Oshino Kogen Hotel

She was such a kind and memorable part of my university trip abroad. I came to Yamanashi to see the shrine from my postcard, as part of my story, and she became part of that memory. I never learned her name, but I still remember her. We walked in the woods to the river and spotted herons, and she helped me arrange a bus trip to the airport. I wasn’t fluent in Japanese and was arriving from abroad for a university trip, but she still talked with me and made breakfast for me every morning. When she dropped me at the bus station, she even hugged me goodbye. Thank you, Oshino Kogen Inn Woman. Sincerely, Rose

The food was delicious, with enough variety to make it a satisfying meal. Tea after dinner was tasty too, and coffee was served after breakfast. In the guest room there was a TV, tissues, kettle, teacups and teapot, dressing table, toothbrush set, yukata, and both large and small towels. There was no refrigerator. The room had no sink or toilet either, so those were shared outside. You had to lay out your own futon, and hallway footsteps could be pretty loud. The bath area had five washbasins, each shower head was different, and there was conditioner-in-shampoo and body soap. The bath had a jacuzzi but no open-air bath. A hair dryer, cotton swabs, and tissues were available at the dressing room sink. Bathing was open until 10:30 PM, and you could also take a morning bath. There was a vending machine near the bath. Drinks were full price, and beer was pricey. 🍺

I really appreciated the care from the staff. The proprietress was lively and cheerful, and the male staff were kind and attentive too, which made the stay comfortable. Breakfast had plenty of dishes and tasted great. The inn is surrounded by greenery, and it’s quiet and cool, a relaxing place to get away from the heat during Golden Week or summer. The bath is lukewarm, though, so it may not suit anyone who likes a really hot soak. I’d like to stay again when I’m in Yamanashi.

There were goats outside, and they were so curious that they came right over while we talked to them and took photos. Really cute! The landlady was cheerful, and although the meal was just enough to fill up a man, it was delicious. There were students staying at the hotel the same day as us.