8 recommended luxury hotels and ryokan in onsen. Enjoy a luxurious stay surrounded by nature / Yamagata

8 recommended luxury hotels and ryokan in onsen. Enjoy a luxurious stay surrounded by nature / Yamagata
vemo

vemo

The Zao Mountain Range, which stretches across the border between Miyagi and Yamagata, is a mountain resort rich in nature. It is also a popular ski resort in winter, and you can also see a rare natural phenomenon called "frozen trees." On Yamagata side, there is a onsen town called onsen, which is perfect for soothing your tired body from trekking, skiing, and driving! It is a hot onsen resort with a long history, said to have been open for about 1900 years, and you can feel a mysterious power there. In this article, we will introduce recommended luxury hotels and ryokan where you can spend a luxurious time at onsen!

onsen, a mountain resort where you can enjoy the nature of each season

Zao Ropeway and Yamagata Zao Ice Trees Yamagata Yamagata City

The Zao Yamagata and Miyagi, is a mountain resort where you can enjoy rich nature. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy driving and trekking around the lakes, and in winter, you can enjoy winter sports at onsen Ski Resort, which has a variety of slopes, making it a relaxing trip surrounded by beautiful nature all year round. In particular, the ``frozen trees'' that can only be seen in winter are unique to Zao! You will be overwhelmed by the beauty of nature.

After enjoying nature, refresh yourself in a historic onsen

After enjoying nature, refresh yourself in a historic onsen.

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Around the "onsen Ski Resort" on Yamagata side, you can enjoy a famous hot spring with a long history that is said to have been in operation for over 1,900 years. The water is a highly acidic sulfur spring. The cloudy white water will soothe your tired body. You can enjoy a drop-in bath at the "onsen Large Open-Air Bath" or wander around the retro onsen town trying local delicacies such as tama konnyaku. You can experience the old-fashioned atmosphere. In this article, we will pick out some high-class ryokan and hotels in onsen. We will introduce you to lodgings where adults can enjoy a luxurious feeling. Recommended for a trip to reward yourself or a commemorative trip with a special someone! Please use this as a reference when choosing a lodging.

1. Miyamaso Takamiya

Feel relieved by the beauty of traditional architecture. Japanese modern luxury ryokan

The beauty of traditional architecture is soothing. A high-class Japanese-modern ryokan

"Miyamaso Takamiya" is a long-established luxury ryokan with a history of about 300 years. It is a purely Japanese-style building, and traditional architectural beauty can be seen throughout the building. There is also an irori hearth in the lobby lounge, and in the winter you can spend a peaceful moment listening to the sound of the iron kettle boiling. This is a recommended ryokan for those who want to forget about busy days and find true relaxation. There is a free shuttle service from onsen bus terminal.

A variety of options, from standard Japanese-style rooms to rooms with open-air baths.

A variety of rooms available, from standard Japanese-style rooms to rooms with open-air baths3943541

There are a total of 19 guest rooms. Although it is a long-established ryokan, it has been well renovated and everything is clean. There are a variety of types available, from standard Japanese rooms to Japanese-Western rooms and luxurious rooms with open-air baths. Among them, the rooms with open-air baths are luxurious rooms where you can take a bath while listening to Zao's clear air and the murmuring of the river.

The luxury of enjoying your own hot spring directly from the source

The luxury of enjoying free-flowing hot spring water from our own source3943542

There is a private hot spring that gushes out constantly, so you can enjoy the luxury of fresh hot water. There are nine bathtubs with different styles, including an open-air bath where you can feel the sound of the river and a tub bath made by traditional craftsmen from Yamagata, so be sure to enjoy touring the baths. For those who want to enjoy it alone, there is also a private bath called ``Kibitagayu.''

Enjoy Zao beef and other mountain delicacies along with Yamagata's local sake and wine.

Enjoy Zao beef and mountain delicacies along with local Yamagata sake and wine.

Dinner is a Kaiseki meal using ingredients from Yamagata. A nutritious menu centered around the fruits of the mountains. Be sure to enjoy Zao's rare branded beef, ``Zao Beef,'' grilled to your preference. Enjoy to your heart's content with Yamagata's local sake and wine. For breakfast, enjoy fluffy and juicy rice from Yamagata, along with many side dishes such as local dishes.

