Posted on Oct 22, 2025
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 from€ 51
Posted on Mar 22, 2026
Guest User
I stayed one night at this hotel, which is conveniently located near the train station and feels fresh and new. The on-site restaurant serves dinner, and we tried the sukiyaki — it was absolutely delicious and definitely worth a try, even if the price is on the higher side. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience and would happily choose this hotel again when visiting Zao.
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Price per night from€ 47
Posted on Aug 5, 2025
wozoule2****
This hotel is about 1.5 km from Tsuruoka JR Station. The nearest bus stop is 'Science Park.' There's a direct bus from Yamagata Airport, but other bus connections are unavailable, making transportation a bit inconvenient; it's more suitable for those traveling by car.
The hotel itself is newly renovated, surrounded by rice paddies, offering a beautiful and clean environment. Breakfast is a Japanese-style buffet featuring locally sourced ingredients. Dinner requires a reservation, as dining options nearby are limited to a convenience store. There are three dinner set menus, which I found a bit pricey, but the food was delicious, especially the bread and desserts.
Service was, as always, attentive, and the hot spring facilities were excellent. The only downside is its relative distance from famous Tsuruoka attractions like the Dewa Sanzan mountains and Kamo Aquarium. It's also a bit far from the S-mall bus terminal and the JR station.
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Price per night from€ 76
Posted on May 18, 2026
Guest UserI cannot attest too much overall to the quality of this hotel, as mine was a fleeing evening visit followed by an early morning departure but I will describe as best I can. It is a fair way away from the station, about fifteen minutes walk, neither hilly nor strenuous, but quite close to several local bus routes including one terminating at Dewa Sanzen. There’s a small cinema a short walk away, though no immediate convenience shops-there are, however, as in most hotels, drink and food vending machines available in the lobby. A free breakfast is served from 7:00 and looked delicious, though I did not get to partake as I had an early business appointment. For those travelling lightly, there are coin operated washing and drying machine facilities. The nearby park in the spring is redolent with the aroma of flowers and the area is known for its European style buildings with the museum being particularly worth visiting. The staff were attentive and very accommodating, and while the building itself is older it is maintained well and clean. For older travellers, do be mindful that the entrance doors are non-automated and may prove a little heavy so request help if need be.
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Price per night from€ 34
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 from€ 98
Posted on May 21, 2024
Guest UserAs it is a long-established luxury inn, there are no problems with the facilities or the service.
However, one thing that bothered me was that I had to wait a long time for dinner when I went to the dining room at the designated time. There were no strings to fasten the sleeves of the yukata anymore. It may have been a coincidence, but it was a great disappointment for a luxury inn that I rarely go to.
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Price per night from€ 83
Posted on Apr 6, 2026
Guest User
I spent two nights in Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka and I would stay there again. The location is very good - ten minutes easy walk from Tsuruoka JR train station and it's directly connected to S-Mall, so you don't even have to go outside to access the shops and restaurants in the mall. There is also a bus terminal at the mall for local buses - I caught a bus from there to Mount Haguro.
The bedroom was a good size for a Japanese business hotel with a good size desk and chair. However, I could only find one power socket! It's good that I brought a power *****! Typical of Japanese hotels with Onsen / Sentō the bathroom is small - most people would use the public bath facilities to shower.
The hotel has a Japanese style bath, however it was in the annexe, so it was rather confusing the first time I tried to find it. Two of the baths were inaccessible - the door was locked. The main bath was okay, there is a sauna and cold plunge pool.
The front desk were very polite, efficient and could speak basic English.
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Price per night from€ 49
Posted on Feb 10, 2026
Mon Thailand
This hotel is located in a beautiful ski resort. Opening the window, you're greeted with a stunning view of a snow-covered landscape. The staff are incredibly attentive, especially the drivers who provide shuttle services to various locations. Even though they don't speak English, their dedication to service is exceptional. Although the rooms show their age, they are clean and tidy. There are private onsens available, both in-room and outdoor, but they come with an additional charge. While the location isn't ideal for walking, the shuttle service is excellent.
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Price per night from€ 78
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 from€ 107
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 from€ 103