Zao Plaza Hotel
7,7/10 Very good - Based on 143 reviews
Zao Plaza Hotel presents a straightforward, ryokan-style stay in Zao Onsen, Yamagata, combining traditional touches with practical amenities for mountain visitors. Set within the Zao Onsen cluster of baths and lifts, the property sits a short walk from local ski chairlifts and ropeways and operates a complimentary shuttle from the nearby bus terminal, making access to winter slopes and summer trails convenient for guests. Onsite parking and public transit links are available for those arriving by car or train.
Accommodation mixes Japanese-style rooms and Western comforts, each room typically furnished with a refrigerator, TV and yukata; private bathrooms are standard. The hotel’s bathing facilities focus on natural hot spring water with both indoor communal baths and an open-air onsen, supported by a bedrock-style therapeutic area and sulfur-rich spring characteristics described in facility summaries. These communal thermal amenities define the property as a reliable ryokan with onsen option for travelers seeking restorative baths after skiing or hiking. Additional guest services include ski storage, equipment rental options, and massage treatments.
Dining emphasizes regional ingredients through a morning Asian-style breakfast and evening menus that alternate Japanese and Western dishes, with the dining room and room-service options available depending on the season. The hotel’s location makes it an effective base for exploring nearby highlights such as the Zao Ropeway, crater lake viewpoints and the local trail network; staff can advise on lift schedules and onsen etiquette. Practical details such as check-in times, shuttle procedures and family-room layouts are communicated at booking and reception to ensure smooth arrivals for guests.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Zao Plaza Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen (hot springs)
Many guests praise the onsen as a highlight—hot, relaxing, often open 24 hours and described as the best in the area with pleasant spring water.
Very convenient location for skiing and lifts
Reviewers value the hotel's proximity to the Zao Sky Cable, chairlifts and rental shops; the property offers shuttle/pick-up to nearby ropeways when needed.
Delicious and generous meals
Breakfast and dinner receive frequent praise for quality, variety and generous portions (some note steak and traditional multi-course meals as standout items).
Friendly, helpful staff and good service
Multiple comments highlight kind, attentive staff, helpful reception, and services such as drop-off/pick-up and allowing guests to use baths after checkout.
Spacious, clean traditional rooms and good value
Guests appreciate large Japanese-style rooms that are clean and traditional; many feel the experience and included meals/onsen provide excellent value (high cost-performance).
Negative Reviews
Aged building and some outdated facilities
Several reviews note the hotel and some facilities feel old or in need of renovation—guests point to visibly aged furnishings and infrastructure.
Room amenity shortcomings
Guests reported missing or outdated in-room items (no hot-water thermos, very old fridge, no complimentary drinking water) and requested basic amenity improvements.
Occasional issues with onsen conditions
A few guests experienced problems such as lukewarm water in early-morning baths or felt certain bathing facilities need renovation or better upkeep.
Food not always suitable for all tastes
While many loved the meals, some found the cuisine too traditional/strongly Japanese or were disappointed by certain offerings; one family’s child disliked the purely Japanese menu.
Service and communication problems in specific cases
A minority reported communication issues—examples include long waits or no notice for requested massage service and booking/booking.com-related mistakes (e.g., child bedding/meal not prepared).
Frequently Asked Questions
The hotel offers family and Japanese-style rooms; some rooms can sleep up to five guests using futons or be set with two single beds. Cots and extra beds are not available.
The property has natural hot spring facilities including an indoor bath and an open-air (rotenburo) public bath, with reports of bedrock-style and sulfur-type spring water. These baths are part of the communal onsen experience.
Private/reserved onsen use is not listed among the standard facilities; please contact the hotel directly to ask if a private or timed-use option can be arranged.
Pets are not allowed on the premises.
The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal—guests should call the hotel upon arrival at the terminal to request pickup; there is no regular airport shuttle. Yamagata Airport is approximately 35 km away.
You can take a bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal or drive (roughly 30 minutes from Yamagata Station); from the bus terminal use the hotel’s free shuttle. Allow extra travel time in winter for ski-area transfers.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; some team members can communicate in basic English but English proficiency may be limited, so notify the hotel in advance if you need English assistance.
Guests receive yukata in rooms, can stay in Japanese-style tatami/futon rooms, enjoy communal onsen baths, and eat Japanese-style breakfasts and local dinner options to complete the traditional stay.
There are convenience stores and eateries within walking distance (a Lawson is nearby), but many local restaurants may close early—often around 19:00—so plan evening dining accordingly.
Check-in starts at 15:00 with last arrival instructed by about 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the hotel requests that you inform them of your expected arrival time in advance.