Detailed information

Miyamasou Takamiya

Shinzansou Takamiya

Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan

address
Yamagata Yamagata City Zao onsen 54
access
40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station / About 13 km by car from Yamagata Zao IC on Yamagata Expressway, 11 km from Yamagata Kamiyama IC on Tohoku Chuo Expressway

2. Waka no Yado Wakamatsuya

A luxurious ryokan full of emotions related to poets

A luxurious ryokan with a refined atmosphere and a connection to poets3943544

"Waka no Yado Wakamatsuya" is a long-established ryokan located about 5 minutes walk from onsen bus terminal. The Zao Central Ropeway is also within walking distance, making it a great location for sightseeing and winter sports. The hotel has a bright and modern atmosphere, offering a relaxing view of the beautifully landscaped garden. Since it is related to the poet Mokichi Saito from Yamagata, you can enjoy an elegant experience unique to this inn.

View ◎! Open and stylish Japanese-Western style room

Great view! Open and stylish Japanese-Western style room3943545

There are a total of 23 guest rooms. Many of the rooms have great views of the Zao Mountain Range, so you can stay in a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful scenery in front of you. There are two types of rooms: Japanese-Western style rooms with a Japanese-style bed, and Japanese-style rooms. The beds are soft and made by Simmons, so you'll have a good night's sleep.

Perfect as a souvenir of your trip. Hospitality unique to an inn associated with a poet

A perfect memento of your trip. Enjoy the hospitality that only a lodging with a connection to a poet can provide.3943546

What makes it unique is that every room has a strip of paper and a brush pen! It's the kind of hospitality you would expect from an inn with a connection to a poet. How about writing a 5-7-5-7-7 poem to commemorate your trip? You can also listen to tanka poems by people who have visited the inn at the Yukoji Gallery in the hotel.

Thoroughly enjoy the private hot spring. 24 hours free private bath

Enjoy our private hot spring water. We also have a private bath available 24 hours a day.

At the bathhouse, you can enjoy free-flowing hot spring water, which Mokichi Saito praised as a "spiritual spring". The open-air bath, which is made by hollowing out the stones of Zao, has a unique atmosphere, and you can feel the power of Zao, which is said to be a sacred mountain. There are indoor baths and private baths that can be used without a reservation, so you can enjoy a onsen bath in your favorite bath. By the way, there is a powder room for women, so you can slowly take care of your skin after taking a bath.

Kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients from Yamagata. Pay attention to the carefully selected vessels and presentation.

Enjoy seasonal Yamagata ingredients in a kaiseki dinner course. Pay attention to the carefully selected tableware and presentation.3943520

Dinner is a multi-course meal made with seasonal ingredients from Yamagata, and the dishes and presentation are particular about the dishes. Let's enjoy the feeling of the season with delicious local sake from Yamagata. If you want to taste more Yamagata beef, there is also a one-dish dish called "Yamagata Beef Shabu-shabu". Breakfast is a Japanese set meal where you can enjoy Yamagata's unique ingredients and local cuisine. Yamagata Please take your time to taste the unique "Tsuyahime" rice.

Detailed information

Zao Onsen Zao Waka Song onsen Wakamatsuya

onsen Onsen Zao Wakamatsuya

Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan

address
951-1 Yamagata onsen Prefecture
access
45 minutes by bus bound for onsen Onsen from Yamagata Station on the JR Yamagata Shinkansen Shuttle bus from the bus stop at any time / 16 km from Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway (25 minutes)

3. onsen Meitoya So

A stylish Japanese-modern inn with retro patterned carpets that look great in photos

The retro patterned carpets look great in photos ♡ A stylish Japanese modern inn 3943683

"onsen Meitoya So" is onsen inn surrounded by the rich nature of Zao, Yamagata. The modern Japanese space spreads out, providing a comfortable time for visitors. It is easily accessible from the onsen bus terminal, making it a convenient base for sightseeing and winter sports.

Renovated guest rooms that maintain the calm of a long-established ryokan

Renovated guest rooms that retain the calm of a long-established ryokan

The guest rooms are modern in design while still maintaining a Japanese feel, and are clean. This is a Japanese-style room with two low beds. There are also connecting rooms, which are ideal for families or groups, and you can move between adjacent rooms, so you can stay together while still maintaining your own private space.

A rustic open-air bath and a large bath surrounded by the warmth of wood

A rustic open-air bath and a large bath surrounded by the warmth of wood3943600

onsen is murky with a sulfur scent, and is equipped with a direct-flowing hot spring and an open-air bath. It is perfect for soothing your tired body after trekking or skiing. The water temperature is high in the summer, but there is a water server installed so you can feel refreshed after a bath.

Enjoy raw lamb at the birthplace of Genghis Khan

Enjoy raw lamb at the birthplace of Genghis Khan3943684

At Meiyusha So, where you can fully experience the charm of onsen, you can enjoy a dinner meal that makes use of local ingredients. The Genghis Khan in particular is very filling and will definitely fill you up. There is also a wide selection of local sake, so why not enjoy the local flavors along with a carefully selected rare daiginjo?

