Sakaeya Hotel
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 52 reviews
Sakaeya Hotel is a traditionally styled ryokan set in Tendo Onsen, Yamagata. Housed in a low-rise complex with central and south wings, it offers tatami-floored Japanese rooms arranged for futon sleeping, alongside larger and semi‑western options. Public areas include a garden with koi pond and displays of ikebana and local artwork. The property maintains a quietly domestic atmosphere and practical amenities such as free parking, a 24‑hour reception and staff who can assist with travel arrangements, making it suited to travellers seeking an onsen stay in Yamagata.
Bathing facilities are a focal point: the ryokan provides multiple hot‑spring baths including an indoor large bath and an open‑air rooftop bath that guests use for early‑morning and evening soaks with views toward the surrounding hills. Baths operate on a shared schedule and are supplied with towels and basic toiletries; the water is drawn from the local Tendo onsen source. These facilities position the property as a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Yamagata, with bathing and a traditional inn layout at the centre of the guest experience.
As a ryokan with onsen in Tohoku, the hotel offers meals presented in set Japanese breakfast and dinner formats, with some plans available on a half‑board basis. Rooms include private bathrooms, air conditioning, safes and flat‑screen televisions, and staff assist with futon preparation. Located within easy reach of the local station and regional attractions such as nearby ski areas and cultural museums, the property functions well as a practical base for day trips around the prefecture; reservations and specific service details are handled directly by the hotel.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Sakaeya Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent food and breakfast
Many guests praised the meals—especially breakfast—as delicious and memorable. The ryokan also accommodated dietary needs (for example, providing fully vegan breakfast on request).
Attentive, friendly staff
Staff were frequently described as helpful and thoughtful (making futons, giving small souvenirs, friendly greetings), creating a warm, welcoming stay.
Authentic traditional ryokan experience
Reviewers enjoyed the classic tatami rooms, traditional atmosphere and large room sizes, describing the stay as a genuine Japanese ryokan experience.
Relaxing onsen and rooftop bath with views
Guests highlighted the hot spring baths—both indoor and rooftop—as a major plus, noting they are relaxing, offer good views (especially at night or in the morning) and are a highlight after hiking.
Pleasant grounds, cleanliness and value
Many mentioned a clean property with a lovely garden and koi pond, comfortable rooms, free coffee in the lobby and overall good value for the experience.
Negative Reviews
Limited in-room amenities
Several guests noted that complimentary amenities are minimal (e.g., only toothbrush/toothpaste and a small hairbrush provided) and some onsen areas do not supply shampoo, so guests need to bring extra toiletries.
Some facilities look dated or need maintenance
A number of reviews pointed out signs of aging in parts of the property (worn tatami, stained carpets or ceilings, older finishes) and occasional small cleanliness/maintenance issues.
Language and information gaps
Visitors reported limited English guidance—for example unclear instructions about how/where to bathe before using the open-air onsen and minimal check‑in explanations—making it harder for non‑Japanese speakers to use facilities confidently.
Location and access
A few guests mentioned the ryokan is a fair distance from the station or main transport, which can be inconvenient without private transport.
Extra costs and payment details
Some guests were surprised by additional charges (paid laundry, hot-spring tax payable in cash) and a few found dinner pricing/portioning or small services (ice price) less favorable compared with expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms range from single and double layouts to larger Japanese-style family rooms; many room types accommodate up to 4–5 guests—check the specific room description when booking.
Yes — the property offers public hot-spring baths including an open-air observation rotenburo with views; select room types also include private baths.
There is no regular airport shuttle; the hotel is a short taxi ride from JR Tendo Station and the nearest airport is Yamagata Airport, so guests normally arrive by train or taxi.
Japanese is the primary language, and staff can assist in English; please request additional language help in advance if needed.
The hotel serves traditional Japanese cuisine with seasonal kaiseki-style dinners and set Japanese breakfasts; meal service and seating vary by plan and room type.
The hotel sits in the Tendo Onsen area with local museums and parks nearby; popular day trips include Yamadera (Risshaku-ji) and regional hot-spring areas like Zao.
Most guests arrive via Yamagata Shinkansen to Tendo Station followed by a short taxi or local bus; the hotel also provides free on-site parking for guests who drive.
Standard check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please contact the hotel if you need an earlier arrival or later departure.
Private-bath reservations and availability vary by room and season, so please ask the hotel when booking; pets are generally not accepted, so confirm any special requests in advance.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant for meals and a small lobby shop; convenience stores and supermarkets are available a short walk or drive away in town.