Tsukasaya Ryokan
9.7/10 (Based on 34 reviews )
997-0752 Yamagata, Tsuruoka, Yutagawa Otsu 52, Japan
Tsukasaya Ryokan is a small, family-run ryokan in Yutagawa Onsen, a quiet hot-spring village just outside Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture. Bathing is a central part of the stay: the inn uses natural, free-flowing spring water straight from the source, with private baths reserved for one group at a time (helpful for guests who prefer privacy, including those with tattoos). Rooms are traditional Japanese-style tatami rooms, and typical in-room amenities include yukata robes, tea set, refrigerator, and basic toiletries. Dining highlights local Shonai ingredients—seasonal vegetables, seafood from the Sea of Japan, and regional meats—paired with a curated selection of Yamagata sake. On-site practicalities include accepted card payments and on-site parking.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Wonderful, very welcoming owners and kind staff
- Excellent food/meals, often highlighting local/seasonal ingredients
- Traditional ryokan experience; guests felt at home
- Private/charter onsen baths available; onsen praised as relaxing with comfortable water temperature
- Rooms described as clean/new, spacious, and comfortable
Negative reviews
- WiFi signal in the room was weak
- No elevator (stairs; luggage carried up to second floor)
- Public transport is limiting: rare buses / mismatched connections; can require long waits and tight timing for check-in
- Limited nearby dining options (only one restaurant; sometimes full)
- Some guests reported insects (mosquito bites for a companion; stink bug in the room)
蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里
9.4/10 (Based on 30 reviews )
990-2301 Yamagata, Zaō Onsen, Zaoonsen1271-1, Japan
蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里 (Kinosato) is a Japanese ryokan in Zao Onsen, Yamagata, set in a quiet area beside Shiginoyachi-numa pond and close to the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Bathing is a central feature: the property offers a detached semi open-air bath supplied by free-flowing, strongly acidic milky-white hot spring water, plus separate men’s and women’s indoor large baths. It also features an alkaline “natural water bath” as an alternative soak. Meals focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine using local Yamagata ingredients, with an on-site dining area. Practical facilities include free on-site parking, Wi‑Fi, ski drying space, and guest rooms with tatami-style comfort and modern amenities.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Welcoming, caring, attentive and helpful staff/hosts (including assistance with emergencies and lost items)
- Meals widely praised (fulfilling, amazing/exquisite, beautiful presentation; good value)
- Cozy ryokan atmosphere; comfortable rooms
- Onsen appreciated (special acidic/sulphur water; rustic and private outdoor onsen; comfortable)
- Convenient location for Zao ropeway/ski area; close to cable car and ski slopes; rental discounts mentioned
Negative reviews
- Booking/packaging unclear: thought dinner & breakfast were included but had to pay extra at check-in
- Footbath pool was cold (reviewer unsure if normal)
- Location a bit far from the onsen street, making public bath visits less convenient
- Some dishes were seasoned too strongly
- Fridge didn’t cool well
Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori
9.4/10 (Based on 8 reviews )
999-2211 Yamagata, Nanyo, Akayu 989, Japan
Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori is a traditional onsen ryokan in Akayu Onsen (Nanyo, Yamagata), known as a historic villa linked to the Uesugi family. The bathing area is a central feature: guests can enjoy multiple hot-spring baths across two zones (East and West), with a variety of bath styles designed for “bath hopping”; the property also notes that the baths are refreshed regularly. Rooms keep a classic Japanese atmosphere while providing practical comforts such as free Wi‑Fi and in-room amenities. Dining focuses on seasonal Japanese cuisine using Yamagata ingredients, with options highlighting local beef (including Yonezawa beef) and a set Japanese breakfast. Free parking is available, and access is convenient via JR Akayu Station (pick-up by reservation).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Staff were polite/professional and friendly
- Dinner and breakfast could be enjoyed in a private room; kaiseki cuisine was excellent
- Both onsens are large and offer 5 different baths each
- Traditional food was tasty and very plentiful
- Special requests (food allergy) were fully accommodated
Negative reviews
- Accommodation price felt a bit high
- Futon was small; hands/feet stuck out
- Room doors close loudly, making it hard to go to the toilet quietly at night
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya
9.3/10 (Based on 268 reviews )
994-0025 Yamagata, Tendo, Kamatahoncho 2-5-14 , Japan
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya is a traditional ryokan in the Tendo Onsen area of Yamagata, built around a Japanese garden and featuring tatami flooring throughout the property. The main hot-spring baths are distinctive “tatami baths,” using waterproof tatami for a warm, non-slip surface; the men’s and women’s facilities include indoor baths and open-air baths, with set bathing hours in the afternoon, evening, and early morning. Some guest rooms also offer in-room open-air or semi open-air baths with free-flowing spring water. Dining focuses on seasonal Yamagata ingredients served as creative kaiseki, with meals arranged in dining areas or private rooms depending on the plan. A free drink space is available in the afternoon and evening.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Beautiful hotel with excellent staff and exceptional food
- Everything is perfect. The rest lounge is a gem of classic vinyl LPs.
- Excellent facilities. Room even had a private onsen. Staff was tentative. Dinner and breakfast was great.
- Cozy, authentic Japanese style bed room.
- Staff were exceptionally kind and accommodating. The room was huge and gorgeous and clean. I loved soaking in the public and private baths.
Negative reviews
- Pillows were not comfortable
- Room and facilities
- Room could use more storage space
- Given that it was summer and daylight is at 4 am, the room should have shades to prevent light from coming in
- Breakfast and dinner are too early, which made our stay less comfortable. We would prefer to eat one hour or more later than the latest time. It’s not very convenient for us.
