15 Best Ryokans for Snow Views & Delicious Food in Yamagata
akatsuki
There are many attractions in Yamagata, such as the rich nature of Zao and Mogami River, and shrines and temples with a strong history such as Risshakuji Temple. Yamagata is always fun to visit, but we definitely recommend winter! Speaking of Yamagata in winter, the snowy scenery is too beautiful! In addition, since there are plenty of onsen, you can enjoy ♩ a snow viewing bath, you can also ski, delicious Yonezawa beef, crab, and local sake that permeates your body are waiting for you... ♡ This time, we will introduce recommended ryokan to enjoy such attractive winter Yamagata.
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If you visit Yamagata, winter is by far the best choiceMt ♡. Zao and Mogami River, created by Yamagata's rich nature, change into dignified snow makeup in winter, and you can enjoy a fantastic scene. In the historic temples and shrines and the atmospheric onsen town, you can enjoy the wonderful snowy scenery as if you were looking at a watercolor painting.
In such a cold Yamagata winter, you can't miss the exquisite gourmet food that will warm your body and soul ♡ Yamagata is actually a treasure trove of high-quality Japanese beef brands! Yonezawa beef, which is one of Japan's top three wagyu beef, and Yamagata beef, which is characterized by its strong sweetness, are best eaten in sukiyaki or shabu-shabu during the cold season. Let's do it♩
In Yamagata, there are plenty of unique ryokan, such as long-established ryokan with a long history and advanced new style ryokan! That's why you onsen sure to find an ryokan that's perfect for the purpose of your trip. In fact, Yamagata is one of Japan's leading onsen prefectures, with over 130 onsen resorts within the prefecture. Yamagata's finest hot onsen, which will soothe the onsen of the harsh winter, are sure to be the best reward for your hard work.
"Yamagata The Takinami" is about 5 minutes by car from Akayu Station. The main house of the inn, which was relocated and restored from the 350-year-old Shoya residence, has a quaint atmosphere with a sense of history. With the desire to "become a showcase and select shop for Yamagata by Yamagata people," the sophisticated space expands where the love of the local area for Yamagata can be deeply felt in various places.
There are 19 guest rooms in total. Each room has its own unique charm, such as rooms in renovated storehouses and rooms with stunning views. Among them, the guest room type "YAMAGATA" where you can fully enjoy the Yamagata style is especially recommended! The white and wood-based space is filled with a sense of cleanliness, and is lined with tables and chairs made by the traditional craft of Tendo Mokko. You can relax while feeling the warmth of Yamagata.
The charm of this inn is that all guest rooms have open-air onsen. The view of the snow-covered garden from the rock bath, which is carved out of Yamagata's Zao stone, is a special beauty that can only be experienced here. Being able to enjoy the fresh water of Akayu onsen in your room at any time is the ultimate luxury.
Detailed information
Yamagata The Takinami
Yamagata /Akayu, Akayu onsen / ryokan
- address
- 3005 Akayu, Nanyo City Yamagata
- access
- ■Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Yamagata Shinkansen "Akayu Station" ■Approximately 5 minutes by car from Tohoku Chuo Expressway "Nanyo Takabatake IC"
NIPPONIA Shirataka Gennaitei, which will open at the end of April 2021, is about 15 minutes by car from Nagai Station. It is an inn where you can experience the beauty of Japanese houses and the charm of Japanese culture, including Yamagata, while staying at the renovated residence of Gennai Okuyama, the residence of the Okuyama family, the lord of the Yonezawa clan. Let's fully enjoy the atmosphere of those days and enjoy a special time to rediscover the proud Japanese culture ♡
All four storehouses are available for rent. Among them, the maisonette ``Chikurinkura'' is a suite recommended for both lovers and friends, as you can use the entire renovated storehouse for free. It is a special room where you can feel the history from each wall, floor, and furniture, and at the same time feel nostalgic and calm. Furthermore, since this room is separate, you can stay up late and enjoy it without worrying about the people around you.
Breakfast is an ideal Yamagata breakfast that uses plenty of Yamagata specialties and allows you to enjoy traditional food culture. It is a nutritious lineup that faithfully reproduces the ingredients and cooking methods that have been popular in Yamagata for a long time, such as fermented ingredients and wild vegetables. Please enjoy a new sense of stay that you have never seen before, touching the wonderful history and culture of Yamagata and Japan.
