Kami no yama Azumaya
7,3/10 Very good - Based on 57 reviews
Kami no yama Azumaya is a mid-sized ryokan set in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, a short walk from the local onsen station and positioned for easy access to regional attractions such as Zao Onsen and nearby parks. The property’s architecture and public spaces emphasise traditional ryokan character while providing modern conveniences; common areas include a lounge and a reception desk operating around the clock. Practical amenities such as free on-site parking and complimentary Wi‑Fi make arrivals and short stays straightforward for families and independent travellers.
Well known locally for its hot-spring offerings, the inn provides a range of bathing options: a communal hot-spring bath, an open-air bath with views, and room categories that feature private or in-room bathing options for guests who prefer solitude. Spa facilities also include a sauna and massage services, and the spring water reflects the region’s chloride/salt spring character. Dining focuses on set and buffet breakfast with Asian-style choices, and the property lists additional guest services such as bike rental and luggage assistance.
Rooms cover a spectrum from Japanese-style tatami with futons to twin and suite layouts, including suites with in-room hot tubs; most rooms include basic in-room amenities such as a kettle, refrigerator and seating that face city or mountain views. With roughly forty guest rooms and staff experienced in traditional hospitality, the hotel functions as a convenient ryokan with onsen in Yamagata while also offering options for a ryokan with private onsen for couples or families seeking more privacy. Practical details such as check-in and service arrangements are handled directly by the property.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Kami no yama Azumaya
Positive Reviews
Very good onsen facilities
Multiple guests praise the onsen — including a rooftop onsen and large public baths — for warm water, relaxing atmosphere and pleasant views; private onsen baths are also appreciated by some visitors.
Friendly, attentive staff and service
Several reviews highlight polite, helpful and welcoming staff with exceptional service and easy check‑in, contributing to a relaxed stay.
Complimentary drinks & pleasant common areas
Guests like the free drink offering (lobby bar/happy hour with craft beer, wine and local sake), comfortable seating areas to relax on arrival, and extra amenities such as a large manga/reading selection and leisure spaces.
Good breakfast and food options
The breakfast buffet and meals (including regional dishes like Yamagata beef) receive positive comments for variety and taste.
Convenient, charming location
The ryokan is praised for its location near the castle, a walkable town with restaurants and foot baths, and easy access from Tokyo (direct Shinkansen reported by some).
Negative Reviews
Cleanliness and hygiene concerns in some rooms/baths
A number of guests reported serious cleanliness issues in certain rooms and private baths (stains, mold, dirty filters), with at least one review describing strong odors in private baths and visible mold that affected comfort.
Some rooms are outdated or in poor condition
Several reviews note ageing decor, small or worn western rooms, small TVs and generally tired rooms that would benefit from renovation; some guests felt the room quality did not match the price.
Outdoor bath size/privacy and small sauna
The outdoor onsen is described by some as small and offering limited privacy; a few guests also found the sauna too small or not hot enough.
Value for money and pricing complaints
A few guests felt the stay was not worth the rate charged — one guest reported a pricing discrepancy and disappointment versus promotional photos — leading to perceptions of poor value.
Room comfort and maintenance issues
Reports include uncomfortable/sagging beds, plumbing/drainage problems in sinks/toilets, noisy refrigerators and an elevated bathroom step that can be a trip hazard; these maintenance issues affected some stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include single, twin, Japanese-style rooms with up to five futon spaces, family rooms for up to five, and suites with sofa beds; children are welcome but extra beds and baby cots are not available.
The property features a natural hot spring onsen, public baths, an open-air bath and a sauna; some suite types include a private jacuzzi-style bath.
Tattooed guests may be refused access to bathing areas and other common facilities; standard onsen etiquette applies and bathing areas are separated as public baths rather than mixed-gender communal pools.
The listing does not advertise public private-bath rentals; private bathing options are available only in specific suites that include a private bath or jacuzzi.
No airport shuttle is listed for the property; Yamagata Airport is about 37 km away, and the ryokan is within walking distance of Kaminoyama-Onsen Station for onward train or taxi connections.
Kami no yama Azumaya is located about 900 metres from Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, a walk of roughly 10–15 minutes or a short taxi ride from the station.
The primary working language is Japanese, and guest reviews rate staff helpfulness highly; English assistance may be limited and can vary by shift.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
Pets are not permitted on the premises, and parties or large private events (including bachelor/bachelorette parties) are not allowed.
An Asian-style breakfast is served on-site and some rooms/suites show in-house dining options; convenience stores, local restaurants and shops are located near Kaminoyama-Onsen Station within a short walk.