Trip to Shikoku in 2015 spring – Part 3, staying at Morinokuni Hotel in Nametoko canyon.

2015 spring Shikoku
Matsumaru station entrance. There is no station staffs but day use Onsen facility is in the station building.
Matsumaru station entrance. There is no station staffs but day use Onsen facility is in the station building.

This post is continued from Trip to Shikoku in 2015 spring – Part 2, from Toyo port to Matsumaru via Matsuyama.

I spend one hour to get Matsumaru station by Yodo line local train. This is the nearest station for Morinokuni Hotel. But it took another 30 minutes to get Hotel. Hotel staff picked up us at the station and gave us a ride. If we drive, it is more accessible but if we take public transportation, it is not.

Morinokuni hotel offers high quality hospitality in the remote area.

The car ran along the gorge and it was very scenic. You may be wondering why I picked such an inconvenient place to stay. Whe I found this hotel online and saw some photos. And I read many positive feedback. Since then, this hotel had been on my wish list.

And I finally got there!

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Imperial Hotel in Kamikochi is the model on this hotel, Morinokuni Hotel. The interior and hospitality were very impressive.

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2015 spring Japan trip 445
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When we checked in, we were noticed that there was no other guests other than us by hotel staff. Even though it was shoulder season, I did not expect that situation. Anyway all facilities belonged to us!

We could choose Japanese style room (Tatami room) or Western style room (bed). We picked Japanese style when I booked.

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The hotel gave us valley side room because there was no other guests.

The interior is very simple. It had washlet (shower toilet) too.

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2015 spring Japan trip 436

Japanese style room does not have bath. But the hotel has Onsen public bath. Western room has bathroom.

Very tasty dinner with artistic presentation

Dinner was the biggest reason why we visited there. Most of hotel guests were impressed by this hotel’s meal.

Only one table was set just for us in the spacious dining!
Only one table was set just for us in the spacious dining!
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2015 spring Japan trip 449

Dinner was so yummy. It was much more than my expectation! I would like to show you all dishes.

Nametoko river rainbow trour rillettes
Nametoko river rainbow trour rillettes
Sautéed Hungarian Mangalitsa pork
Sautéed Hungarian Mangalitsa pork
Homemade bread. Actually this is one of the best bread in my life.
Homemade bread. Actually this is one of the best bread in my life.
Foie gras flan
Foie gras flan
Grilled Uwajima Snapper
Grilled Uwajima Snapper
Stewed port wine beef shank meat
Stewed port wine beef shank meat
Cheese cake with strawberry sherbet
Cheese cake with strawberry sherbet

They could arrange the menu for child.

Assorted appetizer plate. It's too artistic for kids!
Assorted appetizer plate. It’s too artistic for kids!
Soup was served to kids only.
Soup was served to kids only.
Main dish for kids could be chosen from Mangalitsa pork, Uwajima Snapper or Hamburger steak. My daughter picked pork.
Main dish for kids could be chosen from Mangalitsa pork, Uwajima Snapper or Hamburger steak. My daughter picked pork.

Same dessert was served in kids menu.

I was very satisfied with these dishes. Local ingredients were very fresh and tasty. We really had a good time.

Very classic breakfast

We could choose Western style or Japanese style. My daughter and myself took Japanese and my wife took Western.

Western style breakfast
Western style breakfast
Japanese style breakfast has Jakoten. It was made from small fishes that were blended into a paste and then fried. It is Ehime local favorite.
Japanese style breakfast has Jakoten. It was made from small fishes that were blended into a paste and then fried. It is Ehime local favorite.

This was not very special, like dinner. But it was very classic and tasty.

Around the hotel

It was cold in the morning. But mountain air through the canyon is so fresh and crisp! The hotel is located in the heart of Nametoko canyon. Nametoko means “slippery floor”. The bed rock at the bottom of river is so smooth. In summer season, some part of the river become natural water slider.

There are lots of trails along the canyon. I did not have enough time to walk many trails. But I enjoyed scenery and short walking.

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2015 spring Japan trip 491
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Since it was very busy trip, I stayed there only one night. I really want to visit this hotel one more time. I will spend more hours to enjoy the nature surrounding the hotel next time. This hotel was amazing and very attractive.

Continue to next post, Trip to Shikoku in 2015 spring – Part 4, travelling along Shimanto river to Kochi.

Comments

  1. David says:

    Dear Takeshi

    Thank you for your website which is most useful for people travelling to Japan.

    I have one question. I am travelling to Shikoku including Takamatsu, Matsuyama and Kochi in September. It is easy to find information in english on one-day and two-day passes for Iyotetsu in Matsuyama. However the website for Tosaden Kotsu in Kochi is only in Japanese. Using Google translate, I think a one-day pass costs 500 yen for the city area and 1,000 yen for the whole tramway. Do you think this is correct and where can I buy the pass?

    Thank you very much for your help.

  2. Nana says:

    Thanks for share ur trip
    It look nice how about onzen
    Can’t wait to visit there too

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