Hinoki no Yado Minakami Sansou

This was my second stay at “Hinoki no Yado Minakami Sanso,” booked via IKYU.com.This Accommodation left a strong impression on me from my first visit, and it is without doubt one of my favorite places I want to return to again and again. The level of hospitality felt throughout the property once again far exceeded my expectations.Following my previous stay in “Hinoki,” this time I stayed in “Chigusa.” From the Room’s semi-open-air bath, I could enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Tanigawa still capped with lingering snow even in this season—soaking while taking in the scenery is truly exceptional. The Onsen water temperature at Minakami Onsen / Tanigawadake Onsen is comfortable even for a long soak; for me it was exactly right, and that is another major plus. Next time, I would love to stay in “Katsura.”The view from the large public bath is also wonderful and deeply relaxing both physically and mentally. One of my personal favorite moments is enjoying coffee in the scenic lounge while gazing out through the large windows.And most notably: the cuisine. Not only can you savor seasonal ingredients at their best, but each dish reflects the chef’s dedication, skill, and spirit of hospitality—an inspiring succession of highly creative courses. The choice of tableware and presentation is excellent as well, elevating every dish even further. Rather than serving standard items like simple meat dishes or sashimi platters, every course featured flavors and pairings beyond what I expected, reminding me how enjoyable dining can be.From late-night bites to breakfast, there was not a hint of compromise—making this a stay that strongly made me feel, “I will definitely come back.”

Because our schedules rarely aligned, this was our first stay in a while. As always, the spectacular views and the quality of the hot spring water are truly one of a kind. Dinner is always thoughtfully presented, including how the sashimi is served. Of course, it was delicious. For breakfast, I was happy to see the hōba-yaki return. We would love to stay with you again.