INTRODUCTION
Hanayubi Nihonkai is located in Tsuruoka City of Yamagata Prefecture. It is a hotel with a fantastic location surrounded by a pine forest overlooking beautiful white sand beach leading into the Sea of Japan.The contrast of the ever changing face of the Sea of Japan with the black pines is a lovely sight to behold. And for dinner, there is a buffet of fresh food cooked right in front of you in the sunken hearth. The "irori" or "sunken hearth" is embedded right in your table so that you can enjoy freshly harvested seasonal food right off the fire. The open air bath will refresh you with the liberating feeling of the forest, and the observatory bath gives a fantastic panorama view of the Sea of Japan.
MEALS
Dinner
The new buffet at Hanayubi Nihonkai brings the dining experience back to its Japanese roots with the sunken hearth. Scallops, sazae, squid, crab, and other fresh, seasonal seafood are cooked in the sunken hearth at your table and can be eaten piping hot. Enjoy seafood prepped and cooked right before your eyes. We implore you to experience the beauty of Japanese cuisine, here at Hanayubi Nihonkai.
Extra Dishes
「Meat」
Meat is also available to add to the sunken hearth buffet! We have Yamagata Beef steak (2,000 yen plus tax) and Kinkaton Pork steak (2,000 yen plus tax). Please try these fresh and delicious local Yamagata brand meats.
Extra Dishes
「Seafood」
Extra luxurious seafood options are also available to be added to the sunken hearth buffet! Try our live abalone cut into sashimi or grilled live (3,000 yen plus tax) or the prized blackthroat seaperch（2,000 yen plus tax).
HOT SPRING
Observatory Bath
「Arasaki no Yu」
This open air bath is surrounded by the pine forest allowing bathers to bask in the warmth of the trees. Bathing areas are segregated by sex. The trees are green from spring through the fall, and in winter the scene changes into a snowy landscape to enjoy in solace while resting your body in a long bath.
Observatory Bath
「Chokai no Yu」
This bath is different from Arasaki no Yu in that it features a view of Mt. Chokai, the second tallest mountain in the Tohoku region, to enjoy during your bath. The water has healing properties that help with cuts, nerve pain, and sensitivity to cold. Try bathing multiple times for increased effect.
Open Air Bath
This open air bath is surrounded by the pine forest allowing bathers to bask in the warmth of the trees. Bathing areas are segregated by sex. The trees are green from spring through the fall, and in winter the scene changes into a snowy landscape to enjoy in solace while resting your body in a long bath.
ROOMS
View:
The Sea of Japan
View: The Japan Sea is a room with an incredible view of The Sea of Japan. Gaze at Japan's sea in all of its wildness and grandeur with both your eyes and your body as its expression changes with the weather and the seasons.
View:
Pine Forest
View: Pine Forest is a room with a great view of the surrounding black pines. The forest is currently said to be comprised of over 30 million black pine trees. Experience the magnificence of these trees that have been planted by the people of the Shonai region over many months and years in sand dunes across the landscape to protect it from erosion.
Business Twin
This is a western/business-style room with two single beds. Take a dip in the hot springs to recharge your batteries after a long day on the job.
FACILITIES
Wi-Fi can be accessed from both the lobby and all guest rooms.
Buffet Restaurant: Tobishima
The irori buffet is an experience unique to Hanayubi Nihonkai. Scallops, crab, sazae, and vegetables are cooked right in front of you before you eat.
Banquet Hall: Gassan
The 120 tatami mat hall can also be divided into three sections.
Lounge: Hamanasu
Have an after party with karaoke.
Sunshine Terrace
A cold beer is the perfect companion for a sunny day among the trees.
Play Land
During the summer months, the pool, basketball court, and other outdoor activities can be enjoyed on the grounds.
Game Corner
UFO catchers and other games as well as table tennis are available for use.
SIGHTSEEING
Kamo Aquarium
About a 10 minute drive
Kamo Aquarium, home to the most diverse collection of jellyfish species in the world, is just a 10 minute drive away from the hotel.
Shonai Souvenir Shop
About a 15 minute drive
Get all the Shonai souvenirs you need. There are also two fish shops, so why not swing by and get some local fish products as gifts.
Former Principal Residence of the Honma Clan
This prefecturally designated cultural asset was once home to the Honma Clan, who are said to have once been the wealthiest merchants in all of Japan. It is a unique site in that it is comprised of both a samurai residence and a merchant house.
Sankyo Warehouses
About a 25 minute drive
See warehouses constructed in the Meiji Era to preserve and store rice, and walk along the Japanses zelkova tree lined path.
Shonai Movie Village
See the sets of several Studio Sedic Shonai films including Oshin, Sankinkotai, and Yusha Yoshihiko.
Mt. Haguro
An avenue of cedars surrounds the 3-Michelin-Starred national treasure 5-story pagoda. The summit is home to the three gods of the sacred mountains of Haguro, Yudona, and Gassan. Dewasanzan Shrine's Three God Palace is a magnificent structure.
