Nestled in the stunning nature of Matsunoyama, one of Japan’s snowiest regions, the area can have several meters of snow in winter. Escape the city and enjoy the peaceful forest, changing with the seasons, for a truly relaxing and unforgettable experience.
The concept of the inn is “Brewing You.” Just as rice and koji meet to create sake, the owners hope that encounters with local sake, people, and this land will inspire something new to slowly grow and ferment within each guest. This idea is reflected throughout the property—homemade miso is prepared in the basement, and the neighboring brewery produces craft sake, allowing guests to experience Japan’s fermentation culture firsthand.
Kamosu Mori was produced by Yuichi Yamagishi, a certified Sake Master (Sakesho), wine sommelier, an
Creative Italian cuisine
Dinner at “Kamosumori” features a creative course menu that highlights the flavors of local ingredients.
From the welcome drink at check-in, your special experience begins. Guests are treated to an unforgettable stay, where local ingredients, creative cuisine, and Niigata’s exceptional sake come together in the heart of nature.
Dinner
Dinner at Kamosu Mori is a creative course meal that showcases the best of local ingredients. The current menu is based on Italian cuisine, featuring seasonal mountain vegetables, locally grown produce, seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan, and premium regional meats.
Wine pairing dinner
Italian cuisine in Niigata
The menu centers around Italian-inspired course dishes featuring plenty of seasonal local ingredients—fresh mountain vegetables, satoyama-grown produce, seafood from the nearby Sea of Japan, and premium local meats.
Non-alcoholic options such as mocktails and local fruit juices are also available, making the dining experience enjoyable for all guests.
A Happy Hour service is offered exclusively to guests from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., where drinks such as beer and wine can be enjoyed at a special price—perfect for relaxing after a bath.
Hot Spring
Matsunoyama Onsen is considered one of Japan’s Three Great Medicinal Hot Springs, along with Arima and Kusatsu. Its water is known for its high salt content and strong healing properties. On the first floor of Kamosu Mori’s main building, guests can enjoy this famous hot spring at the large communal bath called “Jōmon no Yu.” The bath is separated by gender and features large windows where you can relax while taking in views of the surrounding greenery during the day.
The hot spring at Matsunoyama is a chloride spring (sodium-calcium chloride) with a very high concentration of salt. This is because the water originates from “fossil seawater,” ancient seawater from around 10 million years ago that became trapped underground. The mineral-rich water is so dense that salt crystals form around the spouts. Thanks to its high salt content, the water retains heat well—your body stays warm long after bathing, and your skin feels soft and moisturized.
The bath area is equipped with all essential amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap, facial wash, and hair dryers. From the windows, you can also enjoy peaceful mountain views.
Although Kamosu Mori is located slightly away from the main hot spring town, the water is piped directly from Matsunoyama Onsen. Besides the large communal bath in the main building, there are no other public hot spring baths. However, guests staying in the villa or certain rooms with a view bath can enjoy a private soaking experience (note: these room baths are not hot spring water).
Shared shower rooms are also available. Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided, and the showers are separated by floor—men on the 1st floor, women on the 2nd floor—so you can use them comfortably and securely.
Rooms
Kamosu Mori offers a total of 9 rooms: eight Western-style rooms in the main building and one private villa located separately within the forest. Each room type has its own unique character, allowing guests to choose the perfect stay—whether for couples, families, groups, or solo travelers.
Private Villa
Villa in the Woods
This is a private villa available for only one group per day. Set a short distance from the main building in the forest, this two-story black villa offers quiet, private surroundings, like stepping into a storybook.
All rooms are non-smoking, equipped with free Wi-Fi, and guests have access to a complimentary washing machine and dryer in the shared area, making it ideal for longer stays. With only eight rooms in the main building, the atmosphere is quiet and private, and many guests appreciate being able to spend their time without encountering other travelers. This peaceful and spacious environment is one of the charms of Kamosu Mori.
This service uses a reservation request system. After we check room availability with the accommodation, we will propose the most suitable room and plan for you.Once availability is confirmed, we will send you our proposal via LINE, and your reservation will be finalized upon completion of payment.
Plans
Japanese Sake Pairing Plan – Dinner & Breakfast Included(Hotel Kamosu Forest)
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Online-Card Payment
Meal Included
Total38,300/人 JPY ~
Standard Plan – No Alcohol Included(Hotel Kamosu Forest)
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Online-Card Payment
Meal Included
Total33,000/人 JPY ~
Breakfast Plan – No Dinner(Hotel Kamosu Forest)
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Online-Card Payment
Meal Included
Total19,800/人 JPY ~
Room Only Plan – No Meals(Hotel Kamosu Forest)
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00
Online-Card Payment
No Meal
Total9,300/人 JPY ~
Access
1879-4 Matsunoyama Kurokura, Tokamachi City, Niigata 942-1341, Japan
By rental car from airports
Narita Airport: approx. 3 hrs 40 min
Niigata Airport: approx. 2 hrs 20 min
From Tokyo to Matsunoyama Onsen
Tokyo ➡︎ JR Joetsu Shinkansen to “Echigo-Yuzawa Station” ➡︎ about 14 min by car from “Matsudai Station”
Free Shuttle Service
About 15 min by shuttle from “Matsudai Station” (advance reservation required)
Pickup: departs Matsudai Station at 15:30
Drop-off: departs Kamosu Mori at 9:45
Basic Information
Ryokan Name
Hotel Kamosumori
Address
1879-4 Matsunoyama Kurokura, Tokamachi City, Niigata 942-1341, Japan
Baths
Water quality
Hypotonic, mildly alkaline cold mineral spring
Free-flowing hot spring
Free-flowing hot spring (available in some areas of the facility only)
Opening hours
15:00~10:00
Facilities & Features
○Hot spring / Onsen
△Free-flowing hot spring
×Open-air bath
○Large public bath
×Private bath
○Room with private outdoor bath
×Sauna
×Stone Sauna
×Within walking distance from the station
×Less than a 10-minute walk to a convenience store
○Free parking available
○Free shuttle service available
×Barrier-free
○Western-style rooms available
○Rooms with toilets
×Pets allowed
Common Amenities
○Hair dryer
○Shampoo & conditioner
○Body soap
○Toothbrush & Toothpaste
○Towels / Bath towels
○Yukata (Room Wear)
○Electric kettle
○Facial toner
○Face wash
○Moisturizer
○Refrigerator
○TV
○Hairbrush
○Washing machine
○Clothes dryer
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any things I should be careful about when having a course dinner?+
There’s nothing in particular to worry about.
There is no dress code, so please feel free to enjoy the dinner while chatting with your companions or the staff. We offer food and drinks that let you fully enjoy the flavors of Niigata.
What time is breakfast/dinner served?+
Dinner (course dinner) is served in two sittings:
▷First sitting: 18:00~
▷Second sitting:19:45~
Dining time is approximately 100 minutes.
Breakfast (Japanese set meal) is served in the dining room between 8:00 and 9:00.
Can non-drinkers enjoy it as well?+
If you enjoy nature and food, you can still have a great time even without alcohol.
However, since the hotel is themed around sake and other drinks, meals and free drinks during your stay are mainly centered on alcohol.
Some desserts may also contain alcohol, so please let us know in advance if you do not drink.
Are room wears provided in the hotel?+
Yes.
We provide both yukata and samue (traditional Japanese work clothes) for guests to wear inside the hotel.
Should I avoid coming by car during winter?+
We recommend coming by a 4WD car with winter tires.
The roads are cleared carefully, but not at night, so it’s best to arrive early.
If you’re worried, please contact us before your visit.