蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里
9,3/10 Exceptional - Based on 19 reviews
Set beside the calm pools and streets of Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, Iwashimizu Ryori no Yado Kinosato presents itself as a traditional Japanese ryokan with onsen Yamagata, blending classic tatami rooms with a small selection of modern-style suites. The property comprises around 20 guest rooms ranging from standard 8–10 tatami Japanese rooms to deluxe and Japanese‑Western combinations, accommodating up to roughly 72 guests. Located within walking distance of the resort facilities, the ryokan serves as a practical base for winter activities and year‑round mountain scenery while maintaining an intimate, village‑scale atmosphere rather than a large commercial footprint.
Bathing facilities include gendered large baths—named for the property’s seasonal motifs—and a separate source‑flowing detached semi‑open‑air bath called Daikichi no Yu, where the water is described as a naturally white, acidic spring; an additional indoor alkaline natural water bath is also offered. The ryokan emphasizes onsen that are supplied directly from local springs and allows guests to experience continuous flow at the detached bath. Guests should note customary Japanese bathing policies may apply and that some public bathing areas can restrict entry for visible tattoos.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: 蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里
Positive Reviews
Excellent and creative cuisine
Many guests praised the meals as exquisite, noting beautiful presentations, thoughtful dish choices that match the food’s mood, and very good quality for a reasonable price.
Attentive, professional staff
Staff are frequently described as warm, friendly and highly professional—helpful with requests, able to speak some English, and even assisting proactively during a guest emergency (arranging transport and hospital registration).
High-quality onsen experience
The onsen was highlighted as a special feature—some guests noted its high sulphur/acid content and enjoyed a rustic, private outdoor bath experience.
Comfortable, clean rooms
Rooms were reported as comfortable and clean, providing a cozy ryokan atmosphere appreciated by multiple guests.
Convenient location for the lift/ropeway
Several reviewers mentioned the property is within a short walk (about 5–10 minutes) of the lift/ropeway, making it convenient for skiing and sightseeing.
Negative Reviews
Meal inclusion unclear on booking
At least one guest believed meals were included with their Booking.com reservation but was told at check-in that dinner and breakfast were not included and had to pay extra; they recommended clearer packaging on the reservation page.
Some dishes too strongly seasoned
A guest noted that a few menu items had strong or salty seasoning, though overall they were very satisfied with the meals.
Not ideal for visiting the public onsen street
A reviewer said the property is somewhat distant from the onsen street and public bathhouses, making it slightly inconvenient for walking to those attractions.
Outdoor bath view limited
One guest reported that the open-air bath did not offer the expected scenic view of the valley/landscape.
Room refrigerator not cold enough
A guest experienced that the minibar/refrigerator in the room did not cool very well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 20 rooms in a mix of Japanese and Japanese‑Western styles (8‑tatami, 10‑tatami, modern twins and suites) with a total capacity of 72 guests; individual room maximums vary so check the selected room’s occupancy before booking.
The property offers source‑flow hot springs including a strong acidic, white‑cloudy semi‑open (detached) bath and an alkaline natural indoor bath; both are fed by natural sources and intended for communal use.
Some public bathing areas may refuse guests with visible tattoos, so tattooed guests should check ahead or request a private bathing option if needed.
The ryokan’s facilities include a detached semi‑open bath and public large baths, but private/reservable baths are not prominently advertised; contact the property directly to ask about private use or special arrangements.
A free shuttle from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal is available with advance reservation; the nearest airport is Yamagata Airport (about 35 km), from which you can take local transport to Zao Onsen then the ryokan shuttle.
Standard check‑in starts at 15:00 (booking notes often request arrival by 19:00) and check‑out is by 10:00; you should notify the ryokan of your expected arrival time in advance.
Staff primarily speak Japanese, and English is available to some degree; guests with specific language needs should advise the ryokan before arrival.
Meals focus on seasonal Yamagata cuisine served in the ryokan’s dining area; dinner is served in the dining room (guests are asked to arrive between 18:00 and 19:00) and dietary requests can be noted in advance.
Pets are not permitted at the ryokan. The immediate onsen area has limited evening options and few shops, so for supermarkets or wide shopping choices you may need to go into central Yamagata.
The ryokan offers free Wi‑Fi in all rooms, free on‑site parking (capacity for about 20 cars and larger buses), ski drying/storage facilities, a souvenir corner and communal bathing amenities.