Fodor's Expert Review Morioka Grand Hotel

This pleasingly secluded hotel sits near the top of a wooded hill, with a breezy view over the rolling green hills that surround the city. An elegant lounge and a French-Japanese restaurant have equally splendid views of downtown, as do the Western-style guest rooms. All the large rooms have relaxing color schemes and minimal furnishings. Public areas have lots of marble and massive, shiny columns. The staff are extremely polite and attentive (guests often include celebrities, politicians, and the imperial family). The hotel also often hosts celebratory events like weddings.