Detailed information

onsen Famous Bathhouse Sou MEITOYA SO

Zao onsen Meitoya So

Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan

address
Yamagata Zao, Yamagata-shi onsen 48
access
Approximately 40 minutes by car from Yamagata Station

4. Zao International Hotel

The warmth of wood is comfortable. A hotel where you can be healed in a large public bath full of taste

The warmth of the wood is soothing. A hotel where you can relax in a large, tasteful bath3943572

Zao International Hotel is a high-class onsen hotel adjacent to the Yokokura Slope at onsen Ski Resort. Its location allows you to enjoy skiing and sightseeing to your heart's content. The hotel features a large public bath that uses plenty of wood, allowing you to enjoy Zao's high-quality sulfur spring water in a charming space. There is also a free shuttle bus from Yamagata Station, making it very convenient. Please make your reservation at least three days before the day of use.

Comfortable stay in a clean and modern Japanese room

Stay comfortably in a clean, Japanese-modern room3943564

Guest rooms range from traditional Japanese rooms to modern Western rooms. From solo travelers to couples and families, you're sure to find a room that suits your travel style. If you like a stylish room, we recommend a spacious modern Japanese room that uses Ryukyu tatami. You can relax in a stylish space with a spacious sofa space. Some rooms have their own massage chairs, so why not relax your body after taking a bath?

``Hachiemon no Yu'' where you can be healed by the warmth of trees and lights

"Yaemon no Yu" - Relax in the warmth of wood and lights 3943565

The large public bath "Hachiemon no Yu", which is the pride of the hotel, has an elegant design with exposed wood. The soft lighting is comfortable, and you can relax surrounded by the warmth of the wood and the scent of the sulfur springs. There is also a spacious rock open-air bath outside, and in winter you can enjoy a wonderful “Yukimi open-air bath”! There are also 3 types of private baths, so if you want to enjoy onsen in a private space, that is also recommended.

There are facilities inside the hotel where you can enjoy your stay, such as the footbath terrace.

The hotel has a variety of facilities to make your stay enjoyable, including a footbath terrace.

There are various on-site facilities such as a meal and a massage room, so you can enjoy your stay as well as staying overnight. The stylish and open lounge has a terrace and an indoor footbath, where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Taste plenty of Yamagata 's seasonal ingredients and local cuisine.

Enjoy seasonal ingredients and local cuisine from Yamagata.

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The dishes served at the restaurant are full of local Yamagata. Dinner is a Japanese dish with Yamagata beef as the main dish, and you can enjoy meat that melts with your favorite dishes such as porcelain yaki, shabu-shabu, and sukiyaki. Breakfast is basically buffet-style, and in addition to standard dishes such as porridge and fried eggs, wild vegetables and pickles unique to Yamagata are also lined up. The taste of the local area will be a good memory of your trip.

Detailed information

Hachiemon no Yu Zao Kokusai Hotel

Hachiemon no Yu Zao International Hotel

Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan

address
933 Zao Onsen Yamagata, onsen Prefecture
access
●Shuttle service available from onsen Bus Terminal to the hotel. *Please call us when you arrive / ●We have a free shuttle service from Yamagata Station to the hotel. *Complete reservation system up to 3 days in advance

5. Zao Four Seasons Hotel

Relax by the lake. A onsen hotel where you can enjoy a superb view and a tour of hot springs

Relax by the lake. A onsen hotel where you can enjoy a spectacular view and bathing in the hot springs3943523

Zao Shiki no Hotel, with its stylish fan-shaped exterior, is a onsen hotel located right next to Shiginoyachi Swamp. There is a walking path along the lakeside, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the early morning. Another attraction is that you can enjoy bathing in two baths! Relax in the hot onsen and enjoy the spectacular views. To access the hotel, there is a free shuttle bus from Yamagata Station. Please make a reservation at least three days before the day of use.

Relax in the Junior Suite with a stone-lined view bath

Relax in the Junior Suite with a stone-clad view bath3943558

The Junior Suite, which was renovated in 2022, is a luxurious guest room of approximately 62 square meters, consisting of a living room with Ryukyu tatami and a bedroom with wooden flooring. The stone-lined view bath has a luxurious feel, so you can enjoy a slightly more elegant bath time than usual. A massage chair is also available, which is a nice touch for busy couples. Let's fully relax your stiff body♪

Change into a yukata and go to "Hara no Yu". Enjoy the cloudy hot water!

