Guest House Yamaneko

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A Japanese-modern guesthouse in a renovated old shop — where a friendly resident cat and warm conversation await.

Tucked away in a quiet residential street in Yachi, Kahoku Town, our small guesthouse carries on the legacy of Yama Shōten, a shop once beloved by the local community.
We've preserved the memories held within these walls while giving the building new life as a guesthouse. With warm wooden guest rooms and a shared kitchen and lounge, it's a place to slow down and feel at home.
Chii-chan, our resident cat, and your host — a former member of Japan's regional revitalization team who knows this area inside and out — are here to help you make the most of your stay in Kahoku and your travels around Yamagata.

Look for the old Yama Shōten sign — it still marks the entrance. The guesthouse sits in a residential neighborhood where everyday local life unfolds around you, with convenience stores and restaurants within a ten-minute walk.

A place that feels like coming home.
Unwind, breathe out, and let yourself recharge.

The host knows Yamagata and Kahoku Town inside and out, and their goal is simple: a comfortable stay that brings you close to everyday local life. "Enjoy the Japanese atmosphere — and the small, warm encounters along the way!"

OWNER Kohei Kikuchi

Born in Miyagi Prefecture, I graduated from Yamagata University and served on Kahoku Town's regional revitalization team before opening Minpaku Yamaneko in 2025.
My vision is a guesthouse that works both ways: a base for exploring Kahoku and the wider Yamagata region by day, and a calm, quiet space to rest your body and mind by night.
As your host, I'll do everything I can to make your stay in Kahoku — and your travels through Yamagata — a trip to remember.

Rates and Hours

Basic Rates	Room Only (per night) Adults: ¥4,000 (tax included) Children (ages 6–12): ¥3,000 (tax included) Preschoolers (under 6): Free* *When sharing a bed with a parent or guardian; no separate bedding provided.
Options	If you'd like tips and recommendations for exploring Kahoku and the surrounding area — just ask! Depending on the schedule, we can also cook and share a local Yamagata meal together, such as hippari udon or imoni stew (price on request). See our booking site for details. https://tabichat.jp/engine/hotels/yamaneko
Payment	Payment on-site is cash only. Credit card payment is available through our booking site.
Hours	Check-in: 4:00 p.m. Check-out: 10:00 a.m.
Other information	Chii-chan, our resident cat, lives here at the guesthouse. If you have a cat allergy or would prefer to keep your distance from cats, please let us know before booking. Each night of your stay includes one ticket to Benibana Onsen Hinanoyu, a day-use hot spring nearby.
Cancellation Policy	Same-day cancellation: 100% of lodging fees 1–4 days prior to arrival: 50% of lodging fees

* Rates are subject to change.

Rooms


Max. 4 people
Two Western-style rooms (with both futon bedding and bed options) For single-group bookings, the two rooms can be connected to accommodate up to four guests.

Amenities	Towels, bath towels, body soap, shampoo (including 2-in-1 shampoo), conditioner, toothbrush & toothpaste, hair dryer, drip coffee, bottled water
Facilities	Warm water bidet toilet, shower, bath, kitchen, refrigerator, tableware, air conditioning & heating, washing machine (free), Internet (Wi-Fi), TV, hangers, microwave, rice cooker, electric kettle, induction cooktop
Bathing Facilities	Private bathroom facilities available [Nearby Hot Spring] Benibana Onsen Hinanoyu 269 Yachi-Shimono, Kahoku Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture No shuttle service (within walking distance)
Others	No pets allowed No smoking As we're in a residential neighborhood, please keep noise to a minimum after 10:00 p.m. The owner lives on-site and is available as your host throughout your stay.

Meals

[Dining at the Guesthouse]
We don't serve meals, but our shared kitchen is yours to use — we encourage guests to enjoy cooking for themselves. Local supermarkets and farmers' markets nearby offer fresh regional ingredients, so make the most of them! Depending on your schedule, we can also cook Yamagata specialties together, such as hippari udon or imoni stew — just let us know.

[Dining Out]
Kahoku is home to many wonderful local restaurants, and we're happy to point you to our favorites. Some places require reservations, so feel free to ask us — even before you arrive.

Recommended Points at and around the Inn

[Activities (advance booking required)]
・Farm work experience
・Safflower dyeing workshop (at the Benibana Museum)

[Sightseeing]
・Kahoku Children's Zoo
・Sahato Benibana (planetarium)
・Yachi Donga Festival

From the Inn

Kahoku is a town where nature and everyday convenience blend in just the right measure. Yachi, its historic heart, flourished as a merchant town for generations — and that spirit lives on in the many active, engaging people you'll meet here. Chances are, this is where you'll come to like Yamagata.
With easy access to the surrounding towns and cities, Kahoku makes a perfect base for your travels. Come stay a while — no grand plans needed.

Guest House Yamaneko

Address	51 Yachi-Hei, Kahoku Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata 999-3511, Japan
Tel	+81 90-4479-7927
Email	Please note: this guesthouse is run by a single host. Unless your inquiry is urgent, we kindly ask that you contact us by email. soyokaze.yamagata@gmail.com
Instagram	https://www.instagram.com/stay_yamaneko/
Booking site	https://airbnb.com/h/yamaneko-kahoku
Access	[By Train / Shinkansen] About 15 minutes by car from JR Sakuranbo-Higashine Station Local buses are also available from the station. [By Car]* About 10 minutes from the Higashine IC or Sagae IC (Tohoku-Chuo Expressway) [By Air] About 10 minutes by car from Yamagata Airport

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