Takinoyu Hotel
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 150 reviews
Takinoyu Hotel sits in the Tendo Onsen area and presents a restrained blend of traditional ryokan design and contemporary comfort, with tatami rooms, suites and public spaces arranged around a landscaped garden. Thermal facilities are a central feature: a large communal bathing complex is paired with reserveable private baths, and select guest rooms include their own outdoor tubs fed by the local spring. This property positions itself as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata, offering both shared and secluded bathing options framed by seasonal mountain and city views.
Accommodation ranges from classic Japanese-style rooms to multi-room suites with living areas and open-air baths; some upper-floor guestrooms emphasize universal access and panoramic vistas. Dining focuses on seasonal produce from the region and the hotel’s own farm, with menus that highlight Yamagata ingredients such as local beef and fruit, served across a mix of buffet and private-dining formats. Several on-site dining venues present table and horigotatsu seating, and a modest wine selection draws from nearby producers to complement traditional courses.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takinoyu Hotel
Positive Reviews
Friendly, helpful staff
Many guests praised the staff as polite, well trained and attentive — providing clear directions, helpful service at arrival and during meals, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
High-quality meals and varied breakfast
Dinner (including kaiseki/private dining) received positive comments for taste and presentation; buffet breakfasts were noted for a wide selection and generally tasty offerings.
Comfortable, spacious rooms and beds
Rooms were frequently described as roomy, comfortable and well appointed, with comfortable beds and suites that felt relaxing.
Relaxing onsen options, including in-room tubs
Guests enjoyed the onsen experience—especially the in-room outdoor tubs which were described as relaxing—and appreciated that the hotel offers multiple bathing options.
Beautiful, peaceful garden and setting
The hotel's garden, courtyard and overall environment were highlighted as very peaceful and zen-like, with pleasant views and relaxing walkways; lounges and communal spaces were also enjoyed.
Negative Reviews
Limitations of public/private onsen
Some guests noted drawbacks: the private onsen can be chargeable, the public onsen was described as average for size and temperature, and outdoor baths at times felt smaller or less hot than expected.
Rigidity or inflexibility in some service areas
A few reviews reported rigid check‑in/check‑out policies and inflexible handling of late-running tours, which made dining feel rushed for some guests.
Occasional cleanliness and maintenance issues
A small number of guests reported maintenance or cleanliness concerns such as stains on wallpaper, soiled bedding or a floor light that could not be switched off in the room.
Towel and slipper confusion
There were reports of towels being moved between public baths and rooms and of slippers being taken by other guests, causing inconvenience and confusion for some visitors.
Limited menu/language accessibility and location drawbacks
Some guests noted practical downsides: drink menus available only in Japanese, and the hotel being a short walk from the train station with few nearby shops or attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers a range of room types including family rooms and suites; maximum occupancy depends on the room type and must be selected at booking, and cribs or extra beds are not available.
Yes, the property has hot-spring facilities including public indoor baths and open-air baths; guests may use them during operating hours, though tattoo restrictions can apply to public bathing areas.
Some premium suites include a private in‑room bath and the hotel offers private dining rooms; private-use baths or suites are limited so request them when booking or on arrival.
A free shuttle service between JR Tendo Station and the hotel is available but requires reservation; Yamagata Airport is roughly a 15‑minute drive from the hotel.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (3:00 PM) with the latest regular check-in around 20:00 (8:00 PM), and check-out is by 10:00 (10:00 AM); notify the hotel in advance if you expect to arrive later.
Staff can provide practical assistance in English, though proficiency may be limited; emailing questions in advance or adding requests to your booking helps ensure smoother communication.
The hotel serves a buffet breakfast and offers on-site restaurants with seasonal local cuisine and private dining rooms; notify the hotel in advance for dietary requests.
The hotel is a convenient base for Yamagata sightseeing, with Yamadera about 20 minutes by car, Ginzan Onsen around 60 minutes, Zao roughly 70 minutes, plus local Tendo attractions such as shogi-related sites and fruit orchards.
The hotel is approximately a 15‑minute walk from JR Tendo Station and reachable by local buses, and it provides free on-site parking with ample spaces.
Pets are not permitted at the property, and there are convenience stores and station-area shops within walking distance for basic supplies.