Official details
Nipponia Shirataka Gennai Tei
Yamagata /Resort Hotel
- hotel fee
- JPY from 26,400
- address
- 183-1 Asadate, Shirataka-cho, Nishiokitama-gun Yamagata
- access
- 15 minutes by car from Nagai Station
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
Zao Kokusai Hotel is about 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Station. A free shuttle bus runs from onsen Station, so even those who use public transportation can stay here without onsen about it. can. In addition, it is about a 5-minute walk to the "Zao Ropeway" and about a 1-minute walk to the "onsen Ski Resort", making it a perfect location for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Zao and winter sports!
There are 8 types of guest rooms. Among them, the "Deluxe Twin", which was renewed in 2019, is a Japanese-Western style room with Ryukyu tatami mats on the floor. You can relax comfortably with friends or lovers. The warm colors of the interior will soothe your mind and body♪Enjoy the rich nature of Zao that you can see from the window◎
onsen is a sulfur spring with a milky white color. onsen is popular all over the country, but the snow-viewing bath in onsen is exceptional. There is no doubt that you will be mesmerized by the silver world surrounding onsen. is! In addition to making your skin smooth, it is said that the detoxification contained in sulfur will whiten your skin...♡ You will be enchanted by the scenery and onsen for a luxurious stay♪
Official details
Hachiemon no Yu Zao International Hotel
Yamagata / Zao, Yamagata / ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 12,615
- 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
- Staying time
- 14:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
``Japanese Inn Furugama'' is approximately 23 minutes by car from Yamagata Station. This inn is recognized by professionals for its hospitality and has been ranked in the top 10 for over 40 years in the ``100 Japanese Hotels and ryokan Selected by Professionals'' sponsored by Junkan Travel Newspaper. The inside of the building is a traditional Japanese room. There are flower arrangements and Rakuyaki on display in various places, and you can have a fun time just walking around the facility.
There are four types of guest rooms. The "Guest room with an open-air bath", which was renewed in 2019, is a room where you can feel the warmth based on wood. The modern interior that matches the atmosphere of the room will soothe your body and mind after a long trip.The room is equipped with a private open-air bath or a semi-open-air bath, so you can enjoy a private bath time with a sense of openness. Yo♡
The view from the public bath is spectacular! From the open-air bath in the observatory on the 8th floor, you can see the majestic Zao mountain range in front of you. It will be a scene that will be deeply engraved in your memories of your trip to Yamagata, such as the snow-white mountains and the many stars in the clear night sky.
Detailed information
Kaminoyama onsen Japanese inn Kogama
Yamagata /Kamiyama, Kaminoyama onsen / ryokan
- address
- 5-20 Hayama, Kaminoyama City Yamagata
- access
- About 10 minutes by regular bus from Kaminoyama onsen Station
About 5 minutes by car from Kaminoyama onsen Station (*taxi fare is free if you use a taxi). “Meigetsuso” is a resort ryokan that blends Japanese and Western styles in the middle of nature. There are 7 types of guest rooms. In the "Akebono" of the "A type" Japanese-style room, you can see the rich nature of the Zao mountain range and Kaminoyama. It is truly a healing space where you can feel the taste.
In addition to the Japanese-style room, the room also has a living room, which is a nice point! At night, it's great to have a drink in the living room while gazing at the snowy landscape while chatting with your friends. Not only dinner but also breakfast is served in in-room dining, so it's safe to sleep until the last minute. Why don't you taste the luxury that you don't have ♡
In the morning, enjoy a leisurely Japanese breakfast in your room ♩ Enjoy delicious Yamagata rice cooked piping hot in a pot. With Yamagata's local dishes lined up with gentle flavors, you won't be able to stop using your chopsticks in the morning! After enjoying a filling breakfast, you can go back to sleep or go for a short walk. Please enjoy it in your own way♡
Detailed information
onsen Meigetsuso
Yamagata /Kamiyama, Kaminoyama onsen / ryokan
- address
- 5-50 Hayama, Kaminoyama City Yamagata
- access
- Approximately 6 minutes by taxi from JR Kaminoyama onsen Station
"Takamiya Ryokan Yamanoki" is about 30 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station. Nestled in Shirabu onsen surrounded by rich nature, this is a quiet and calm inn with only 11 rooms. The interior of the hotel is full of luxury with a modern Japanese room. The nice thing about this inn is that it's an all-inclusive style where you can enjoy extra fun such as drinks and private baths without worrying about your wallet! All fees are already included in the room rate, giving you the freedom to enjoy your stay.
