<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOut of the blue, but what\u2019s your favorite Japanese food?<\/strong> For me, it\u2019s definitely \u201crice.\u201dI\u2019ve tried all kinds of rice from across Japan, but the one I\u2019ll never forget is rice from Niigata, the snow country.Known as one of Japan\u2019s heaviest snowfall areas, Niigata is truly a rice-growing region.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe snow that piles up in winter acts like a \u201cnatural refrigerator.\u201d Come spring, it melts slowly into pure, clear meltwater. This water nourishes the rice paddies, cultivating rice with just the right amount of stickiness and sweetness.And wherethe rice is delicious, there is delicious sake.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25b6\ufe0eWhat is Japanese Sake?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nJapanese sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice and water.
Niigata boasts an impressive 89 sake breweries\u2014the highest number in the entire country. Delicious rice, clear snowmelt water, and a cold climate. It\u2019s precisely because all these elements come together that Niigata is called \u201cJapan\u2019s premier sake-producing region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This time, we introduce \u2018Kamosu Mori\u2019\u2014a lodging where you can enjoy such delicious sake alongside pairing dishes.<\/strong> It\u2019s a place I confidently recommend: offering new discoveries for first-time sake tasters and expanding the flavor horizons for sake enthusiasts alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span> \u201cKamosu Mori\u201d\uff5cTheme: \u201cFermenting You\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s start by looking at the origin of this inn\u2019s name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The word \u201ckamosu\u201d<\/strong> originally means \u201cto brew or ferment over time.\u201d<\/em>In Matsunoyama, people have long been brewing miso and sake by hand, and that tradition continues today \u2014 miso is still being prepared in the inn\u2019s basement, while craft sake is brewed at the neighboring sake brewery.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe concept behind the name, \u201cto brew you,\u201d<\/strong> was born from this local way of life. It reflects the hope that a stay here will be a time for your heart and senses to slowly mature and deepen \u2014 just like fermentation itself. Isn\u2019t that a beautiful idea?<\/p>\n\n\n\nMany Japanese inns carry the heartfelt thoughts and stories of their owners. When you travel, try paying attention to those meanings \u2014 they often reveal something special about the place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span> An Inn Run by a True \u201cProfessional of the Sake World\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe concept of Kamosu Mori<\/em> was born from the vision of its owner, Y\u016bichi Yamagishi.The moment I first met him at the entrance, I remember thinking instinctively, \u201cHe\u2019s as pure as natural spring water.\u201d<\/em> His clear, crystal-like eyes and gentle voice\u2014soft like the sound of a harp\u2014left a strong impression on me. When I later learned that he was born and raised here in the beautiful natural surroundings of Matsunoyama, it all made perfect sense.<\/div>
When did Kamosu Mori<\/em> first begin?<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
We opened about eight years ago, in the summer of 2018. that no one in Niigata had yet attempted \u2014 to step into areas that even sake breweries had never explored,<\/strong> and to expand the possibilities of Japanese sake.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
That\u2019s wonderful. By the way, what kind of characteristics does Niigata sake have?<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
Well, for a long time, Niigata\u2019s sake has been known for its tanrei karakuchi<\/em> style \u2014 clean, crisp, and dry. But recently, the range has broadened dramatically, with more complex varieties that feature richness and acidity, as well as craft sake with unique expressions.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
So Japanese sake is becoming more diverse, then.<\/p>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>
Exactly. My goal is to create sake that surprises people who aren\u2019t familiar with it \u2014 something that makes them say, \u201cI didn\u2019t know sake could taste this good!\u201d<\/em> \u2014 while also intriguing seasoned drinkers with flavors they\u2019ve never encountered before. I hope guests will experience firsthand how profoundly a good drink can transform their world.<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Traveling across Japan to interview culinary experts, sake connoisseurs, and hospitality masters,I\u2019ve come to realize that those who have mastered their craft possess an entirely different level of clarity about their world. Their core purpose\u2014what they want to do and the world they wish to convey\u2014never wavers. The services crafted by such individuals embody a \u201cluxury of experience\u201d that money simply cannot measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The greatest appeal\uff5cNiigata\u2019s \u201cone-of-a-kind\u201d pairing<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNestled in the forests of Matsunoyama, Kamosu Mori<\/em> is an auberge where nature, local culture, cuisine, and even the people who visit seem to \u201cbrew together\u201d in perfect harmony\u2014just as its name suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe dishes are crafted by a chef who trained in Hokkaido and Tokyo, combining the freshest ingredients from local farmers in Kurokura with carefully selected produce from across Niigata and beyond. Each course offers a modern expression of the wisdom and fermentation culture born in Japan\u2019s snowy regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every plate reflects the blessings of the land and the subtle shifts of the seasons\u2014an authentic embodiment of local gastronomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGuests can choose between two pairing courses \u2014 wine<\/strong> or sake<\/strong>.sake pairing<\/strong>, where you can fully experience the unique harmony of flavors that can only be found here in Niigata.