Change into a yukata and head to the "detached bath." Enjoy the cloudy water! 3943547

At Zao Shiki no Hotel, you can fully enjoy onsen at two baths. Women can rent a colored yukata for free, so how about changing into it and enjoying the hot springs? About 108 steps from the hotel, you can find Hanare no Yu Hyakuhappo in the forest, where you can enjoy the footbath and the milky-white sulfur springs. The view from the open-air bath is especially spectacular! Tiredness will be blown away.

The "Shirakaba no Yu" in the hotel is weakly alkaline and gentle on the skin. Sauna facilities also ◎

The Shirakaba no Yu bath in the building is slightly alkaline and gentle on the skin. There is also a sauna facility.

There is also a large public bath called "Shirakaba no Yu" in the hotel. The hot springs and atmosphere are different from Hanare no Yu Hyakuhappo, so be sure to enjoy both! The hot water is a weakly alkaline mineral spring that is gentle on the skin. In addition to the indoor and open-air baths, there is also a sauna where you can wash away your sweat.

I am very satisfied ♩ with Yamagata beef and "Tsuyahime" from Yamagata Prefecture

I am very satisfied with ♩Yamagata beef and "Tsuyahime" from Yamagata 3943548

meal is served at the scenic restaurant "Mountain Poetry" or the modern dining "Sakura". The main course of dinner is Yamagata beef, which is full of umami. Yamagata The rice produced is also attractive, and you can taste the sweetness of "Tsuyahime".

Detailed information

onsen Zao Four Seasons Hotel (Zao Shikino Hotel)

onsen Zao Four Seasons Hotel

Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan

address
1272 Yamagata, onsen Prefecture
access
●Shuttle service available from onsen Bus Terminal to the hotel. *Please call us when you arrive / ●We have a free shuttle service from Yamagata Station to the hotel. *Complete reservation system up to 3 days in advance

6. onsen Takamiya Rurikura Resort

Enjoy a special moment at a hotel designed by a world-renowned architect

Enjoy a special stay at a hotel designed by a world-renowned architect 3943687

onsen Takamiya Rurikura Resort is a resort hotel located about a 10-minute walk from the onsen bus terminal. Surrounded by the rich nature of Zao, this hotel is a designer resort hotel designed by the late world-renowned architect Kenzo Tange, and its distinctive exterior and arched restaurant create a resort atmosphere. It is also close to onsen Ski Resort, making it a particularly convenient location during the winter ski season.

The single window offers picturesque views of the changing seasons!

A single window offers picturesque views of the changing seasons! 3943688

All rooms are equipped with beds and offer a beautiful view of the Asahi mountain range, allowing you to relax. Although it is not onsen, some rooms have a semi-open-air bath. You can enjoy an aroma bath using aromatic oils.

The highly acidic water is like a "natural beauty essence"

The highly acidic water is like a "natural beauty essence" 3943689

The hot onsen at "SPA Yurari" is a highly acidic sulfur spring and is also known as "beautiful skin water." onsen has a truly "hot onsen" atmosphere, with floating hot spring deposits and a sulfurous scent in the air! It's perfect for soothing your tired body after trekking or skiing.

Enjoy with the beautiful scenery♪

Enjoy the beautiful scenery♪3943690

For dinner, enjoy a seasonal creative dinner centered on Japanese cuisine using local ingredients, satisfying both body and mind. You can enjoy Zao beef and local Yamagata sake, and there are new discoveries to be made every time you visit. For breakfast, enjoy a Japanese and Western buffet in a restaurant with a great view while surrounded by the refreshing morning scenery. After sightseeing on frost-covered trees or skiing, why not spend some luxurious time at Takamiya Rurikura Resort?

Detailed information

onsen Onsen Takamiya Rurikura Resort (RURIKURA RESORT)

onsen Onsen Takamiya Rurikura Resort

Yamagata / Yamagata, Zao / ryokan

address
Yamagata Yamagata City Zao onsen Midogawa 1118-7
access
45 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station, get off at Zao Bus Terminal Free shuttle available from Zao Bus Terminal

7. Iwashimizu Cuisine Inn Tokinosato

A small Japanese ryokan where you can be healed by warm hospitality

A small ryokan you can feel relaxed and warm hospitality3943530

"Iwashimizu Cuisine Inn Kinosato" is a small ryokan with 22 rooms. It boasts a onsen bath with natural spring water and carefully prepared dishes using ingredients from Yamagata. It is also recommended for those who want a private trip. You can relax quietly in a calm atmosphere. There is also a shuttle service from onsen bus terminal.