Kanshokan, where Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress once stayed, is about a 7-minute walk from the Semi onsen station. The cuisine ryokan boasts high quality hospitality and the chef's specialties that reflect the seasons. The interior of the hotel is modern and elegant. The lobby has a mini-gallery where you can enjoy beautiful paintings by Takehisa Yumeji, Munakata Shiko, and others.
There are 5 types of guest rooms. If you're staying in winter, we recommend the "Room with horigotatsu". Looking at the snowy scenery while warming yourself up under the kotatsu is a great atmosphere. You can enjoy the harsh cold of Yamagata with a sunken kotatsu, which you can enjoy only in winter.
For dinner, enjoy the kaiseki cuisine that the inn is proud of. A kaiseki cuisine that allows you to fully enjoy Yamagata by combining seasonal ingredients, special products, and local food culture. Each dish is carefully seasoned and arranged, and each one has an excellent taste that will impress you. Not only the ingredients, but also the tableware are carefully selected, so you can enjoy it just by looking at it ♪ Please spend a luxurious night enjoying local sake together ♡
Official details
Semi onsen Kanshokan
Yamagata / Mogami/ ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 6,565
- address
- Yamagata 987 Ohori, Mogami-cho, Mogami-gun
- access
- 20 minutes by taxi from Shinjo Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen 8 minutes on foot from Semi Station on the JR Rikuu East Line 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Furukawa IC 50 minutes by car from Ginzan onsen
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
"Tachibanaya" is about 5 minutes by car from onsen Station. This ryokan is located in onsen, and has a long history of more than 370 years since its establishment in onsen. The interior of the hotel is a mix of tasteful Japanese taste and a sense of luxury, giving you an extraordinary feeling. Ikebana and heavy furnishings are used in various places, further enhancing the elegant atmosphere of the inn.
From the lobby, you can see the Japanese garden that spreads out in the courtyard. The garden is beautifully decorated with seasonal flowers and plants, and carp swim elegantly in the pond. No matter where you cut it, it will be a picture, and it is an enchanting scenery. When you look at the beautiful Japanese garden, you will instantly become captivated by the inn.
In the winter of the Japanese garden, the scenery changes dramatically from spring to autumn, and the expression changes to a dignified snowscape. At dusk, the garden glows white with snow, and the lights of the lanterns are reflected on the surface of the water, creating a more magical world. It's a luxury to take a break in the lounge while looking at this beautiful garden.
There are 5 types of guest rooms. Among them, if you want to enjoy a higher-grade stay, we recommend the detached guest room "Kansuiso". Limited to 10 rooms per day, this luxurious room type is located around a Japanese garden. In the Japanese-style room where you can feel the good old traditions of Japan, you will be surprised by the sunken kotatsu. You can also enjoy the 1000-year-old source of onsen in the indoor bath for your room.
Official details
Atsumi onsen Tachibanaya
Yamagata /Tsuruoka/ ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 14,925
- address
- 3 Yuonkaichou, Tsuruoka City Yamagata
- access
- About 100 minutes from Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway Nakajo IC About 5 minutes by taxi from JR onsen Station
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
Umibe no Yado Kazuhisa is about 20 minutes by car from Tsuruoka Station. If you want to fully enjoy the Sea of Japan, this inn is the best! Standing on the majestic Sea of Japan, the best location is about 30 seconds on foot to the sea! From sunrise to sunset, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Sea of Japan to your heart's content. The lobby is glass-enclosed, and you can enjoy a superb view of the ocean as soon as you arrive.
The guest rooms are divided into four types. All rooms have an ocean view, so you can spend a special time with friends or lovers while looking at the spectacular scenery ♡ The ``renovated Japanese-Western room with a panoramic onsen'' also has an indoor onsen bath, with 100% natural hot spring water. The great thing about it is that you can enjoy it right in the sink ♩ It's guaranteed to be a relaxing moment that will blow away your fatigue and stress.
And having dinner while looking out at the sea is also special! You can enjoy Japanese-style kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients, mainly fresh local seafood. All the fish that the chef personally procures is extremely fresh and delicious! You can also enjoy luxurious rice and vegetables grown in the rich nature of the Shonai Plain. Why not indulge in high-quality seafood while looking out at the sea?
