Hotels near Zao Hotspring, Yamagata City

Woah! This is one of the best ryokans we’ve been to. The staff was super attentive and could speak some English, the rooms were amazing (see the photos!). The onsen in the room was fantastic so there was no need for us to go to the public or private onsen downstairs. The hotel is located 3 minutes away from the bus station and conveniently situated near everything. We’ve stayed at other ryokans but this one was top notch! We strongly recommend to stay at this place and will try to come back again with friends and family. Oh! The food was wow, too! We had breakfasts and dinners included and the sukiyaki dinner offered Yamagata A5 meat which was to die for. Breakfast was also great!

The hotel is brand new, and the bathroom facilities, in particular, are excellent. It's probably the best option near Yamagata Station. It's a 3-5 minute walk to Yamagata Station and just a 3-minute walk to the bus stop (for Zao Onsen Ski Resort) from Yamagata Station. The breakfast restaurant is a famous Yonezawa beef restaurant. You can ask the front desk to make a reservation for you.

Absolutely lovely place. At first I thought I'd be uncomfortable with how spaceous the room was (I'm a very jumpy solo traveller), but the room was just so comfy with an excellent view. The heater was a bit hot, but there was an electric fan too, so all was great. The hotel allows you to have a free 50 minute private bath each night, and the private baths are amazing, able to accommodate up to five persons and with windows to let in the light and stuff. Excellent onsen water -- very acidic and very hot. Takes some time getting used to the heat, but once you do it's a heavenly experience. There are also public baths (free of charge) that you could enjoy throughout the night and into early morning (they're closed for cleaning only during 9-12 in the morning), one indoor and one outdoor, both connected to one another. The outdoor one is a bit small, but it's so refreshing to be able to flee from the stifling indoor onsen to enjoy the crisp winter air while soaking up in the heat.

Even though we called the hotel stating that we would be late for the check-in and dinner as there was heavy snow in the highway. The staff postponed it to 730. However, the snow was so heavy, we lost our way in town and we arrived at 8:10. The staff saying that we were too late and rejected to provide any food for us. we had to walk downhill to the town to find our own dinner. however, on the second night of our stay, we noticed that the other guests were having dinner at 9:10 when we passed by the restaurant. We know that we were late, but I believed that hotel is in the hospitality industry, the staff have to be considerate to the guests. as we were not meant to be late on purpose, just because of the bad weather outside, we couldn’t drive fast. We were in the highway 2 1/2 hours without any food and drink in the hope of arriving on time.

The trip was planned few weeks ahead, accommodation options in Zao Onsen are scarce. If there were other options, I probably would not go with this hotel again. - Before arrival, I called the hotel twice using trip.com but no one answered. - There was only one front desk staff handling check-in. I have waited for 20 minutes for check-in and the Indian family has it waited for 35 minutes. There was another staff coming out from the office and acknowledged the queue. However no action was taken despite the long wait by guest. - I inquired about shuttle bus service but the staff at the entrance said “No shuttle bus”. I saw shuttle bus having the hotel name around the Zao Onsen area. - On the first day of room cleaning, the cleaning lady has not replaced the used porcelain cup and Japanese cup. Also no replenishment on tea bags and toilet amenities. At this price point of over USD500 per night, I was quite surprised. - There are 2 onsen places, one outside the hotel and one on the 1F. The outdoor onsen inside the hotel was not opened and the reason is “snow accumulation”. Overall, the room is spacious and clean but the service did not meet the expectations.

What a gem of a place! The special thing about this place is that there are 5 private outdoor onsens as well as a gender-segregated public bath and one mixed gender outdoor bath (for this one, you need to wear a bathing suit). If you are shy of exposing yourself or like taking photos, then those 5 private outdoor onsens are just perfect. I went in the autumn, which is cooling already and I can imagine what a treat it will be in winter with all the snow. The hotel is located almost to the top of the hill. Either drive or call them ahead and they will pick you up and drop you off in the vicinity. My room is quaint and Japanese-styled. I didn't pay for the meal package as I knew I'd would be busy trying out all the onsens available. They are all open 24hrs. By the way, private onsen number 1 and 5 are the best and most picturesque!!! I'm doing all a favor and posting all the pictures of the private onsens.

Located on the top of a business building linking to the Yamagata station. You won’t have to be worried even if it’s snowing or raining. A side note to travellers from the hotter climate, the hotel doesn’t supply air conditioning during winter. Instead it has a small webbed facility that allows outside air to flow into the room. This slight chills the room. However during the day, the room will be super hot. Initially we had a room facing the sun and when we checked in, the room is super hot. Called the customer service only to find out they didn’t have air conditioning during winter and we have to rent a fan from them. After a slight communication, the customer service is kind enough to upgrade us to a bigger room which is slightly cooler. Big props to the customer service lady! 5 stars service !

Excellent location short walk from Yamagata station. A better location might be located on the east side of Yamagata station as there are more food and beverage and convenience stores available. Dated property but cozy and functional. A man made onsen within the property doesn’t hurt. We also had a rental car and overnight parking was ¥600. Complimentary breakfast however you must account for time and occupancy, we did not have time to enjoy it due to the lines. Service was top notch. Hotel was helpful with directions and translation. A senior lady went the extra mile to assist with contacting next hotel and even considered train timings as well as advising us to stay in Yamagata and not go early as there was nothing available in the next onsen town.

My room, shared restrooms, & bath were extremely clean! The home is full of character & clearly well-taken care of. Right by Yamagata Station & perfect place to shop. Bunch of parks as well, Kajo Park in particular has the Yamagata Castle Ruins. I spent a day going to Ginzan Onsen, further away compared to Zao. Definitely beautiful view but make sure you are aware of the bus & train schedules, because they come by roughly once an hour. The hostess is as nice as the reviews say she is! A little awkward at first, but she'd chat with me & patient when I tried speaking in Japanese. Very cheery personality! There was an avalanche risk warning, but she reassured me I'll be safe going to Ginzan Onsen. She'd come out to greet or see me off each day. Overall, very pleasant! Amenities were great! She provided basic necessities without extra charge (toothbrush/paste, towels) AND a yukata!! The futon was already set out for me when I arrived. Each night, when I returned, the bath was ready so I could go straight to showering & soaking. Lastly the amazing breakfast like the other reviews have stated. So cheap for how much food she gives you! Great variety, the rice smelled amazing, & a little different each meal. You come down at the agreed time, sit at a table with the TV on, & eat the meal in peace. Overall, the best place I stayed at in Japan & will definitely book again when visiting Yamagata! You really get to live the traditional Japanese-lifestyle!

The accommodation is about a 10-minute walk from the station, which is a bit more difficult when it snows. It seems that he provides parking lot, which is more suitable for people who drive. There is also a large supermarket within a 10-minute walk nearby, which is very convenient. The baths for men and women are separate, so you don't have to wait for a long time, which is very convenient! Very recommended There is a free bar and snacks downstairs which is a good deal.