Takamiya Bettei Kuon
7,2/10 Very good - Based on 20 reviews
Takamiya Bettei Kuon occupies a modern, designer ryokan in the Atsumi Onsen district near Tsuruoka and presents guests with views over a planted mountain garden that changes with the seasons. Accommodation ranges from Japanese-style tatami rooms to hybrid rooms with beds, and the top-floor Kuon Suite includes a source-fed open-air bath carved from traditional ceramics. The property operates both communal indoor and outdoor thermal baths and provides reservable kashikiri options so visitors can enjoy exclusive soaking time.
Public facilities are straightforward and guest-focused: a restaurant that highlights Shonai seasonal produce and regional rice, a lounge offering welcome drinks, a modest shop with local handicrafts, complimentary Wi‑Fi and onsite parking. Suite amenities list semi-double beds, a tatami sitting area, air purifiers and in some suites a private open-air onsen fed directly from the spring. Practical services include a check-in window in the mid-afternoon, checkout by mid-morning, and a courtesy shuttle from the nearby station available on request.
Positioned as a refined ryokan with onsen in Yamagata, the property balances contemporary interiors with traditional bathing culture to deliver a restful onsen experience. Guests seeking solitude can reserve the private baths, which effectively make it a ryokan with private onsen Yamagata, while those preferring a livelier atmosphere may use the communal rotenburo and lounge areas. The emphasis on local cuisine and easy access to coastal and cultural excursions in the Shonai area makes the inn well suited to couples and families looking for a restorative hot-spring stay near Tsuruoka.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Takamiya Bettei Kuon
Positive Reviews
Clean, well-maintained rooms
Several guests highlighted the cleanliness and tidiness of the rooms, noting a good sense of hygiene throughout the accommodation.
Helpful, accommodating service (for some stays)
Some reviewers praised staff for being responsive to requests such as cleaning, meal arrangements and parcel delivery, and for overall helpful interactions during their stay.
Quiet, pleasant location
Visitors appreciated the peaceful setting — quiet surroundings, bird song and a relaxing atmosphere that made it easy to unwind.
Spacious and comfortable rooms
Multiple guests commented that rooms felt spacious and comfortable, with some noting larger room layouts and comfortable bedding configurations.
Small extras and amenities
A few reviewers mentioned pleasant extras such as welcome sweets and a complimentary drink corner on the 6th floor that they enjoyed during their stay.
Negative Reviews
Aged building and outdated facilities
Several guests reported the property and in-room equipment felt old or dated; mentions included worn fixtures and an aging air-conditioning unit in rooms.
Disappointing food quality and limited buffet selection
Some guests criticized meals — limited breakfast buffet choices, seafood lacking expected flavor, and prepared items that felt prepackaged rather than freshly made, reducing dining satisfaction.
Inconsistent or unfriendly staff and language/service issues
A number of reviews described inconsistent service: some staff were praised but others were perceived as unfriendly or inattentive, and one guest noted many non‑native staff with limited language ability, which affected the experience.
Comfort and safety concerns in rooms and dining
Complaints included bed height unsuitable for elderly guests and lack of an extra chair in rooms, a low-quality toothbrush provision, and concerns about staff guidance around hot-table dining (risk of burns/insufficient supervision).
Onsen, views and climate-control expectations not always met
Some guests found the hotel baths lacked the expected strong sulfur scent from the local source, garden views from the bath were underwhelming, night scenery lighting was poor, and there were issues with temperature control in public areas (hot lobby) and reduced HVAC performance in rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has about 56 rooms, mostly Japanese‑style, with capacities ranging from 2 up to larger suites that can sleep up to 10 guests using beds and futons.
Staff primarily speak Japanese; limited English is available at times, so please notify the ryokan in advance if you need English assistance or written requests.
Rooms are mainly Japanese‑style tatami rooms with futons, while select rooms and suites offer Western beds or a mix of beds and futons; some suites include private open‑air baths.
Yes — the property features hot spring facilities including indoor public baths and open‑air (rotenburo) hot spring baths for guests to enjoy.
Some rooms include private open‑air baths and private family‑use baths are sometimes available on request; contact the ryokan ahead of arrival to arrange private bathing if required.
Tattoos are generally restricted in public baths; they are typically acceptable only in private baths or in‑room baths, so please arrange to use a private bath if you have tattoos.
The ryokan does not run a regular airport shuttle; Shonai Airport is roughly 32 km away, so guests usually take the airport limousine bus to Tsuruoka and a taxi or pre‑arranged private transfer to the ryokan.
The nearest station is Atsumi Onsen (about 1.8 km); the ryokan is a short taxi ride from the station and is also accessible by local buses or car.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 (guests are usually asked to arrive by 18:00 for dinner service) and check‑out is by 10:00.
There is an on‑site restaurant serving traditional kaiseki and buffet breakfast, and dietary requests can usually be accommodated if notified in advance; pets are not allowed, and free private parking is available while supermarkets and convenience stores are a short drive away.