Spend a night in one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring villages and discover the flavors, traditions, and warm hospitality that make Matsunoyama so special.

Your host is the inn's Okami, Yanagi, who left Tokyo to continue the legacy of this historic family inn dating back to the Meiji era. Known by many international guests as a welcoming Japanese mother, she shares stories of Satoyama life, local traditions, and regional sake, creating an atmosphere that feels genuine and personal from the moment you arrive.

The signature Tanada Nabe showcases locally grown terraced Koshihikari rice. At the same time, Toji Buta is slowly cooked using the natural heat of Matsunoyama Onsen, creating exceptionally tender pork infused with the character of the hot springs themselves.

Dinner also includes a complimentary glass of Iono sake, exclusively for byFood guests. Brewed by Takanoi Brewery using rice from the Uonuma region, it pairs beautifully with the seasonal menu. It offers a true taste of Niigata's snow country.

After dinner, soak in the mineral-rich waters of Matsunoyama Onsen, one of Japan's Three Great Medicinal Hot Springs. As steam rises around you and the evening grows quiet, you'll soon understand why people have come here to rest and recharge for generations.

The next morning, wake up to the comforting aroma of rice cooking over a traditional rice husk stove as Yanagi prepares handmade rice balls and a hearty Japanese breakfast featuring locally grown terraced Koshihikari rice.

Your breakfast is inspired by the philosophy of Shindo Fuji, which celebrates eating local, seasonal ingredients. Made with ingredients from the surrounding Satoyama, each dish tells the story of the land and the people who have cared for it for generations.

More than an overnight stay, this experience offers a chance to slow down and connect with the people, flavors, and traditions that continue to shape life in Japan's Satoyama countryside