Oyado Morinone
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 40 reviews
Oyado Morinone is a compact, adults-only ryokan set on a wooded slope above Kaminoyama-Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture. Limited to 14 guest rooms, the property presents a considered, contemporary take on traditional Japanese inn design, with tatami rooms, a small garden and a fireplace lounge that frames the scale and mood of the place. Staffed day and night, the ryokan centres on calm, seasonal hospitality and curated communal spaces, making it a quietly focused option for travelers seeking a ryokan with onsen in Tohoku.
The onsen complex consists of two principal baths named for sun and moon: a sunlit indoor bath that lets filtered daylight play across wood-lined surfaces, and a moon-facing open-air bath for night-time sky views. The spring water is noted for a soft, moisturizing mineral quality, and bathing facilities and changing rooms are finished in muted earth tones to promote relaxation. Baths are shared rather than private, and bathing hours and simple etiquette guidelines are observed to preserve a calm communal experience.
Guest rooms are all Japanese-style with tatami flooring and designs that frame seasonal views of the garden and surrounding woods; some rooms face the inner courtyard while others open toward the hillside. Meals emphasise local Yamagata produce in thoughtfully presented multi-course dinners and a lighter breakfast service, and the property stages seasonal programming such as outdoor fire-pit evenings and wellbeing sessions. With short drives to local attractions, a small library and free self-service drinks in the lounge, this ryokan with onsen in Yamagata offers a compact, restorative base for exploring Kaminoyama and the wider prefecture.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Oyado Morinone
Positive Reviews
Exceptional dining experience
Many guests praised the food as excellent—several described dinner as surpassing expectations or 'Michelin-level' and noted breakfasts were well portioned; the restaurant accommodated dietary requests.
Warm, attentive staff and service
Staff were repeatedly described as friendly, helpful and welcoming (assisting with taxis, accommodating needs, offering attentive front-desk service), creating a comfortable stay.
Relaxing wooden architecture and atmosphere
The hotel’s timber design, lounge areas and fireplace create a calm, forest-like ambiance; guests enjoyed the communal spaces, complimentary drinks and evening hot/alcoholic drink service around the fire.
Onsen baths are enjoyable
Multiple reviews highlighted the onsen as lovely and relaxing, contributing strongly to the restful experience.
Comfortable, well-appointed rooms and views
Guests commented that rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable with pleasant outlooks (including cherry blossom views in season).
Negative Reviews
Access and location drawbacks
Several guests noted the property is a bit far from the station and the approach road can feel narrow; travellers without a car may find transport less convenient.
Price vs value concerns
At least one guest felt the full price did not match the experience and that value was only acceptable at a significant discount.
Limitations in bath facilities
Some reviewers found the public baths smaller than expected, with only one outdoor bath in some cases and missing amenities (no sauna/steam/cold pool mentioned).
Room bathroom and bed issues
Comments included rooms without private bathrooms (shared facilities for some room types), some private bathrooms feeling dated or out of sync with the room, and at least one guest finding the Western bed uncomfortable.
Operational and comfort nuisances
A few guests reported reception absence or booking mix-ups (e.g., missing dinner), intermittent Wi‑Fi connectivity on certain devices, and an overpowering wood-fire smell in public areas that bothered some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oyado Morinone has 14 rooms and is designed for a small, quiet stay; most rooms are best for one to two adults—check specific room descriptions for maximum capacity.
The property operates as adults-only and generally does not accept children, and pets are not permitted; please confirm any special requests with the ryokan in advance.
The ryokan offers two public hot-spring baths—an indoor bath and an open-air bath—fed by natural mineral water, with onsen etiquette expected of guests.
Private-use hot-spring bookings are not advertised publicly; contact the ryokan directly before arrival to inquire about private or exclusive-use options and availability.
There is no regular airport shuttle listed; the property is about a 5-minute drive from Kaminoyama Onsen Station and can advise on taxi, pickup arrangements, or limited assistance if you contact them in advance.
Yamagata Airport (GAJ) is the closest airport and the drive is roughly 35–40 minutes by car; local train stations such as Kaminoyama Onsen are much closer by road.
Japanese is the primary language at the ryokan; staff can assist with basic English for common guest needs, and advance notice is recommended for more detailed English-language support.
Meals focus on seasonal, multi-course dishes using local Yamagata ingredients, served in the ryokan’s dining area; please inform the ryokan ahead of time about dietary restrictions or allergies.
Kaminoyama Castle and local hot-spring attractions are within minutes, Zao Ropeway and ski areas are about 15–20 minutes by car, and convenience stores or local markets are available in town—ask reception for directions and activity options.
Check-in typically begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the ryokan does not offer after-hours self check-in, so notify reception in advance if you expect to arrive late.