Official details
Yunohama Onsen onsen Inn Kazuhisa
Yamagata /Tsuruoka/ ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 11,000
- address
- 1-10-29 Yunohama, Tsuruoka City Yamagata
- access
- 25 minutes by taxi from JR Tsuruoka Station Regular bus (40 minutes) 3 minutes walk from the bus stop
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
Ginzanso is about 40 minutes by car from Oishida Station. Located at the entrance of Ginzan onsen, it is a perfect location for sightseeing as it is about a 5-minute walk to the onsen town. The surrounding area is surrounded by rich nature, and you can enjoy the changing of the four seasons luxuriously from anywhere in the hotel. Ginzan onsen in winter is particularly special, and you can enjoy the snow-covered streets of Ginzan onsen and the 360-degree view of the silvery white world.
There are 2 types of guest rooms. The pure Japanese-style "standard Japanese-style room" has a calming atmosphere, leading travelers to a peaceful space. In addition, all standard Japanese-style rooms are located along the Ginzan River, and the murmuring of the river echoes comfortably. In the winter season, you can see the world of silvery white that spreads out from the window as far as the eye can see. It's a luxurious room where you can fully enjoy nature.
When you come to Ginzan onsen, you can't miss onsen! The large public bath is equipped with an indoor bath and an open-air bath, so you can enjoy the healing onsen spring twice.◎From the open-air bath, you can feel the rich nature surrounding Ginzan onsen with your eyes and ears, which is unique to this inn. It's luxurious ♡
Official details
onsen Ginzanso in Ginzan Onsen Senkyo
Yamagata /Ginzan onsen / ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 19,600
- address
- Yamagata 85 Ginzan Shimbata, Obanazawa City
- access
- 30 minutes by car from Obanazawa City on Route 13. For customers using JR, there is a pick-up at 15:45 (reservation required)
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
"Tendoso" is about 5 minutes by car from Tendo Station, and about 20 minutes on foot, so it's also recommended to slowly head for the inn while looking at the cityscape of Tendo City ♪ Here you can feel traditional Japanese culture and craftsmanship. You can enjoy a leisurely stay at this inn where you can enjoy the atmosphere of good old Japanese culture.
There are 11 guest rooms in total. The annex ``Rijinkyo'' is perfect for couples who want to spend a quiet and relaxing time in a quaint, pure Japanese-style room. The rooms are equipped with high-quality furniture and flower arrangements, giving you an even more luxurious feel. There are also special rooms that come with a private Takano Makinai bath and a 4.5 tatami tea room.
There are also rooms where you can enjoy an open-air rock bath in the private onsen attached to the room. In the open-air bath, you can relax while feeling the pleasant and clear air of Yamagata on your skin while looking at the elegant garden scenery. It's a nice point for couples that they can spend their time together without worrying about their surroundings.
Official details
Tendoso
Yamagata / Tendo, Yamagata / ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 39,600
- address
- 2-2-18 Kamata, Tendo City Yamagata
- access
- 5 minutes by car from JR Tendo Station
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:30(OUT)など
"Sakurayu Sanshuyu" is about 5 minutes by car from Akayu Station. This inn is also recommended for those who yearn to travel alone♪ It is a quiet and calm space with only 7 guest rooms, so you can enjoy your time alone or with your partner. The interior of the hall is a tasteful Japanese-style room. From the lounge, you can look out over the elegant courtyard and enjoy a more mature stay.
Luxury with open-air baths in all 7 rooms named after plants. Among them, "Hitori Shizuka" is a room with a spaciousness of over 67 square meters. The space is too luxurious for one or two people. You can see the private garden from the window, and you can relax your body while feeling the atmosphere. Both breakfast meal are in-room dining, so you can enjoy meal at your own pace without worrying about other guests.
Each room has its own open-air bath with a different taste. "Hitori Shizuka" is an open-air stone bath with a dignified feeling. The bathtub is filled with Akayu onsen, which has a history of more than 920 years. In addition, you can enjoy the luxurious hot spring water directly from the hot spring source.
Official details
Sakurayu Sansuyu
Yamagata /Akayu, Akayu onsen / ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 41,800
- address
- 740 Akayu, Nanyo City Yamagata
- access
- Get off at JR Yamagata Shinkansen Akayu Station
- Staying time
- 14:00(IN)〜 12:00(OUT)など
Hayamakan is about 5 minutes by car from Hakaminoyama onsen Station. The inside of the hotel has an exciting atmosphere that makes you feel like you've come to a hideout. The luxurious and modern Japanese style of the room that extends from the entrance will make you look forward to your stay. There are 3 types of guest rooms. If you're planning a special anniversary, we recommend the Suiyatei room type, which comes with a view bath. You can see the beautiful Zao mountain range from the room ♡
A must-see for carnivorous girls! In this meal course, there is a "meat exhaustion full course" plan that you can thoroughly enjoy meat ♡ It seems like a dream to have a full course of Yamagata beef and Yonezawa beef, which are the representative brand beef of Yamagata. Fill your mouth with branded beef full of umami, and power up your sightseeing the next day!
