Oyado Mori No Ne

The room was cozy and comfortable, and the restaurant served delicious food in a pleasant setting. The cocktail bar was fantastic, with free-flow whiskey and juices to mix however you like. The staff were friendly, helpful, and greeted us sincerely.

The two onsen were clean and had plenty of amenities. With so few guests, they felt almost private. I also loved curling up by the lobby fireplace to read with the refreshments, then writing postcards to my family under the kotatsu in the reading room. The free-space rooms had a peaceful, welcoming feel. We arrived soaked from the rain and tired after climbing the steps at Risshakuji temple in Yamadera, and the hospitality was excellent from the start. Dinner and breakfast were beautifully prepared and presented. Dinner came with an accompanying story and was one of the best meals I've had. I'd recommend Mori no Ne to anyone visiting Yamagata, or even Japan. I'm a little reluctant to post this because I wish this hidden gem could stay hidden.

After a long day of travel and exploring Yamadera Temple in the rain, we arrived at Oyado Mori no Oto. They welcomed us with tea and cheesecake, towels for our wet bags, and a thorough explanation of the services. Drinks in the lobby, including free beer, spirits, and wine, were a wonderful surprise, especially by the roaring fire. Our room was clean and delicately furnished, and we soon went to bathe in the onsen. I can't promise it will be the same for future guests, but the baths were empty when we visited, even though others were staying there. Dinner was some of the best food we've ever had. Each course was carefully prepared, and the hotel had gone out of its way to translate the story about a rabbit that accompanied the meal. The local white wine was delicious, too. We spent the evening drinking beer and writing postcards at the kotatsu in the reading room. Breakfast was just as good, and checkout was easy. I've already been talking about coming back with my girlfriend and have recommended the place to friends.

A high-class Japanese inn with spacious tatami rooms and balconies. The food and service are excellent. The hot spring baths are nice, though there are much better ones in the area.