Yoshidaya
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Yoshidaya is a traditional ryokan with around 300 years of history, located in Zao Onsen a short walk from the bus terminal and ski lifts. The property centres on naturally heated baths open 24 hours, with individual shower rooms available for guests who prefer private washing. This family-run ryokan with onsen in Zao Onsen combines tatami rooms and communal bathing with a convenient base for skiing, hiking and seasonal sightseeing.
Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style with tatami flooring and futon bedding; some rooms include a private toilet while others use shared baths. Interiors are simple and functional with heating, a TV, kettle and refrigerator, and complimentary Wi‑Fi throughout. The ryokan serves a substantial Japanese-style breakfast each morning and will provide Western-style breakfasts on request in winter; dinners and meals emphasise seasonal local ingredients and can be arranged at the property. Practical services include free parking, luggage and ski storage, a drying room, and staff offer English assistance and advice on lift access and local walking routes; massage treatments can be arranged on request.
Staying here is a straightforward way to experience traditional Japanese hospitality close to the ski area and the onsen culture of Yamagata. In winter Zao’s slopes and famed snow‑covered snow monsters are within easy reach, while spring through autumn opens hiking, mountain views and colourful foliage from a centrally located base. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious, suited to travellers seeking a locally rooted ryokan with onsen in Yamagata where communal bathing, seasonal meals and practical services for outdoor activities are the focus.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yoshidaya
Positive Reviews
Friendly, attentive staff (English spoken)
Many guests praised the service: staff were described as welcoming, helpful and professional. Several reviewers noted the owner/host spoke good English and helped with bookings and local guidance.
Excellent central location near slopes and town
Reviewers highlighted the ryokan's convenient position in Zao Onsen — within walking distance to gondolas, ski lifts, restaurants, shops and the bus station, making it easy to access skiing and local attractions.
Good onsen and bathing options
Guests enjoyed the hotel's onsen (some noted it is source-flow/comfortable temperature) and the availability of multiple baths. The property also offers passes/discounts for nearby public baths and a functional onsen to relax after skiing.
Delicious traditional meals
Breakfasts and dinners received frequent praise as traditional, plentiful and tasty. Several reviewers said meals were filling and well prepared, with dinner options regarded as good value.
Clean rooms and good value
Multiple guests found the rooms cleaner and more spacious than expected and considered the overall price reasonable. Tatami-style rooms with attached bathrooms or shared-bath options were appreciated by many visitors.
Negative Reviews
Aging building and worn condition
Several reviewers mentioned the property is old and shows signs of wear — some described it as drafty, run down or in need of renovation, with at least one guest calling cleanliness and upkeep into question.
Uncomfortable bedding (futons & pillows)
Multiple guests reported that futons and pillows were hard or not very comfortable, and a few specifically said the bed and pillow were difficult to sleep on.
Noise and poor soundproofing
A number of reviews noted poor soundproofing: guests could hear other people and advised that earplugs might be needed for light sleepers.
Occasional facilities/maintenance issues (wifi, hot water, showers)
Some guests experienced intermittent problems such as unreliable Wi‑Fi in rooms at the top floor and an instance of no hot water in a public shower. Others mentioned shower head or water controls that might need adjustment.
Accessibility and room feature limitations
Reviewers pointed out practical drawbacks: no elevator (stairs to upper floors), some rooms lacking a washbasin, and a somewhat confusing internal layout after alterations — factors to consider for guests with mobility needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms are traditional Japanese-style with futons; room types on the booking page list options for 2 to 6 guests depending on the room.
Yes — the ryokan has hot spring baths that are available to guests and are open 24 hours.
The property lists communal hot spring baths and individual shower rooms; private onsen rental is not listed and should be requested directly to confirm availability.
No regular shuttle is listed; the usual route is the Yamako Bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Bus Terminal (then a 5-minute walk); contact the ryokan to ask about any pick-up options.
Yamagata Airport is the nearest major airport at about 35 km from Zao Onsen; travel from Yamagata Station by bus is the common public‑transport route.
Yes — the ryokan notes English-speaking staff are available to assist guests.
Standard check-in is 15:00 and check-out is 10:00 as listed on the official information.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese cuisine with an Asian-style breakfast; private dining rooms and seasonal menu options are offered, and Western-style breakfasts can be arranged in winter on request.
Zao Onsen village has shops and restaurants within walking distance for basic needs; larger supermarkets are found in Yamagata city.
Pets are not listed as a standard facility on the main property information; please contact the ryokan directly to confirm their current pet policy.