Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 469 reviews
Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan sits in the heart of Zao Onsen village, offering traditional Taisho-era interiors and tatami rooms with futon bedding. The property preserves a retro atmosphere with wood-lined corridors, compact living areas and guest rooms styled to reflect early 20th-century Japan. Rooms provide modern essentials such as free Wi‑Fi, television and refrigerated amenities while maintaining authentic details; light yukata and wooden sandals are supplied for guests to move around the property comfortably. This ryokan with onsen in Zao Onsen, Yamagata blends nostalgic character with practical comfort.
The ryokan operates multiple hot-spring facilities using directly sourced natural spring water; guests can use two indoor public baths and an outdoor onsen that may be closed in winter. Water carries a mild sulphur scent typical of the area, and massage treatments are available on request. Shared bathing is the norm, with yukata provided for post-bath relaxation; private onsen options are limited, so those seeking exclusive use should check availability in advance. Located a short walk from Zao’s ski lifts and cable cars, the property runs a shuttle from Yamagata Station with advance reservation.
Dining focuses on seasonal, regionally sourced cuisine: multi-course dinners highlight local vegetables and Yamagata beef, and a Japanese-style breakfast is served in the dining room; locally brewed sake is offered alongside. Practical details include a 14:00 check-in and 10:00 check-out, free parking and the ryokan’s policy restricting stays by children below elementary school age, so families should confirm terms before booking. Staff handle luggage and guest arrangements, and can assist with lift tickets or local excursions to make the most of the Zao area as a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan
Positive Reviews
Authentic, beautiful ryokan and atmosphere
Many guests praised the ryokan’s traditional Japanese character and attractive interior design — walking through the tatami areas in yukata was frequently mentioned as a highlight and contributes to a relaxing, authentic experience.
Spacious, clean and comfortable rooms
Multiple reviews noted very large, well‑kept rooms with comfortable beds and good room layouts (bedroom plus sitting room in some cases), and guests appreciated the cleanliness and ample space for luggage and relaxation.
Excellent onsen and bathing experience
Reviewers repeatedly described the onsen as refreshing, clean and beautifully set; several mentioned it was a key part of their stay (some noted 24/7 access and outdoor baths), and many found it excellent for winding down after skiing or sightseeing.
Delicious, high‑quality food
Breakfasts and dinners received strong praise — guests highlighted balanced, fresh meals, local specialties (including Yamagata beef), and memorable multi‑course Japanese cuisine that many said they would enjoy every day.
Helpful staff and good common amenities
Many guests reported polite, attentive staff and useful shared facilities such as a large relaxation area, free drinks, massage chairs and a comfortable lounge. The property’s location within walking distance of ski lifts was also appreciated.
Negative Reviews
Inconsistent staff communication and service
A number of guests reported uneven service: while many praised polite staff, others experienced a lack of information or unhelpful behaviour at reception, particularly when language barriers arose, which affected their stay.
Public bath size and in‑room bathroom expectations
Some visitors found the public baths smaller than expected and noted that certain room types do not include a private en‑suite bathroom, which surprised a few guests who had expected one.
Ski‑specific facilities limited
Skiers reported shortcomings in ski storage and drying facilities — the ski room was described as not warm or not set up to dry boots properly, which was inconvenient for longer ski stays.
Access, parking and exterior approach issues
Several reviews mentioned practical access concerns: the car park is a short walk away rather than onsite, the street and stairs leading to the property can be uneven and poorly lit, and stairs inside the building may be inconvenient for some guests.
Room comfort and scheduling concerns
A few guests experienced room temperature problems (rooms becoming too hot despite heaters being off) and noted operational timings they found limiting (for example, early dinner times), which impacted comfort for some visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room sizes vary (typically 6–10 tatami); most rooms suit one to four guests and the ryokan does not provide extra beds or baby cots, so check the room's listed occupancy when booking.
Children of elementary school age and older are accepted; the ryokan does not accommodate children below elementary school age.
Yes — there are two public indoor hot-spring baths and an open-air bath; the baths are generally available 24 hours except for cleaning, and the outdoor bath is closed in heavy winter snow.
Guests with tattoos are asked to refrain from using the public baths; please contact the front desk to discuss alternatives if needed.
A free shuttle is available from the Zao Onsen bus terminal — please call when you arrive; there is also a scheduled shuttle between Yamagata Station and the ryokan that requires advance reservation (check the ryokan's timetable).
The nearest airport is Yamagata Airport (about a 60‑minute taxi ride); from Tokyo or Narita take the shinkansen to Yamagata Station and then use the hotel's shuttle or a bus to Zao Onsen.
The ryokan provides English-language support and Japanese service; staff can assist in English but complex requests are best noted in advance.
Rooms are tatami-style with futon bedding and guests may wear provided yukata; dinners are multi-course local (Yamagata) meals served in the dining room and breakfast is Japanese-style.
You are in Zao Onsen town close to the Zao Ski Resort and the Zao Ropeway; highlights include local shops, hot-spring town walks and the winter 'snow monsters' (rime trees) view from the slopes.
Pets are not allowed at the property; the ryokan does not list in-room private onsen but the front desk can advise about reservable family baths or sister-hotel options; the hot-spring town has local shops and restaurants, while larger supermarkets are located in Yamagata city.