Meitoya So
8,2/10 Excellent - Based on 656 reviews
Meitoya So sits in the Zao Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture and presents a contemporary take on a traditional inn after a 2017 renovation. The property offers a range of six Japanese-style room types that combine tatami floors, futon and bed arrangements, and standard in-room amenities such as flat-screen TV and complimentary Wi‑Fi; guests are provided yukata robes and slippers for on-site use. Positioned close to the resort’s ropeways and local transport links, it functions as a practical ryokan with onsen in Yamagata for winter sports travelers and year‑round visitors alike.
The water facilities are a defining feature: the ryokan operates a large indoor bath and rustic open-air baths fed by the local spring, designed with warm timber accents to emphasize a natural atmosphere. Separate public baths for men and women are available, and a private onsen can be reserved for couples or families for timed use; public bathing facilities are accessible round‑the‑clock, while the private bath is offered on an arranged schedule. The property also maintains practical guest services such as a souvenir shop and bathing amenities to support a relaxed onsen experience, making it a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata for those who prefer quieter, reserved bathing.
Meals are served buffet‑style for breakfast and dinner and focus on regional ingredients from Yamagata, with options that accommodate varied tastes and group sizes. Operational details that support activity planning include daily shuttle connections to the ropeway stations and the local bus terminal, on-site parking and assistance for ski equipment; staff facilitate bookings and local arrangements. The combination of accessible services, multiple bathing options and straightforward room types makes the property suitable for families, couples and solo travelers seeking a practical base in Zao Onsen.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Meitoya So
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple reviewers praise the quality of the onsens — both the hotel’s public baths and the option to reserve a private bath. Guests appreciated very hot, sulfur-rich water and received coupons/tickets to nearby public bathhouses.
Friendly, helpful staff
Staff are repeatedly described as polite, attentive and English-speaking; they helped with yukata fitting, photos, dining service and special requests, enhancing the overall stay.
Delicious, traditional meals
Many guests highlighted tasty dinners and breakfasts, often describing the meals as authentic Japanese cuisine and a key highlight of the ryokan experience.
Authentic ryokan experience and amenities
Reviewers enjoyed the traditional atmosphere (tatami rooms, futons, yukata) and the overall traditional lodging feel — considered especially good for families and those seeking a typical Japanese inn experience.
Good location and value
The property is conveniently located for town, lifts and local attractions (Yamadera, volcano crater). Several guests noted shuttle service to the bus station, easy access to shops and ski areas, and generally good value for money.
Negative Reviews
Dinner availability and few nearby restaurants
Multiple guests warned that evening dining can sell out and there are limited restaurants open nearby in the evenings, so it’s advisable to book the hotel dinner in advance.
Transport and shuttle inconsistencies / uphill location
Although shuttles are offered, some reviewers experienced no pickup at the bus terminal or had to carry luggage to/from the terminal. The hotel sits up a hill, which can mean a short uphill walk or reliance on shuttle times.
Room size and bedding comfort issues
Some rooms (especially traditional-style) felt small for additional seating plus futons; futons and pillows were described as somewhat firm or too hard and a few guests found beds uncomfortable.
Check-in and communication problems
A few reviews reported frustrating check-in experiences (rooms not ready after dinner, late check-ins affecting meal service) and slow or awkward communication when contacting the hotel through booking channels.
Occasional service lapses and limited housekeeping
A small number of guests noted service lapses — for example rooms left unmade, an unfriendly staff interaction, or limited housekeeping during multi-night stays; one review also mentioned the onsen area being on the smaller side.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers several Japanese‑style room types that generally accommodate between 1 and 4 guests; family rooms are available and children aged 2+ are welcome — confirm exact capacity when booking.
Yes — there are indoor and outdoor hot‑spring baths and a private onsen for two; yukata are provided for guests.
Sources vary: the property advertises either 24‑hour access or typical onsen hours of about 06:00–23:00, so please confirm the current schedule with the ryokan.
The ryokan runs a shuttle to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal and the ropeway stations; regular airport transfers are not listed, so request any pickup in advance.
The nearest airport is Yamagata (Jumachi) Airport, roughly 27 km by road; Kaminoyama‑Onsen and Yamagata train stations are about 15–20 km away.
Staff speak Japanese, English and Chinese.
You can expect tatami rooms, yukata, communal onsen bathing and Japanese breakfast/dinner service, combined with modern comforts like free Wi‑Fi and toiletries.
Zaō Onsen’s ski slopes and ropeways are nearby, and the area has public bathhouses, local restaurants and a sake museum within a short walk.
Take a train to Yamagata or Kaminoyama‑Onsen and then a local bus to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal; the ryokan typically offers pickup from that terminal if arranged in advance.
A private onsen is available for timed use; pets are not allowed; several restaurants and convenience stores are within walking distance and the ryokan serves buffet meals.