Hiyoshi Forest Resort Yamanoie

The staff were good and did their best to communicate with us in English, even though our Japanese is limited. We ate fresh, tasty food, including BBQ and chanko nabe hotpot made with good ingredients. There are several kinds of beer, plus a small shop selling snacks, ice cream, toys, and other bits. The resort and camping area sit in the forest, with clean surroundings and fresh air. It seems suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families. Public transport is limited, but the services are punctual, and a minibus stops right at the entrance. The shared toilets and ofuro in the main building were very clean and well kept. We stayed in a tatami-style room there. On two days in a row, we spotted a deer walking along the little strip of river between the woods and resort. 🦌

The cottages are lovely, and the setting is nice and warm. Getting here by public transport can be tough, since buses from Hiyoshi station are infrequent. Meals weren’t included, despite being advertised, though you can buy them at reception. There’s a BBQ area, but the kit and meat cost a bit much. Bring your own plates, cups, and utensils. A hot plate and kettle are provided.

There wasn’t much to do around here, just a long road leading to the station. The WiFi didn’t work in our room, and the TV looked like an old 90s set with only a few channels. With families and school kids making a constant racket, we couldn’t relax and were bored silly. My partner and I came from Osaka hoping for a quiet, short onsen break, but I wouldn’t recommend it for that. The place seems popular with school groups and families, probably because it’s relatively cheap. A long, peaceful soak in the evening wasn’t possible.

The rooms were roomy and comfortable, but there wasn’t much to do on site or nearby. It’s been a few years, but I remember the staff as not very welcoming to foreigners, and the food was below par.