Shouhakutei Azumaso
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 66 reviews
Shouhakutei Azumaso is a traditional ryokan in Tendo, Yamagata, that blends a century-old history with well-preserved Japanese gardens and seasonally attuned service. Set within the Tendo Hot Spring area, the property presents tatami-floored guest rooms, garden-facing views and quiet communal areas designed for relaxation; public baths and outdoor bathing spaces form part of the bathing offer. The inn’s layout and garden views emphasize calm and seasonal change, making it a considered choice for travelers seeking an authentic ryokan with onsen in Yamagata.
Guest rooms range from compact tatami rooms to distinctive suites, with select accommodations offering private open-air baths named Musou and Yoimachi; every room includes an indoor cypress bath and options for traditional futon bedding. The property operates a large communal bath and separate open-air baths for men and women, and a private-bath booking option is available for couples or groups seeking seclusion—this ryokan with private onsen option provides both an intimate bathing experience and access to the public onsen facilities. Amenities include air conditioning, in-room kettles and free Wi‑Fi.
Dining highlights local Yamagata produce: multi-course seasonal kaiseki dinners showcase mountain vegetables, mushrooms and regional beef, while breakfasts feature local rice and simple side dishes; the on-site menu can be paired with sake from nearby breweries. Practical services include a shuttle from Tendo Station (reservation recommended), on-site parking and a front desk that assists with sightseeing and transfers to nearby cultural sites. The overall atmosphere is restrained and family-oriented, focused on hospitality that emphasizes garden views, seasonal cuisine and a restorative bathing experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Shouhakutei Azumaso
Positive Reviews
Outstanding onsen facilities
Multiple guests praised the hot spring facilities — including beautiful outdoor baths and private open‑air baths — calling the onsen a highlight and very relaxing.
Very friendly and helpful staff
Staff were repeatedly described as welcoming and attentive; several reviews noted they provided station pick‑ups/drop‑offs and went out of their way to assist families and guests.
Excellent traditional meals
Breakfasts and kaiseki dinners received strong praise for quality, variety and presentation; guests enjoyed the authentic Japanese dining experience and complimentary lounge treats.
Clean, spacious and well‑decorated rooms
Reviewers liked the traditional Japanese décor, spacious tatami rooms and attention to cleanliness and detail, saying rooms felt authentic and comfortable.
Calm, relaxing atmosphere with extra amenities
Guests described the property as peaceful and restorative, noting quiet location, lounge extras (free drinks, ice cream), flower displays and charming touches like the resident cat that enhance the stay.
Negative Reviews
Futon comfort varies
Some guests found the futons less comfortable compared with other ryokan experiences, while others praised them — indicating inconsistent bedding comfort across rooms.
Perceived high prices
At least one reviewer felt room rates had risen and appeared expensive for the stay, suggesting some guests consider value relative to cost.
Light disturbance from smoking area
A room located near the outdoor smoking area experienced bright lights shining into the room at night; a guest suggested dimming or adding blinds to improve sleep quality.
Wi‑Fi stability issues
One guest reported that the wireless internet could be more stable, indicating occasional connectivity problems for some visitors.
Meal portions and child/elderly options
While meals are generous and praised for variety, some reviewers wanted smaller or more tailored portions for elderly guests and young children, and one family mentioned children's meals could be better adapted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms vary by building: main-building rooms accommodate roughly 2–7 guests and west-building rooms 2–4; there are also family and special rooms listed for larger groups. Select the room type that matches your party size when booking.
Yes — the property has a large public bath, gender-separated open-air baths, and an outdoor foot bath for guests to use. Onsen hours are generally from 13:00 until 10:00 the next morning (subject to change).
Yes — a free shuttle service from JR Tendo Station is available; guests should call the property upon arrival to request pickup. Contact details are provided on your booking confirmation.
Yamagata Airport is about six kilometres away; you can take a short taxi or public airport liner, or arrange local airport transfer services. The ryokan can advise on transport options if you contact them in advance.
The ryokan website is available in English and staff are experienced with international guests, but Japanese is the primary language on site. Staff will generally assist non-Japanese-speaking guests as needed; notify the ryokan in advance if you need extra language help.
Guests stay in tatami-style rooms, wear yukata provided by the ryokan, and can enjoy seasonal multi-course local cuisine, a tea-ceremony room, Japanese gardens and a relaxation room. There is also a lobby souvenir shop and an outdoor foot bath.
Nearby highlights include Tendo Park, the Tendo City Shogi Museum, the Hiroshige Museum of Art and Yamadera temple, all within easy reach for day trips. The ryokan lists local sightseeing recommendations and can help with directions.
Check-in is generally from 15:00 to 19:30 and check-out is until 10:00; you must inform the property of your expected arrival time if it differs. Reception is staffed during daytime hours to assist with arrivals.
Yes — some special rooms (for example Musou and Yoimachi) feature private open-air baths and indoor cypress baths; request these room types when booking. For other private-use arrangements, ask the ryokan in advance about availability and reservations.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. There are local restaurants and convenience stores in Tendō within easy reach, and the property also has an on-site souvenir shop for basic items.