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEach course features a carefully curated selection of five to seven different sake varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some gently follow<\/em> the dishes, enhancing their umami with subtle depth; others, bright with acidity, add dimension like wine. There are also creative infusions with herbs or tea leaves, and craft sake aged in barrels \u2014 each bringing a distinct layer of flavor to every dish. Every detail, from temperature to glassware, is meticulously considered, creating a truly sensory, luxurious experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cWe always design the pairings after<\/em> finalizing the dishes, so there\u2019s no fixed combination,\u201d says Yamagishi. \u201cIn fact, it changes every day \u2014 and that\u2019s what makes it exciting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom his expression, you can clearly sense both his deep curiosity and quiet confidence in the art of pairing.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKamosu Mori<\/em><\/strong> offers two distinctive charms that set it apart from typical pairing restaurants.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe first is its focus on locally sourced ingredients from within Niigata Prefecture, which take center stage in every dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second is the unexpected yet delightful collaboration between Japanese ingredients and Italian cuisine, creating a dining experience full of surprise and harmony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYairo Shiitake Stuffed with Salsiccia and Okra Salsa Verde\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n~ A Dish That Captures the Essence of Minamiuonuma\u2019s Land ~<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThere was one pairing dish that truly astonished me \u2014the <\/strong>Yairo Shiitake Stuffed with Salsiccia and Okra Salsa Verde.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Yairo Shiitake<\/strong> used in this dish is a premium mushroom brand from Minamiuonuma, Niigata, nurtured by the region\u2019s pure underground spring water. Many people find the unique aroma and texture of shiitake mushrooms challenging \u2014 I used to be one of them as a child. But this variety is in a class of its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIt features a thick, meaty cap, a sturdy stem, a snow-white sheen, and delicate, radial gills. The texture is so plump and springy that it almost feels like abalone, with a gentle sweetness and none of the strong, earthy flavor typical of ordinary shiitake. It\u2019s well known locally for converting even those who thought they didn\u2019t like mushrooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Into this exquisite shiitake, the chef stuffs Italian salsiccia<\/strong> sausage and grills it to a beautifully fragrant finish \u2014 creating the dish, \u201cYairo Shiitake Stuffed with Salsiccia.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat truly catches the eye, though, is the unexpected pairing of okra and cheese sauce<\/strong>.It\u2019s an unconventional combination \u2014 one you\u2019d rarely think to try in everyday cooking \u2014 yet it works beautifully. A touch of finely chopped walnuts adds a nutty aroma and a pleasant crunch, bringing balance and depth to the entire dish with remarkable finesse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Annex | A Private Villa Embraced by the Forest<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nOne experience you absolutely shouldn\u2019t miss at Kamosu Mori<\/em> is a stay at its private villa. Opened in June 2023, this stand-alone villa sits deep within the forest, a short distance from the main building, and welcomes only one group per day \u2014 offering the ultimate sense of seclusion and serenity.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen you travel, you naturally want to experience something out of the ordinary. Here, time flows as if you\u2019ve stepped into the pages of a storybook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If I were to describe the atmosphere, it would be reminiscent of the Hundred Acre Wood<\/em>from Disney\u2019s Winnie the Pooh.<\/em> Ever since childhood, I\u2019ve longed to enter that gentle, dreamlike world \u2014 and during my stay here, it truly felt as though I had.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSurrounded by the rustle of trees and the songs of birds, you feel warmly welcomed by nature itself. In the calm stillness, both mind and body gradually unwind. It\u2019s a place so special that I found myself thinking, \u201cNext time, I want to come here with someone I love.