Homemade oshiruko and cute Japanese accessories. Soothing hospitality

Homemade sweet red bean soup and cute Japanese accessories. Heartwarming hospitality3943532

When you arrive at the inn, you will be greeted with a welcome drink of "homemade oshiruko" in the lobby overlooking Zao. You will be healed by our unique service. In addition, the inside of the building is decorated with seasonal Japanese accessories, creating a warm atmosphere.

A moment to feel the nature of Zao in a room named after a flower

Experience the nature of Zao in a room named after a flower or plant3943566

There are Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western rooms, so you can choose the room of your choice. Each room is named after a wildflower, and the alcoves are decorated with impressive botanical art. This is a classy hospitality where you can feel the nature of Zao. We recommend the superior Japanese-style room with a great view, where you can enjoy an open feeling while overlooking the mountain range of Zao.

Feel the refreshing breeze and be healed by the natural onsen

Feel the refreshing breeze and relax in the natural onsen

In the semi-open-air bath in the detached room, you can enjoy onsen while feeling the refreshing mountain breeze. The white cloudy water is full of onsen atmosphere. It will soothe your tired body. The indoor bath is not onsen, but it uses natural underground water from Zao that is gentle on the skin. How about changing your mood and enjoying two baths?

Enjoy Japanese cuisine made with Zao beef and fresh seafood!

Enjoy Japanese cuisine made with Zao beef and fresh seafood! 3943567

The inn's specialty is Kaiseki cuisine using local ingredients from Yamagata. There is an array of dishes made with high-quality Zao beef and fresh seafood. Please enjoy seasonal flavors such as local vegetables and fruits.

Detailed information

Zao onsen Iwashimizu Cuisine Inn Kinosato

Zao Onsen onsen Cuisine Inn Tokinosato

Yamagata / Yamagata, Zao / ryokan

address
1271-1 Yamagata onsen Prefecture
access
45 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station / 30 minutes from Yamagata Expressway → Yamagata Zao IC

8. onsen Village Hotel Jurin

The slopes are right in front of you! A resort hotel where you can enjoy activities and onsen

The slopes are right in front of you! A resort hotel where you can enjoy activities and onsen

"onsen Takamiya Village Hotel Jurin" is a resort hotel surrounded by the rich nature of Zao, Yamagata. The slopes are right outside the hotel! It is the perfect location for enjoying activities such as skiing and trekking. There is also a shuttle service between onsen Bus Terminal, making it very accessible. The fire lounge, which was renovated in 2022, sells coffee and craft beer depending on the time of day. It is the perfect place to take a break while watching the flickering fire.

With a wide variety of rooms to choose from, you'll find one that suits your style

With a wide variety of rooms, you can find one that suits your needs3943588

There are a variety of guest rooms available, including Japanese-style rooms and Japanese-Western style rooms, all of which are clean and comfortable. Relax with family and friends in a space that suits you, such as a suite room with a living space and study, a concept room with a work table and loft like a secret base, or a superior room with a projector. You will be able to fully refresh yourself while enjoying the clear air and beautiful scenery of Zao.

Relaxing onsen time with seasonal scenery

Relaxing onsen with seasonal scenery3943597

Inside the building, there is onsen called "Kamoshika Asobi no Yu" that is full of openness, where you can spend a relaxing time as if you are one with nature. The sulfur spring, typical of onsen, has a tingling sensation. It warms you from the core of your body. Enjoy a relaxing bath time while enjoying the natural scenery in the spacious open-air bath and indoor bath.

The fragrant aroma of the wood-fire grill will whet your appetite!

The fragrant aroma of the wood-fired grill will whet your appetite! 3943595

For dinner, a firewood-grilled Zao beef dinner and a half buffet are served, allowing you to enjoy dishes made with an abundance of local Yamagata ingredients. The main dish is firewood-grilled Zao beef. The half buffet features about 10 different dishes, including fresh seafood from Shonaihama, salads, gratin made with local vegetables, Yamagata potato stew, and special curry. Enjoy a blissful time spent with nature.

Detailed information

JURIN

JURIN

Yamagata / Yamagata, Zao / ryokan

address
Yamagata Zao, Yamagata-shi onsen Uenodai 814
access
Get off at Yamagata Expressway "Yamagata Zao IC" and take the Nishi-Zao Kogen Line for about 30 minutes / "Yamagata Station" "Kaminoyama Station"

Enjoy your trip at a luxury hotel/ ryokan in onsen!

A woman enjoying an open-air bath

This time, we have introduced luxury hotels and ryokan where you can enjoy a luxurious stay in onsen. Soak yourself in the white cloudy water with the scent of sulfur, enjoy delicious Yamagata meat and rice, and spend a relaxing time relaxing your body and mind.

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