Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 235 reviews
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso occupies a timbered complex in Zao Onsen with a recorded history stretching back three centuries, and presents a predominantly traditional Japanese interior across 18 guest rooms. The accommodation mixes tatami-style rooms and a limited number of Western-Japanese hybrid rooms and suites, several of which open onto mountain views. The property sits within walking distance of the Zao Chuo cable car and the local ski lifts, making it suitable for both seasonal skiing and hot‑spring retreats; this ryokan with onsen in Zao Onsen combines historic character with straightforward modern comforts.
The ryokan operates nine distinct natural hot‑spring baths sourced locally, including indoor public baths and open‑air rotenburo, and offers a selection of rooms and suites equipped with private outdoor baths that draw directly from the spring. Highlight accommodations include a multi‑level suite with a private outdoor onsen and other room types that provide in‑room bathing for privacy and flexibility. As a ryokan with private onsen Yamagata, it emphasises traditional bathing culture while maintaining separate public facilities for guests.
Meals follow a seasonal Japanese format, with evening kaiseki‑style dinners and morning breakfasts served in the dining area, and staff assist with luggage, parking and local orientation. Practical amenities include lobby Wi‑Fi, a small gift shop and complimentary luggage storage; the house is entirely non‑smoking and provides English assistance at times. Whether visiting for mountain activities or an onsen‑centred stay, the property presents an intimate, historically rooted option in the Zao Onsen area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Positive Reviews
Authentic traditional atmosphere and historic character
Multiple reviewers praised the ryokan’s strong sense of history and traditional Japanese architecture (wood construction, incense scent, yukata provided), describing the setting as atmospheric, cozy and evocative (some likened it to a Ghibli-like scene).
Attentive, helpful staff (good English spoken)
Guests consistently reported excellent service: staff were friendly, attentive, went above and beyond, assisted with luggage/parking, explained the property and onsen use, and some spoke good conversational English which enhanced the stay.
Excellent food—local and traditional cuisine
Many reviewers highlighted very good dinners and breakfasts (Kaiseki, sukiyaki, shabu shabu and other regional dishes), calling the meals delicious and a major highlight of the stay.
Very good public onsen and variety of baths
The shared hot-spring baths received strong praise — reviewers enjoyed the very hot onsen, 24-hour access in some cases, and special bath areas (石風呂). The communal onsen experiences were described as a key attraction.
Location, scenery and convenient services
Guests valued the ryokan’s setting (river, mountains, close to ski slopes) and additional conveniences such as a complimentary shuttle/van for check‑in/out and assistance to bus terminals, making the location feel remote yet accessible.
Negative Reviews
Private in‑room open‑air baths are not natural onsen
Several guests were disappointed that the private/open‑air bath in some rooms is a regular hot bath (not onsen water). This expectation gap led to complaints when guests had assumed the in‑room tub would be a hot‑spring bath.
Aging property and maintenance issues
Multiple reviewers noted wear and tear in rooms and common areas: rusty tapware (mentioned even in bedrooms), damaged wallpaper, areas needing repair or repainting, and parts of the large villas showing deterioration and poor upkeep.
Temperature and comfort problems in winter
Some guests reported that certain areas (open‑air bath rooms, living rooms, walkways, public bath areas) could be very cold in winter and that heating was uneven or underperforming, affecting comfort during colder months.
Noise, sulfur smell and physical layout hazards
A few reviewers mentioned thin walls (noise from neighbours) and a strong sulphur smell from being on top of the spring. Others warned about steep stairs and low headroom/door transoms in older sections, which led to minor injuries or inconvenience.
Occasional facility inconsistencies and small service issues
Isolated complaints included lower‑quality towels, inconsistent water pressure in showers, lack of an immediately available hair dryer (though may be obtainable on request), and at least one report of a promised premium dinner set not matching what was served for a booking made through a third party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary by type and sleep from 1 to up to 5 guests depending on the room; suites list capacities (typically 4–5). Please check the room description or contact the ryokan to confirm the best option for your party.
The ryokan has nine hot-spring baths, including large public baths that operate 24 hours with alternating men’s and women’s times, plus reservable private baths for uninterrupted use. Some room types also offer open-air baths; ask in advance if you need a private booking.
There is no regular scheduled airport transfer listed; access from Yamagata Airport and Yamagata Station is typically by public bus, taxi, or shared transfer services. Contact the property before arrival for suggested transfer options or help arranging a shared taxi.
Staff are primarily Japanese and can assist in English for basic guest needs; for detailed requests or special arrangements it’s best to notify the ryokan in advance.
The property is a historic ryokan with traditional architecture, tatami rooms, yukata robes and multi-course kaiseki dining, so guests should expect an authentic Japanese onsen inn experience. Note the building is old, accessed by stairs with about twenty stone steps to the entrance and no elevator.
The ryokan sits in Zao Onsen village within walking distance of the Zao Sky Cable/ropeway and ski lifts; Mount Zao, the Okama crater and the winter “snow monsters” are popular nearby sights. Ginzan Onsen and Yamadera are reachable by car or local transport for day trips.
Onsen Station on the Zao Chuo Ropeway is a short walk (around 5–10 minutes) and local buses run between Yamagata Station and Zao Onsen; taxis are readily available. The ryokan’s map and directions page can help plan arrival routes by train, bus or car.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please notify the ryokan if you expect to arrive late. Also note there are stone steps to the entrance and no elevator, so guests with mobility needs should contact the property ahead of time.
Pets are not accepted at the ryokan. Private baths are available to reserve for exclusive use; for private-room requests or special occasion arrangements, contact the ryokan in advance to confirm availability.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese kaiseki dinners and local-style breakfasts in the dining room; many plans include dinner and breakfast. Inform the ryokan of dietary restrictions or allergies when you book so the kitchen can advise or accommodate where possible.