Tucked away in the peaceful Japanese countryside of Hyogo Prefecture, this charming forest hotel blends French elegance with Japanese hospitality. During our stay, we found the contemporary rooms spotless, offering serene mountain views and all the expected modern comforts. The on-site restaurant dishes up sophisticated French cuisine that’s worth the splurge, while the manicured gardens provide a perfect spot for morning contemplation.
A few drawbacks to consider: The remote location means you’ll need a car to explore the area or reach the nearest train station, and at 25 miles from Kobe Airport, it’s not ideal for quick overnight stays. English-speaking staff can be limited at times.
This peaceful retreat is perfect for couples seeking a romantic countryside escape or anyone looking to decompress from Japan’s bustling cities. It particularly suits travelers who appreciate French culture and cuisine but want to experience it within a uniquely Japanese setting. With only a handful of rooms and consistently high ratings from previous guests, it’s an ideal pick for those who prefer intimate, personalized hospitality over large-scale hotels.
Good To Know

- Auberge French Forest is a hotel located in Kusumoto, Hyogo, Japan, offering a romantic dining experience with French-inspired cuisine and garden views.
- The hotel provides contemporary comforts, including mountain-view accommodations with private bathrooms and bidets, as well as access to a garden and outdoor furniture.
- Guests rate the hotel’s staff, facilities, and cleanliness highly, while the location and value for money receive slightly lower scores.
- The hotel is easily accessible, with free private parking, shuttle service, and proximity to Kobe Airport, as well as nearby public transportation options.
- The on-site restaurant, GrandBaobab, serves a cozy dinner experience with French-inspired cuisine and the option to enjoy wine and champagne.
Hotel Overview and Location

Auberge French Forest is located in Kusumoto, Hyogo, Japan, situated 15 miles from the iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.
The hotel has a garden, free private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. Nearby attractions include Noevir Stadium Kobe, Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction, Miki Athletic Stadium, Misaka Shrine, and Jyogon-ji Temple.
The hotel is just 25 miles from Kobe Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
With its prime location and range of amenities, Auberge French Forest offers guests a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of Japan’s Hyogo prefecture.
Guest Ratings and Reviews
Based on the 6 reviews gathered, guests generally hold Auberge French Forest in high regard, assigning it an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.
The staff and facilities both scored 9.2, while cleanliness was rated an impressive 9.6. Comfort was the highest-rated category at 10. Value for money was also praised at 8.8.
The only area that didn’t receive a glowing review was the location, which scored 8.3.
Room Features and Amenities
Featuring flat-screen TVs and air conditioning, the rooms at Auberge French Forest provide contemporary comforts. Guests can relax in the privacy of their mountain-view accommodations, which include a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries. To enhance the outdoor experience, the rooms offer access to the garden and outdoor furniture.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Mountain View | Enjoy the picturesque vistas from your room |
| Private Bathroom | Equipped with a bidet and free toiletries |
| Outdoor Furniture | Access the garden for relaxation |
| Flat-Screen TV | Stay entertained in the comfort of your room |
Dining Options at GrandBaobab
At the on-site restaurant, GrandBaobab, guests can savor a romantic dinner experience.
The restaurant serves dinner, providing a cozy ambiance. Guests can order wine and champagne at an additional charge to complement their meal.
The menu features French-inspired cuisine, utilizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in views of the surrounding garden.
Hotel Policies and Check-in/Check-out
Auberge French Forest has a straightforward check-in and check-out policy. Guests can check in between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and must check out between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
The hotel doesn’t allow children or pets, and there are no cribs or extra beds available. Accepted payment method is cash only.
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by accommodation type, so guests should review these details when booking. Guests must inform the hotel of their expected arrival time in advance.
The hotel’s 24-hour security ensures a safe and secure stay for all guests.
Nearby Attractions and Activities
Nearby attractions offer guests a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. The hotel is situated just 15 miles from the iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, a popular destination for its stunning views. Guests can also visit the nearby Noevir Stadium Kobe, Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction, and Miki Athletic Stadium, all within a 21-mile radius. For nature lovers, Misaka Shrine and Jyogon-ji Temple are just 24 and 26 miles away, respectively. With such a wealth of attractions, guests can easily fill their itinerary and enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty of the region.
| Nearby Attraction | Distance from Hotel |
|---|---|
| Akashi Kaikyo Bridge | 15 miles |
| Noevir Stadium Kobe | 19 miles |
| Kobe Center for Overseas Migration and Cultural Interaction | 19 miles |
| Miki Athletic Stadium | 21 miles |
Transportation and Accessibility
The hotel’s convenient location makes it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
It’s situated just 15 miles from the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, providing easy access to the surrounding areas. Guests can reach the hotel by driving, as the property offers free private parking.
For those without a car, the hotel provides a shuttle service for a seamless transfer. The nearest airport is Kobe Airport, located approximately 25 miles away.
Public transportation options like buses and trains are also available in the vicinity, allowing guests to explore the local sights and attractions with ease.
Additional Services and Conveniences
Beyond the hotel’s convenient transportation options, Aubergeフレンチの森 offers guests a range of additional services and conveniences.
Guests can enjoy 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, and a shuttle service to nearby attractions.
The hotel also features a restaurant, GrandBaobab, open for dinner, where guests can indulge in a romantic dining experience while sipping on wine or champagne.
Rooms come equipped with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and mountain views.
With a non-smoking policy and a strict check-in/check-out schedule, the hotel ensures a comfortable and well-organized stay for all its visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Hold an Event or Small Wedding at the Hotel?
The hotel doesn’t appear to allow events or weddings. It’s focused on providing a relaxing, romantic getaway experience for guests. There’s no mention of event or wedding facilities or services in the provided information.
Is There a Gym or Fitness Center On-Site?
The hotel does not have an on-site gym or fitness center. Guests looking to exercise during their stay will need to make other arrangements, as there are no fitness facilities available at Aubergeフレンチの森.
How Far Is the Hotel From the Nearest Train Station?
The hotel is located 15 miles from the nearest train station. It’s easily accessible by car or shuttle service provided by the hotel, though guests won’t find a train station right in the immediate vicinity.
Do the Rooms Have a Refrigerator or Minibar?
The rooms at this hotel don’t have a refrigerator or minibar. They do, however, feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries.
What Languages Do the Staff Speak?
The staff speaks Japanese and English. They’re able to communicate with guests from various backgrounds and ensure a comfortable stay.
The Sum Up
Auberge French Forest offers a tranquil respite in Kusumoto, Hyogo. With an 8.5/10 rating, the hotel provides well-appointed facilities, exceptional staff, and a commitment to cleanliness. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or peaceful retreat, guests can enjoy the hotel’s amenities, including mountain-view rooms and a shuttle service, while seeing Hyogo’s natural beauty.
