Tendo Hotel
9,2/10 Exceptional - Based on 139 reviews
Tendo Hotel sits in the Tendo Onsen area of Yamagata, combining ryokan-style hospitality with a mid-rise hotel layout. Guest accommodation ranges from traditional Japanese tatami rooms to Japanese‑Western suites and larger premium rooms with broad town and mountain views toward the Zao range. Rooms highlight seasonal scenery; the property includes accessible and family-sized units. Communal areas include a lobby lounge and a selection of dining rooms, while an attentive reception team manages luggage and guest services.
The property’s public bathing complex centres on a waterfall‑view hot spring with indoor and open‑air sections and an attached sauna, allowing guests to soak while watching the cascade or seasonal snowfall. Tattooed guests are welcome in the public baths, and the hotel provides at least one private bath that can be reserved for couples or families seeking seclusion. For travellers searching a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata, this mix of public and reservable bathing suits both social and private preferences.
Dinner appears as seasonal kaiseki menus using local Yamagata produce, alongside separate Western and Chinese options, while mornings offer a buffet of Japanese and international items. Practical amenities include free parking, Wi‑Fi throughout and a complimentary station pick‑up by prior arrangement, which makes the hotel convenient for rail arrivals; the property sits on the Yamagata Shinkansen corridor and serves as a base for excursions to Ginzan Onsen and Mount Zao. For visitors seeking more seclusion, reservable baths make this a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata Prefecture option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Tendo Hotel
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen and bathing facilities
Multiple reviewers praised the large public bath, outdoor onsen with waterfall views, private onsen options and sauna. Comments highlight the baths as luxurious, relaxing and a major hotel strength (some noted outdoor views and snow while bathing). One note mentions the hotel accepts tattooed guests for onsen use.
Very helpful, attentive staff
Staff were repeatedly described as friendly, going beyond expectations—helping with restaurant reservations, finding pharmacies, mailing luggage, and providing a shuttle to/from the station. Service is frequently cited as a standout feature.
Good food: breakfasts and traditional dinners
Guests enjoyed the buffet breakfasts (Japanese plus some Western/Chinese/American options), calling them varied and tasty. Several reviewers also praised the traditional multi-course dinners and private-room dinner experience.
Comfortable, clean traditional rooms
Rooms are noted as spacious, clean and comfortable with authentic Japanese features (tatami, futon/yukata). Many reviewers appreciated the room views, separate shower/WC layouts, and provided amenities like tea, water and snacks.
Convenient location and transport links
Location was praised for proximity to Tendo station (short walk or quick shuttle), many nearby restaurants and easy access to local sites. Reviewers also appreciated nearby eateries and an excellent noodle restaurant across the road.
Negative Reviews
Noise and poor soundproofing in some stays
A few guests reported significant noise both inside and outside the hotel (busy weekends, families), making sleep difficult due to limited soundproofing on certain nights.
Some areas and furniture show wear
Several reviews mentioned the hotel felt a bit old in places, with furniture showing wear and tear; reviewers suggested certain areas could benefit from refurbishment.
Limited English signage and directions
At least one reviewer noted a lack of clear directions and English signage around the hotel, which made navigation less straightforward for non-Japanese speakers.
Occasional room temperature / air-conditioning issues
A reviewer reported a suite that was stuffy and hot because the air conditioning had been disconnected, causing discomfort—indicating temperature control problems can occur in some rooms.
Perception of higher price
A few guests felt the hotel was a bit more expensive than they would typically spend for this type of accommodation, suggesting perceived value may vary by traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include compact Japanese-style and larger family-style rooms; some suites are rated for up to five guests. Check the specific room description when booking or contact the hotel to confirm maximum occupancy and any child policy for your chosen room.
Yes — the property has indoor hot spring baths, an open-air bath and public onsen facilities, and some suites include a private in-room onsen. There is also a reservable private bath for exclusive use.
Visible tattoos are generally restricted from the hotel’s public bathing areas; guests with tattoos should contact the hotel to arrange a private bath or check specific rules. Standard onsen etiquette applies — wash thoroughly before entering and keep towels out of the water.
Yes — the hotel runs a complimentary shuttle to and from Tendo Train Station; guests are asked to reserve the shuttle in advance (typically at least one day before arrival).
The hotel is only a short drive from Yamagata Airport (roughly several kilometres); common transfer options are taxi or rental car, and the hotel can advise on local transfers — confirm pickup details with the front desk before arrival.
Staff are primarily Japanese, but the hotel and major booking pages provide English information and the front desk can assist in basic English. For more detailed requests, contacting the hotel in advance or using a translation app is recommended.
The hotel offers a regional dining program with local Yamagata ingredients, including a breakfast buffet and multi-course dinner selections; some room types can be served privately or in-room with advance notice.
The ryokan sits in the Tendo Onsen area and is a practical base for exploring the onsen town, nearby parks and viewpoints, shogi-related local culture, local sake breweries, and day trips to Yamagata and Zao.
The hotel provides free Wi‑Fi, private parking, complimentary bicycles for short rides, and a 24-hour front desk that can help arrange taxis or local transport. Guests can also use the hotel shuttle to the train station.
Pets are not accepted at the property. The hotel offers a reservable private bath (limited capacity) and some dining can be arranged privately or in-room for eligible room types — contact the hotel to reserve these services.