Tsukinoike
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Tsukinoike, presented as Hanaakari no Yado Tsukinoike, is a compact ryokan set in the Kaminoyama Onsen district of Yamagata. The entrance leads into a small stone stream where illuminated floral lanterns are used throughout the public spaces, creating a calm atmosphere. The property has eighteen guest rooms arranged across styles that include traditional tatami suites, twin-bed rooms with low beds, and a selection of three rooms that feature private open-air baths on deck. It functions as a ryokan with onsen Kaminoyama.
Bath facilities include a hinoki open-air bath, gender-separated large baths and smaller outdoor tubs shaped like leaf-boats; public baths are lit at dusk to reflect the property's floral-lighting concept. The three rooms with outdoor tubs have source-fed running water and private decks for quiet soaking, and one room offers a rose bath on request. These amenities make the property a ryokan with private onsen Yamagata while keeping communal bathing available.
Meals are presented as seasonal kaiseki that foreground Yamagata produce — starters, simmered and grilled courses and a locally sourced wagyu option appear across menus — and service emphasizes relaxed, attentive hospitality in a small-house setting. Public areas include a lounge with a self-serve drink corner where wine is sometimes offered in the evening, a small reception area and a fridge/coffee point; complimentary Wi‑Fi and on-site parking are provided. The ryokan is an easy walk from the hot-spring station and works well for adults seeking a quietly staged onsen stay; children are not accepted.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tsukinoike
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff and excellent service
Multiple guests praised the staff as warm, helpful and attentive — from welcome and meal explanations to going the extra mile (e.g. arranging rides to the station) for a seamless stay.
Delicious meals and quality local ingredients
Kaiseki dinners and breakfasts received high marks for taste, presentation and seasonal variety; several reviews specifically mentioned the Yamagata wagyu steak as outstanding.
Relaxing onsen experience
Guests enjoyed both private in-room onsen tubs and the public open-air bath, describing the bathing areas as serene, unique and very relaxing.
Clean, comfortable rooms and thoughtful amenities
Rooms were described as very clean, cozy and elegantly decorated; reviewers noted comfortable beds, a massage chair in some rooms, available yukata and helpful guest amenities that enhanced the stay.
Pleasant lounge and drink offerings
The lounge and complimentary drink bar (including evening wine/whiskey) were highlighted as a relaxing perk that guests enjoyed during their stay.
Negative Reviews
Distance from train station and limited transport options
A few guests noted the property is a walk or short taxi ride from Kaminoyamaonsen station and would welcome more robust shuttle/transfer options.
Limited common-area amenities (shop/lobby)
Some reviewers found the on-site shop small and wished for more souvenir options; one guest also felt the lobby could be brighter.
Room layout issues
Specific complaints included a narrow toilet space and inward-opening room doors that made entry awkward for some guests.
Portion size of some dishes
While the food was praised for taste, at least one guest felt the main meat portion was smaller than expected.
Minor comfort/timing inconveniences
A couple of guests reported minor drawbacks such as slight nasal irritation for allergy-sensitive visitors and missed opportunities to see an evening illumination because bathing times did not align.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tsukinoike has 18 rooms (including 3 en‑suite open‑air bath rooms, 10 Japanese rooms and 5 twin low‑bed rooms) and most rooms are designed for two adults; children are not permitted in this property.
Yes — the ryokan uses Kaminoyama onsen water and offers gender‑separated large baths, hinoki (cypress) open‑air baths and small single‑person outdoor ‘sasabune’ baths for a variety of onsen experiences.
Three guest rooms include en‑suite private open‑air baths suitable for two adults; the public baths and single‑person outdoor baths are normally shared and gender‑separated, so contact the ryokan in advance to ask about any private‑use options.
No regular shuttle is listed; Kaminoyama‑onsen Station is about a 15‑minute walk from the ryokan or a short taxi ride away, and the property has free on‑site parking (around 20 spaces).
Yamagata Airport is roughly 36 km away — most guests travel by car or taxi or use public transport to Kaminoyama‑onsen Station; from Tokyo take the Yamagata Shinkansen (about 2.5 hours) to Kaminoyama‑onsen, then walk 15 minutes or take a short taxi.
The primary language is Japanese; staff can assist with basic English but proficiency may be limited, so notify the ryokan in advance if you require English support.
The ryokan serves kaiseki‑style dinner and Japanese breakfast using seasonal Yamagata ingredients (the dining area has been updated with semi‑private sections); please state any dietary restrictions or requests when you make your reservation.
Nearby highlights include Rina World amusement park and the Saito Mokichi Memorial Museum (both around 10 minutes by car), Zao and the Okama crater (about 50 minutes), local footbaths and seasonal events such as the Kaminoyama Castle festivals — reception can advise on timing and transport.
Check‑in typically starts at 14:00 and check‑out is by 10:00; the ryokan asks guests to inform them of expected arrival time and will accommodate late arrivals if notified in advance.
Pets are not allowed at the property; there are shops and convenience stores in the Kaminoyama Onsen area near the station for basic supplies — reception can give exact directions and opening hours.