Yura Onsen Yaotome
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Yura Onsen Yaotome sits on the Sea of Japan coast within the Yura hot-spring area of Tsuruoka, offering broad ocean views from many rooms and terraces. The property operates as a coastal ryokan with onsen in Tsuruoka, combining traditional tatami bedrooms and Western-style beds across a range of room types, including suites with private outdoor bathtubs. Public bathing facilities include a large indoor thermal bath, open-air baths inspired by Roman thermae and a sauna; several room categories provide direct sea views and balconies for sunset watching.
Dining highlights emphasize local, seasonal seafood sourced from the nearby fishing port, presented as set-course dinners and a morning buffet with Japanese and other Asian options. Guest services cover a 24-hour reception, luggage handling, complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking, while room amenities typically list flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, kettles and private bathrooms; larger family-style Japanese rooms offer multiple futons. The property also provides small event spaces, evening lounge facilities and staff who can arrange station pick-up on request and offer multilingual assistance at the front desk.
Positioned within the Yura Onsen district and a short walk from the beach and the vermilion bridge to Hakusan islet, the ryokan is convenient for coastal walks, shellfish tasting and sunset photography. It functions as a ryokan with onsen Yamagata that accommodates overnight guests exploring nearby cultural sites such as Dewa Sanzan as well as day visitors seeking thermal baths. Regional bus links and local shuttle options connect the area to nearby stations and the regional airport for straightforward arrival and departure logistics.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yura Onsen Yaotome
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive and personalized service
Many reviewers praised staff for being very friendly, helpful and attentive, providing personalised touches (station pickup/drop-off, tea after checkout, accommodation of special diets) and excellent overall service.
Spectacular oceanfront location and sunset views
Guests repeatedly highlighted the hotel’s seaside position with full ocean views from rooms and beautiful sunsets; the location offers pleasant walks to nearby islands and is convenient for visiting attractions like the Kamo Aquarium (by car).
Delicious, high-quality meals using local seafood
Dinner and breakfast were frequently described as excellent and gourmet, with locally sourced seafood and generous portions; many guests enjoyed the variety and quality of the Japanese cuisine.
Very good onsen experience with sea views
The onsen (including outdoor baths) was described as large, clean and scenic, often offering sea views and a relaxing experience; some guests noted they could enjoy the baths alone at times.
Good access by car and helpful arrival arrangements
Several reviews mentioned easy access and free parking for guests arriving by car, plus effective pickup/drop-off services and flexibility with early arrival or check-in times.
Negative Reviews
Remote location and limited nearby amenities/transport
Multiple guests noted the hotel is far from Tsuruoka and that there are few dining or entertainment options within walking distance; public transport can be slow or infrequent, so a car is recommended.
Beds are very firm
Several reviewers reported the beds were much too hard, affecting sleep comfort for some guests.
Room placement, size or decor issues
A few guests were disappointed to be given rooms at the back with no windows or described dated/retro décor; some rooms felt small or not as bright as expected.
Meals can be overwhelmingly large or not to everyone’s taste
Although food quality was praised, multiple guests found dinner portions excessively generous or the variety/seasoning not to their personal preference, making it hard to finish everything.
Small bathrooms, noisy AC and occasional cleanliness concerns
Some guests mentioned narrow room bathrooms, noisy air-conditioning units, and a review noted unhygienic shower/drain areas in the bathing facilities; one review also felt the outdoor bath was a bit small.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan offers twin, family and suite room types across 59 rooms; occupancy limits vary by room type, so check the specific room details for maximum guests before booking.
Yes — the property has large indoor baths, an outdoor (open-air) onsen with sea views and a sauna; some private/chartered open-air baths are available by reservation.
Standard Japanese onsen rules apply: tattoos may restrict access to public baths and appropriate bathing etiquette is expected; contact the ryokan if you have concerns.
The hotel offers pick-up by prior reservation from nearby stations and can advise on airport transfers, but shuttle availability and schedules should be confirmed with the ryokan in advance.
Shonai (Shonai Airport) is the closest airport and is roughly a 25–30 minute drive; taxis or rental cars are common choices and the hotel can provide transfer guidance.
Japanese is the primary language; some staff can assist in basic English, so notify the hotel ahead if you require English-language support.
Breakfast is offered in Asian/buffet style and dinner typically features multi-course meals focused on fresh local seafood from Yura fishing port; inform the ryokan of dietary needs when booking.
Pets are not permitted on the property; private or chartered baths are available at times — request a reservation with the ryokan to confirm availability and any extra fees.
There are local shops and convenience stores in Yura town; the front desk can direct you to the nearest supermarket or conbini for supplies.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time and request early check-in/late check-out in advance — these are subject to availability.