Official details
onsen Onsen Hayamakan
Yamagata /Kamiyama, Kaminoyama onsen / ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 15,568
- address
- 5-10 Hayama, Kaminoyama City Yamagata
- access
- 5 minutes by car from JR Kaminoyama onsen Station Free pick-up available (reservation required) About 10 minutes from Tohoku Chuo Expressway Kaminoyama onsen IC
- Staying time
- 17:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
Yusuitei Isagoya is about 20 minutes by car from Tsuruoka Station. The Kamo Aquarium, which is visited by many people from outside the prefecture, is about a 5-minute drive away, making it a convenient location for sightseeing. Located along the calm coast of the Sea of Japan, you can always see the beautiful Sea of Japan from your guest room. The interior of the hotel is a modern Japanese style room with a view of the Japanese garden. There is also a fireplace and library, so you can feel the calming warmth.
There are 8 types of guest rooms, and the most recommended one is the Japanese-style suite Mukyou ``Nami no Hana''. The room has a luxurious interior that is calm yet highly functional, giving it the comfort of a private cottage. There is also an open-air bath with a view inside the room, so you can relax while looking at the spectacular view whenever you like.
The charm of this inn is that you can enjoy a wide variety of baths. Among them, "High Private Spa Ren" is a private bath that you should definitely use, where you can enjoy the highest quality bath time! Music plays in the living room-like space, and the bathtub made of cypress barrels overlooks the spectacular view, making you feel as if you are one with the ocean.After the bath, sit on the sofa with a drink and enjoy a luxurious experience. Experience the flow♩
Official details
Yunohama onsen Yusuitei Isagoya
Yamagata /Tsuruoka/ ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 15,840
- address
- 1-8-7 Yunohama, Tsuruoka City Yamagata
- access
- Approximately 40 minutes by Shonai onsen bus bound for Yunohama Onsen from Tsuruoka Station on the JR Uetsu Line / Approximately 20 minutes by car (get off at the last stop)
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 11:00(OUT)など
"Bankokuya" is about 5 minutes by car from onsen Station. It has been selected for 40 years in a row as one of the 100 best Japanese hotels and ryokan selected by professionals, sponsored by Junkan Ryoko Shimbun, and is a top-class ryokan recognized by professionals. With over 350 years of history, you can enjoy an extraordinary stay surrounded by traditional hospitality.
There are 10 types of guest rooms. Among them, the special room ``Royal Suite with an open-air hot spring bath'' located on the top floor of the guest rooms is a higher-grade room that will provide you with the most luxurious time. In addition to the spacious 15 tatami Japanese-style room, there is also a 10 tatami bedroom and a 6 tatami room with a sofa on the veranda, making your stay so comfortable that you won't want to leave your room.
In this room, you can enjoy two types of baths, an indoor bath and an open-air bath. If you want to have a quick meal before dinner, use the indoor cypress bath, or if you want to relax while looking up at the starry sky after dinner, use the open-air bath. …You can also use it in such a luxurious way ♪ Let's enjoy the source of onsen, which has a history of 1000 years, to your heart's content ♡
Official details
Atsumi onsen Bankokuya
Yamagata /Tsuruoka/ ryokan
- hotel fee
- JPY from 15,450
- address
- 1 Yuonkaichou, Tsuruoka City Yamagata
- access
- 5 minutes by car from onsen IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway / 5 minutes by taxi from onsen Onsen Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line / 40 minutes by car from Shonai Airport
- Staying time
- 15:00(IN)〜 10:00(OUT)など
With snowy landscapes, snow-viewing baths, and exquisite winter gourmet food, Yamagata in winter is a waste not to visit! There are many wonderful encounters that can only be experienced in Yamagata in the winter. Staying at ryokan in Yamagata and having fun with your female friends, spending an anniversary as a couple, or just going alone. It might be a good idea to try traveling ◎ Please enjoy the charming winter trip to Yamagata ♡