natural materials and peaceful quietness.
Rather than flashy decorations, the design emphasizes the texture of wood and soft lighting, allowing you to relax the moment you step inside.
Here, I’ll introduce the soothing interior spaces unique to Mori-no-Ne.

1F Lobby – A Unique Space Only Mori-no-Ne Can Create

The first thing that catches your eye after passing through the entrance is the fireplace in the center of the lobby.

While most hotels conduct check-in at the front desk, Mori-no-Ne guides you to a seat near this fireplace.
The hospitality of roasted green tea and cheesecake is another delightful touch.

The floor is made entirely of solid oak, giving a soft and warm impression.
Because the building was renovated from a former retreat facility, its layout differs from typical hot spring inns, yet it blends beautifully with the natural interior materials, creating a strangely calming atmosphere.

Well-Stocked Free Drink Space

The lobby also features a free drink space, where guests can enjoy coffee, herbal tea, beer, whiskey, and other beverages freely.
You can take drinks back to your room, or enjoy them in the lobby or garden while admiring the scenery.

“Mori-no-Ne Garden” – Enjoy a Campfire

On the wooden deck in the courtyard connected to the lobby, you can enjoy a campfire along with the changing natural scenery.

In the quiet atmosphere, the crackling sound of burning firewood creates a soothing moment that helps you forget daily life.
The flickering of flames contains a rhythm known as “1/f fluctuation,” similar to heartbeats and brainwaves, which is scientifically suggested to increase alpha waves in the brain through visual stimulation.

Enjoy a luxurious moment of healing, wrapped in the breath of nature and the warmth of fire.

2F Free Space – A Forest Terrace Connected to Nature

The second-floor free space has large windows that let in plenty of sunlight during the day, creating a soft and gentle atmosphere.
Even while indoors, you truly feel as if you are in the middle of a forest.
It’s such an attractive space that you may find yourself unsure whether to read, relax, or simply do nothing.

Guest Rooms Surrounded by Gentle Nature

There are 14 guest rooms in total, with five different room types.

The beds and chairs are low, making the room feel spacious.

The basket containing room wear and towels is also a charming touch.
There are many spots throughout the inn that make you want to take photos.
The room wear is made of jersey fabric, designed for maximum comfort.

A Cave-Like Sanctuary – The Large Bath

Kaminoyama Onsen is known for its gentle, mildly alkaline water, which has excellent warming and moisturizing effects and is often described as “lotion-like” for its beautifying qualities.

There are two types of large baths: “Sun” and “Moon.”
Only the “Moon” bath has an open-air bath, and the men’s and women’s areas switch depending on the time of day.

Although the changing rooms are not large, the inn accommodates only 14 groups per day, so it never feels crowded.
You can relax without feeling rushed.

Creative Cuisine Enjoyed with All Five Senses

At Mori-no-Ne, meals are crafted not only for taste but also for aroma, appearance, and texture—allowing you to enjoy the experience with all five senses.
Seasonal ingredients and carefully prepared dishes enhance the satisfaction of your stay.
Here, I’ll introduce the creative cuisine that warms both the heart and the palate.

Dinner Featuring Local Ingredients

When enjoying a luxurious stay, the highlight is undoubtedly the food.
Mori-no-Ne offers not only a comfortable atmosphere but also exceptional meals.
Every dish aligns with the inn’s concept, beautifully presented and delicious.

Many dishes use local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Smoked dishes come with a dramatic smoke presentation, and staff kindly offer to take photos—small touches that enhance the dining experience.

After dinner, you can relax by the fireplace with a free drink or enjoy the campfire in the garden.
It’s a blissful time where you can unwind to your heart’s content.

Breakfast with “Tsuyahime” Brand Rice Cooked in a Pot

Breakfast is served in the same dining room as dinner, but in the morning, the windows fill with views of mountains and greenery.
You’ll enjoy Yamagata’s premium rice brand Tsuyahime along with side dishes that pair perfectly with freshly cooked rice.

Recommended! “Night Return Plan” Without Staying Overnight

Mori-no-Ne offers a “Night Return Plan,” allowing guests to enjoy dinner and the hot springs without staying overnight.

You can savor the same dishes served to overnight guests, relax in the hot springs, and then head home to rest.
It’s a luxurious experience you can enjoy casually.
It’s perfect for those who don’t have time for an overnight stay, want to treat themselves, or want a special dinner for an important occasion.

It’s a refreshing experience that fills both body and mind, helping you feel ready to face tomorrow again.

I’ve used this plan once myself, and both my friend and I were extremely satisfied!

Access

Mori-no-Ne is located slightly off the main road, and due to private road conditions, it may not display correctly on car navigation systems, so please be cautious when driving.
The official website provides detailed directions with photos, so checking it beforehand is recommended.

Summary

Oyado Mori-no-Ne offers an experience that differs from typical hot spring inns.
While many people prefer to relax in their rooms when staying at a hot spring inn, here you’ll find many inviting spaces outside the guest rooms that make you want to spend time exploring.

Although there are no convenience stores nearby, the free drink space is well stocked, and simply spending time inside the inn becomes a healing experience—so you won’t feel inconvenienced at all.
It’s also a great place to put your smartphone away and enjoy a digital detox.

Oyado Mori-no-Ne is a place where you can escape the noise of everyday life and feel as if you’re taking a deep breath in the middle of a forest.Treat yourself to some well-deserved time here.