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>1st Floor \u2013 Outdoor Living & BBQ Terrace<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe first floor features a semi-open living area that feels seamlessly connected to the surrounding forest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the terrace, where chairs and tables are arranged beneath the trees, guests can gather around a firepit for relaxed conversation or bring their own ingredients to enjoy a casual BBQ \u2014 spending time however they wish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you sit enveloped by the warmth of the fire and the quiet of the woods, conversations flow naturally and hearts draw closer. That sense of connection \u2014 both with nature and with one another \u2014 is what makes this terrace so special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2nd Floor: A high-quality private space with a white color scheme<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe moment you climb the stairs, the air shifts subtly. A quiet sense of excitement, as if invited into a villa suite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The refined, white-toned interior features a spacious semi-double bed and a generously sized sofa, arranged with ample room. Not a trace of \u201clived-in feel\u201d is visible anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u3010Niigata Exclusive\u3011Free Drinks & Snacks<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe first thing that surprised me upon entering the room was the impressive selection of complimentary drinks.Niigata-exclusive craft beers, Kamosu Mori original sake, and even juices were all chilled and lined up\u2014the \u201chelp yourself anytime\u201d approach felt like pure luxury! There\u2019s nothing quite like enjoying drinks in a private space without worrying about others around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among them, the unforgettable \u201cKamosu Mori Junmai Ginjo Nama-zake\u201d stands out. The moment it touched my tongue, a sweet and sour flavor reminiscent of lychee and yogurt softly spread across my palate\u2014like a dessert wine, but in sake form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The shelves were also stocked with snacks like persimmon seeds and savory treats, making it easy to see why many guests inevitably start their evening drinks after bathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fully equipped entertainment facilities<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nYou can also lower the screen for movie viewing. A projector and Fire TV Stick are provided from the start, with Amazon Prime Video available for unlimited streaming. I could log into Netflix and TVer instantly using my own account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s truly a space that perfectly fits the description of a \u201cprivate theater in the forest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A cedar open-air bath overlooking the forest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nStep out onto the veranda, and you\u2019re greeted by an open-air bath where the scent of cedar gently rises. The moment you sink into the water, the soft fragrance drifting from the wood and the cool air sweeping through the forest caress your skin, seeming to calm even your breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nothing obstructs your view; only the sky and trees reflected on the water\u2019s surface gently accompany you. A strange sense of immersion, as if you alone were floating within nature, slowly lets you forget the days spent chasing time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Main Building Rooms\uff5c8 Distinct Rooms in the Main Building to Suit Your Preferences<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nIn addition to the private villas, the main building offers a total of 8 guest rooms. Their styles are remarkably diverse\u2014from chic, tranquil rooms inspired by deep forests to compact modern rooms accented with art. The true appeal lies in choosing the perfect stay style to match your travel purpose and group size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Public Bath | Immerse Yourself in \u201cJ\u014dmon no Yu\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe Source and Quality of the Hot Spring<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nThe spring water of J\u014dmon no Yu<\/em> wells up near the J\u016bmonji archaeological site<\/em>, which dates back to the J\u014dmon period. The name itself carries a touch of mystery, and as you soak in the bath, you feel as though you\u2019re being embraced by the ancient blessings of nature that have flowed since prehistoric times.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe water, gently streaming from the spout, is a hypotonic, mildly alkaline cold mineral spring. It is clear and colorless, with a faint hint of hydrogen sulfide when you draw close. The scent is subtle, almost unnoticeable at first \u2014 until you slip into the bath and feel its soft, silky texture envelop your skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The water blends so naturally with the body, leaving no stickiness, that it\u2019s easy to understand why it\u2019s often called a \u201cbeauty-enhancing bath.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2_\u307e\u3064\u3060\u3044_EN\u30b9\u30af\u30b7\u30e7-1024x576.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n ![\"KAMOSUMORI\"](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DSC07325-1024x683.webp\")
\n <\/div>\n ![\"Aoi\"\/](\"https:\/\/ryokan-book.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aoi.webp\")
\n <\/figure>\n