Wakamatsuya
9,7/10 Exceptional - Based on 20 reviews
Wakamatsuya sits on a terraced hillside in Zao Onsen, blending traditional tatami rooms with modern comforts; the property advertises some 27 guest rooms including Japanese-style and hybrid Western–Japanese layouts, and a small number of suites that feature semi-open-air bathing. Rooms are arranged to prioritise views across the Zao mountain range and the ryokan’s elevated position places the village, lifts and ropeway within an easy walk, which suits both ski-focused and summer hiking itineraries. This ryokan with onsen in Yamagata balances a compact, intimate footprint with functional guest facilities.
The bathing programme draws on Zao’s natural springs and includes multiple public indoor baths plus carved-stone outdoor pools and an 18-tonne quarried‑stone open-air tub; the property also offers a reservable family (private) bath for guests who prefer exclusive use. Several sources indicate the water is delivered and used as a natural, non-circulated spring in designated tubs, and the ryokan provides standard bathing amenities and a dedicated women’s powder room. Bathing is organised by gender for the public facilities with a private option available on request, allowing more privacy when needed.
Culinary service focuses on seasonal Yamagata ingredients presented in a traditional Japanese dining format and occasional local specialities such as regional beef; meals are served in the on-site restaurant or in-room for certain room types, and a communal lounge offers light refreshments at set times. Practical amenities cited by the property include free on‑site parking, shuttle links to the Zao Onsen bus terminal (advance notice recommended), multilingual front‑desk support and standard ryokan check‑in arrangements, which together make the inn a practical base for exploring the area. For travellers seeking a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata, Wakamatsuya pairs direct hot‑spring access with convenient slope and sightseeing connections.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Wakamatsuya
Positive Reviews
Very hospitable, helpful staff
Multiple reviewers praised the staff as polite, obliging and attentive across roles (driver, front desk, dining), highlighting strong hospitality and service.
Beautiful location and mountain views
Guests enjoyed the setting and scenery—rooms offered striking views of snow‑capped mountains and the property is conveniently located near transport.
Spacious, clean and comfortable rooms
Several comments noted large, comfortable rooms with good amenities and cleanliness, making stays relaxing.
Good onsen options including private family bath
Reviewers appreciated the onsen facilities: sulphur spring water, several bathing options, and the availability of a private family bathhouse (first‑come, first‑served), which appealed to guests seeking privacy.
Tasty meals and complimentary lounge treats
Meals (especially breakfast and Zao beef dinners) were described as delicious and well presented; complimentary lounge items such as fresh milk, coffee, pudding and chocolate milk were noted as a nice extra. Meals were often served in private rooms.
Negative Reviews
Insufficient number of pillows
At least one guest requested that the property provide a minimum of two pillows per guest, indicating pillow availability/quantity could be improved.
Dinner service can be slow
A reviewer reported that dinner courses were served slowly on one occasion, causing a long wait; breakfast did not have the same issue.
Onsen space can be small/limited
While the onsen was enjoyed, some guests commented that certain baths felt small or had limited capacity.
Room curtains not fully light‑blocking
One guest suggested the room curtains should be more blackout to reduce outside light and improve sleep.
Some staff have limited English
Although service was praised overall, a few guests noted staff had limited English ability, which could make detailed communication harder for non‑Japanese speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary: twin rooms for two, Japanese-style rooms with two to three futons, and a suite with extra sofa-bed; most rooms accommodate 1–3 adults and children are not accepted.
Yes; the ryokan features natural hot spring baths including indoor and outdoor baths, gender-separated public baths, and a reservable family/private bath, with some suites offering a private jacuzzi.
The ryokan provides pick-up/drop-off from the Zao Onsen bus terminal by prior arrangement; please request the shuttle when you book or before arrival.
Take the direct bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen (about 45 minutes) then a short walk to the ryokan; Yamagata Airport is roughly 35 km away and travelers typically use taxis or arranged transfers.
Staff have some English but may have limited fluency; guests report the team is helpful and will assist with directions and arrangements.
You’ll get a traditional ryokan experience—tatami rooms, yukata, communal onsen bathing—and Japanese-style meals served in the hotel restaurant, often featuring local ingredients such as Zao beef.
Wakamatsuya sits in Zao Onsen village within minutes of the ski area; nearby highlights include the Zao Ropeway, the Okama crater (seasonal), public communal baths and local souvenir shops.
A family/private bath can be reserved at reception and some suites include private tubs; pets are not permitted at the property.
Yes—Zao Onsen village has convenience stores (for example Lawson) and small grocery or souvenir shops within a short walk of the ryokan.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 18:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the front desk operates continuously and can normally store luggage before check-in or after check-out.