Matsukaneya Annex
8,7/10 Excellent - Based on 197 reviews
Matsukaneya Annex sits within the Zao Onsen village, offering a traditional-styled stay that blends tatami rooms and communal spaces with direct access to mountain activities. Positioned close to the Zao ropeway and ski area, the property operates a shuttle service to the local bus terminal and ropeway, making it a practical base for skiers and sightseers alike. As a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata, the Annex emphasises seasonal rhythms: guests arrive to a low-key alpine setting and can move quickly from trails or slopes into the bathing and dining areas.
Guest accommodation ranges from classic Japanese rooms arranged with futons on tatami to a distinctive glamping option higher on the slopes, which sits around 800 metres and adds an outdoor element to the stay. Rooms typically include seating areas and basic conveniences while communal facilities include a terrace, a relaxed lounge and a single on-site restaurant focused on regional Japanese dishes. Practical amenities include complimentary parking, a shuttle between the village terminal and the property, and on-site staff who assist with local arrangements and ski logistics.
The Annex’s bathing facilities tap a natural hot spring source, with both indoor public baths and an open-air option; local reports highlight a sulfur-rich spring used for post-ski recovery and general relaxation. The property’s scale and service model make it well suited to families and active visitors seeking a straightforward, service-oriented ryokan experience in the Tohoku mountains. Proximity to Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort and the village ropeway keeps transfers short, so days spent on snow or exploring the hot-spring town can be followed easily by an evening in warm waters and regional cuisine.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Matsukaneya Annex
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen facilities
Multiple onsen options on site (including a sulphur/natural bath and regular hot baths) praised for relaxation and muscle recovery; guests highlight the décor and comfort of the baths.
Outstanding food
Dinner and breakfast repeatedly described as delicious, varied and well presented, featuring local Zao specialties; several guests noted courses were never repeated and staff explained dishes.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff are frequently described as warm, helpful and responsive—assisting with transportation, explaining dishes, accommodating dietary needs, leaving local snacks in rooms and offering shuttle service when needed.
Authentic Japanese experience
Traditional features such as tatami rooms, futon bedding and wearing yukata were enjoyed by guests, contributing to a memorable, authentic stay.
Convenient location and transport options
Good access for skiers and sightseers: hotel offers shuttle service to the bus terminal and ropeway, is within walking distance to the town and ski lift, and has useful local transport support.
Negative Reviews
Unreliable Wi‑Fi
Multiple guests reported poor Wi‑Fi coverage limited mainly to the lobby or reception area, with weak or unusable signal in rooms and dining areas.
Onsen logistics and availability issues
Some guests noted practical drawbacks: separate onsen areas can require redressing between baths, the dressing/shower area at the large bath felt cold, and the outdoor bath was sometimes closed (weather-dependent).
Exterior appearance and language limitations
A few guests found the hotel's external appearance plain or off‑putting at first sight; some staff have limited English which can make communication harder despite their helpfulness.
Access with large luggage
The hotel can feel a bit far from the bus station for those with large or heavy luggage—walking in snowy conditions was described as difficult without the shuttle.
Minor food preferences and quality notes
While food is generally praised, a few guests suggested room for improvement in certain dishes and some would have welcomed additional Western breakfast options (e.g., bread or fried eggs).
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single/twin to Japanese-style and family configurations; most rooms suit 2 guests while some Japanese-style or glamping combinations sleep up to 4–5 people.
The property offers multiple hot-spring baths, including a sulphur (acidic) onsen and a separate alkaline-style bath, both available for communal use.
The ryokan provides a free shuttle to the Zao Onsen bus terminal and ropeway—please contact the property to arrange pickup; the nearest airport is Yamagata (about 28 km) and is usually reached by car, taxi or public transport.
Take the local bus from JR Yamagata to Zao Onsen (about 40 minutes) then either walk 10–15 minutes to the ryokan or use the hotel’s pickup service; by car it’s roughly 20–30 minutes from the Yamagata–Zao IC.
Staff are primarily Japanese; English support is limited but staff are generally helpful, and the property lists Chinese (simplified) among available language support.
An on-site restaurant serves Japanese-style meals focusing on local Yamagata ingredients; breakfast is typically a Japanese set and many dinner plans feature regional specialties.
Yes—Matsukaneya Annex sits in Zao Onsen near the ski area and ropeway; the hotel can advise on ski options and nearby rental shops offer equipment.
The property’s baths are primarily communal; guests should contact the ryokan in advance to request private or family-use bathing options as availability varies.
Pets are not listed among standard amenities, so please confirm with the property before bringing animals; convenience stores and small supermarkets are available within walking distance in the Zao Onsen area.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 (some rooms permit later arrival) and check-out is by 10:00; luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out.