かっぱの宿旅館三治郎
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Kappa no Yado Ryokan Sanjiro is a traditional Japanese inn in the Togatta Onsen area of Zao, Miyagi. Tracing three centuries of local hospitality, the ryokan blends tatami-floored guest rooms, regional culinary menus, and communal spaces that reference the property's kappa folklore. Located near hiking and seasonal attractions, the property serves as a restful base for exploring the Zao range. It is described as a ryokan with onsen in Zao, Miyagi offering both public baths and private bathing options.
Bath facilities are the ryokan’s focal point: large view baths include "Kappa no Yu" with a tatami-floored bathing area and "Togen no Yu" in fragrant hinoki cypress, each designed so guests can take in sweeping views of the Zao peaks. For greater privacy the property operates four kashikiri (reserved) baths in the "Hinoki Forest" complex: a forest-bathing bath, a hinoki open-air bath, an octagonal hall bath and a kamakura-style dome bath — all fed continuously from the hot spring source. These features make it a ryokan with private onsen in Miyagi.
Guest rooms follow a traditional ryokan layout with futons on tatami or western-style combinations, and many rooms offer mountain views. Meals emphasize seasonal, locally sourced ingredients served in set-course Japanese style in dedicated dining rooms. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, multilingual staff, a sauna, communal lounges and small event spaces. The atmosphere balances a historic narrative with practical comforts, making the property a focused choice for travelers seeking a culturally rooted onsen stay close to outdoor activities around Zao.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: かっぱの宿旅館三治郎
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff
Multiple reviews praise the warm, helpful staff and high level of service (omotenashi). Staff can communicate in simple English and assist guests even with limited Japanese.
Excellent food (dinner and breakfast)
Guests repeatedly mention delicious, generous meals—sumptuous multi-course dinners featuring local mountain and seafood dishes and satisfying Japanese-style breakfasts, sometimes served in a private room.
Clean, spacious traditional rooms with mountain views
The ryokan is described as a well-maintained traditional property with clean, roomy tatami-style accommodations and pleasant mountain views that add to the experience.
Relaxing onsen and bathing facilities
Reviews highlight multiple public baths and available private baths (for an extra charge), noting they are clean, relaxing and leave skin feeling smooth—particularly welcome after cold outings.
Peaceful, rural setting ideal for relaxation
The property is set in a quiet onsen town (Togatta Onsen), offering a tranquil atmosphere that many guests find perfect for unwinding and spending time at the ryokan.
Negative Reviews
Limited public transport / access issues
Several guests note the rural location is easier to explore by car; one mentioned a taxi service was not running on checkout day, which caused difficulty getting to planned activities.
Parking located far from the front desk
At least one review mentioned the parking area is some distance from the reception, which can be inconvenient when arriving or leaving.
Room temperature control problems
A guest reported the heating/air-conditioning had coarse adjustment (turning it on made the room too cold and off made it too warm), making precise comfort difficult.
Futon bedding can be inconvenient for some guests
Some visitors who expected beds found the futon-style sleeping arrangements difficult due to knee or hip issues, making getting up and down uncomfortable.
Traditional breakfast may be unfamiliar to Western guests
One reviewer noted that the Japanese-style breakfast can be challenging for European palates, so some guests may find the morning meal unfamiliar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacities vary by type; many Japanese-style rooms use futons and accommodate 2–5 guests with family and larger rooms available.
The ryokan has large communal baths with mountain views (Kappa no Yu and Tougen no Yu) plus open-air bathing; public baths alternate between men and women.
There are four private baths that guests can reserve on arrival at check‑in; advance reservations for private baths are not accepted online.
The property does not list a regular airport shuttle; most guests arrive by car, taxi, or arranged transfer—contact the ryokan directly to inquire about any ad hoc pickups.
By car the ryokan is roughly a 30–40 minute drive from Sendai area points and Sendai Airport depending on traffic; public transport requires transfers and a taxi for the final leg.
English‑speaking staff are available to assist guests.
Meals focus on local Miyagi ingredients with multi‑course Japanese dinner (kaiseki) and a Japanese breakfast; dinner is served in private or partitioned dining rooms depending on the plan.
The ryokan sits in Togatta Onsen with nearby attractions including local onsen streets, Zao Fox Village, Zao Dairy Farm, and the Miyagi Kokeshi Doll sites; ski areas and scenic lookouts are within driving distance.
Check‑in is from 15:00 (last check‑in about 18:00) and check‑out is by 10:00; guests are asked to provide an estimated arrival time in advance.
Pets are not permitted. The ryokan has an on‑site shop and vending machines and there are local shops and restaurants in Togatta Onsen; for a full supermarket, larger nearby towns or Sendai will have more options.