Tsurunoyu Matsushimakan

EXOTIC TABLEWARE / 10 I will let the photos will speak for themselves, but can we pay attention to how gorgeous the dinner presentation is? Less touristy aka not a very popular destination, very local, and about a 15-minute walk from the station, the you will find this ryokan on one of the main streets nearby a renowned park/shrine on the top of the hill. Decor wise: quite rustic and conventional and not so traditional, the ryokan offers several baths: 1 private 露天風呂 for a couple/family, and 2 others separately… If not mistaken 😅

We stayed here as a couple during Golden Week. It was very quiet. There were few guests, so it had a hideaway-like atmosphere. Personally, I recommend in-room dining for breakfast and dinner. I think this service is good for this price. The shoji screens are light-blocking, and you can feel the care in every place. The facilities are not new, but they are clean and well-kept. We had a very comfortable stay. I would like to visit again. If I had to say something, I think it would be better to light up the courtyard a little, so the night atmosphere would be more enjoyable. Also, I guess the hot spring eggs we received as souvenirs on the way back are a proud product, and I'm happy, but I would like them to reconsider. I'm worried about the increase in luggage during the trip, and above all, the damage during the trip. It's a shame that I have to worry about whether it's safe to eat them. Finally, I was surprised to see a cat wandering around the hallway as it came in and out of the inn. I heard it was a rescue cat. They said they had no choice but to rescue it because they felt sorry for it being so cold. I thought it was a heartwarming story about the owner, but some people don't like cats or have allergies, so I think they wouldn't be so surprised if they'd added a word about it (of course, please continue to protect them like this). It was a really nice inn. I recommend it.

Last year, I went to Kaminoyama Onsen four times. I was interested in Akayu Onsen nearby, but I knew about it, so this time I went with my elderly mother. I wanted to go somewhere quiet and relaxed, so I stayed at Matsushimakan for three days and two nights. I called the day before to tell them my arrival time and that I would be checking in early, and they said to contact me when I arrived. The inn is in the town, about a five-minute drive from the station. On the way to the inn, they stopped by saying that the lotus flowers might be blooming, and took me to Eboshiyama Hachimangu Shrine, which is famous locally. When I arrived at the inn, they gave me apple juice and I went through the accommodation procedures. The apple juice was very delicious. The private baths and dining areas in the building are hot, so please add water to your preferred temperature. After a brief explanation, we went to our room, which was a 10-tatami Japanese-style room with a dining room and a hot spring bath. We had breakfast in the dining room in our room, as we were told that it was possible to have breakfast there. The dinner was not very filling, but the food was very mild and delicious, so we were very satisfied. I also felt that the president and staff all shared what they had talked about with the guests. They were all very kind and caring, and kept a distance from each other. I was able to spend my time quietly without meeting any other guests. This is a ryokan I would definitely like to stay at again when I go to Yamagata.