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Posted on Dec 25, 2024
NetotrevinoWoah! 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!
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Price per night fromDKK 826
Posted on Feb 16, 2024
Zoe
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.
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Price per night fromDKK 924
Posted on Feb 23, 2026
Mon Thailand
This ryokan-style hotel boasts a beautiful location on a snow-covered mountain, right next to a stunning ski resort. The accommodations are very convenient, featuring separate shower and toilet facilities within the room. There's also a private onsen available for a small fee, offering a wonderfully private outdoor bathing experience. The hotel provides excellent shuttle services to various destinations; you can easily request a ride to the Zao Ropeway to see the Snow Monsters, as well as to restaurants, the bus station, and more.
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Price per night fromDKK 598
Posted on Mar 1, 2025
Michal LihockyThe room was beautiful, with tatami, yukata, tabi, and a little bag with towels to take with you when you go to their proper outdoor onsen that's right across the street. The onsen has good amenities, has 2 baths one indoor that's around 42 - 45 degrees, and outdoor one that's usually cooler around 38 - 42. The best thing about that onsen is that there usually not many people there, often I was there alone.
The breakfast was great too, there were at least around 20 - 30 different dishes/foods to choose from. The hotel also sells discounted ski passes, and has it's own ski/snowboard rental service for lower price than most of the rental services nearby (the snowboard was of great quality, the shoes not so much).
When we checked out, the hotel arranged a van to take us to the bus terminal as well. Overall, one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at in Japan. 👌🏻
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Price per night fromDKK 771
Posted on Oct 22, 2025|Pet Japanese Style Room
Guest UserWhat 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.
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Price per night fromDKK 475
Posted on Feb 4, 2025|Standard Semi-Double Room-Non-Smoking
shawndaikiExcellent 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.
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Price per night fromDKK 336
Posted on Jan 3, 2026
Guest User
Overall a practical hotel close to the slopes, room was simple but fine. Free shuttle provided which proved very convenient. Breakfast was good with different options both Japanese and western styles. Staff was helpful especially the Japanese personnel and the young lady in the breakfast room however there was one Indian-like man who was not really hospitable, never smiling and never talking (no hello, nothing at all) staring at you which made me uncomfortable.
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Price per night fromDKK 492
Posted on Aug 30, 2025
mihamoonlove
After arriving at the bus stop, I found out that there are no taxis in the Zao Onsen area in the summer. I was in a pinch, so I called the inn and they arranged a free shuttle, which was very helpful!
As soon as I got off the bus, a staff member greeted me with a smile and quickly carried my luggage into the inn. Once I arrived, all the staff were very polite and pleasant, leaving a very good impression! The man at the front desk was especially kind and warm, and his soft Yamagata accent was very soothing.
The hot spring water temperature and quality were excellent, and the open-air bath allowed me to relax and unwind while feeling the nature. It was also very convenient to be able to watch YouTube and Netflix on the TV in my room.
There was an event going on, so the menu was different from usual, but the food was excellent. Everything was delicious, and I was especially impressed by the large selection of fresh vegetables and the many options available, including one that catered to vegetarians and vegans!
Overall, it was a wonderful inn, but there were some disappointments. Even though the room was renovated and comfortable, the unit bath was quite old and dated. Also, while soaking in the smaller of the two large (small) baths, the bath was so small that body soap and shampoo from people washing their bodies and hair kept getting into the hot spring, which was very unpleasant. It's a real shame to have such a wonderful hot spring bath only to be soaked in dirty water and soaps constantly seeping in. 😢
I really wish this smaller bath would be a private bath where only those who have thoroughly washed themselves in the larger large bath could enjoy a leisurely soak, eliminating the body soap and shampoo.
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Price per night fromDKK 775
Posted on Jan 17, 2026
Al_Al
The location is super convenient, just a 2-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ropeway Station. There's a ski rental shop about a 1-minute walk away. You can store your ski equipment in a specific locker in your room on the ground floor, or use the password-locked lockers in the lobby. Zao Bus Terminal is about a 7-minute walk. They even offer a free ride back to Zao Bus Terminal when you check out. For dinner, there are six delicious and beautifully presented options to choose from. A Lawson convenience store is about a 5-minute walk for evening snacks. The onsen (hot spring) is a good size, not too big, not too small. And since there weren't many guests, it was a very pleasant experience.
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Price per night fromDKK 551
Posted on Mar 30, 2025
Guest User
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!
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Price per night fromDKK 198