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
9.2/10 (Based on 244 reviews )
990-2301 Yamagata, Zaō Onsen, Zao Onsen 54, Japan
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso is a long-established ryokan in the Zao Onsen hot-spring village (Yamagata), set in a traditional wooden building with a distinctly historic atmosphere. The onsen experience is central here, with multiple natural hot-spring baths, including indoor bathing areas and open-air baths; some baths operate with alternating hours for men and women. Private baths can also be reserved for more privacy, and selected room types include an open-air bath. Meals focus on seasonal Japanese cuisine (kaiseki-style), typically served for dinner and breakfast. Practical notes: the property is non-smoking, has Wi‑Fi, and access involves stone steps and stairs (no elevator).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Free/on-time pickup from Zao onsen bus terminal; staff helped with luggage/parking
- Attentive, friendly staff; some staff spoke good English
- Onsen facilities (indoor/outdoor, multiple baths; some available 24 hours) described as fabulous/amazing
- Meals (breakfast, dinner/kaiseki) described as amazing/delicious/beautiful; plentiful
- Spacious, clean, comfortable rooms; some rooms have separate dining area; convenient location near restaurants/shops
Negative reviews
- No laundry facility
- Not ski-in/ski-out; about a 6-minute walk/uphill to nearest lift/ropeway
- Some areas cold (e.g., toilet/bathroom/corridors; uneven/below-performance heating in winter)
- Facilities/baths described as dated or needing updates/repairs; some areas old/deteriorating/poorly maintained
- Many steep stairs/low headroom in parts of the hotel (challenging/hazardous); thin walls/noise from neighbors mentioned
Tendo Hotel
9.2/10 (Based on 134 reviews )
994-0025 Yamagata, Tendo, Kamata Honcho 2-1-3, Japan
Tendo Hotel is a ryokan-style property in the Tendo Onsen area of Tendo City (Yamagata Prefecture), at 2-1-3 Kamatahoncho. The key feature is its natural hot-spring bathing: a large public bath with indoor and open-air areas, including a “waterfall viewing” bath, plus an on-site sauna (set hours). Some guestrooms also have a private hot-spring bath, while other room types combine tatami living with Western beds. Dining centers on Japanese kaiseki dinners using seasonal Yamagata ingredients, with a buffet breakfast offering Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. Practical amenities include free Wi‑Fi, complimentary parking, and a free shuttle to/from JR Tendo Station (reservation required).
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Good location; easy walking distance to the train station and nearby restaurants/museums
- Great value for money
- Rooms are spacious, clean, comfortable; comfortable beds/pillows
- Onsen/public bath is large and highly rated (indoor/outdoor, waterfall; sauna mentioned)
- Breakfast buffet is good with many options; dinner praised as traditional Japanese cuisine
Negative reviews
- Some rooms were stuffy/hot and A/C had been disconnected
- Noise inside and outside the hotel made it impossible to sleep (poor soundproofing mentioned)
- Not enough directions/signage in English
- Souvenir shop attendant was repeatedly away (“out for five minutes”) for 2 days
- Price felt a bit higher than expected for this type of accommodation; one review found breakfast disappointing (limited richness/taste)
Shouhakutei Azumaso
9.2/10 (Based on 71 reviews )
994-0024 Yamagata, Tendo, Kamata 2-2-1, Japan
Shouhakutei Azumaso (Shouhakutei Azumaso / Shōhakutei Azumasō) is a traditional ryokan in Tendo Onsen, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, at Kamata 2-2-1. The key feature is its hot-spring bathing area: an open-air rotenburo (with separate men’s and women’s baths) and an indoor large bath supplied by the same Tendo Onsen water. The baths are generally available from afternoon until the next morning, and a private family bath is also offered (renewed in 2023, with child-friendly features). Some annex rooms have their own bath, with certain room types featuring both an open-air bath and a hinoki indoor bath. Meals are served in dedicated dining areas, including semi-private settings, in a calm Japanese-style atmosphere.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Clean place; nice hang out place
- Staff were very friendly and helpful; reception staff spoke good English and others tried to communicate using translate tools
- Rooms were quiet and warm enough for good sleep
- Outdoor onsen/rotemburo described as beautiful/nice and not too crowded; onsen facilities called awesome
- Breakfast and dinner were delicious; meals well organized and sometimes served in individual cubicles for privacy
Negative reviews
- Communication was not easy
- Prices have risen too high
- Bright light from the outdoor smoking area shone into the room; suggestion for dimming lights or adding blinds
- Wifi could be more stable
- Gift shop item (sweet treat) was out of stock
Takamiya Ryokan Sagiya Sansorai
9.2/10 (Based on 28 reviews )
999-3243 Yamagata, Kaminoyama, 283 Takamatsu, Japan
Takamiya Ryokan Sagiya Sansorai is a traditional ryokan in the Kaminoyama Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture, set in a quiet landscape of rice fields with views toward the Zao mountain range. The property features natural hot springs drawn from its own source, with shared indoor baths and an open-air bath where the scenery changes by season. Some room categories also include private in-room hot spring baths, including open-air styles. Accommodation is Japanese-style, organized around a garden that can be enjoyed from many rooms. Dining focuses on seasonal local cuisine served in a dedicated dining setting, typically as a kaiseki-style dinner and a Japanese breakfast. Free pick-up from Kaminoyama-Onsen Station is available by reservation.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Authentic ryokan atmosphere and traditional Japanese decor
- Facilities appreciated (bar, onsen, tea corner; some rooms with private open-air bath)
- Elaborate/exceptional meals; dinner and breakfast often praised for quality and variety
- Friendly, polite, caring and accommodating staff; excellent service (including help with luggage and returning a forgotten charger)
- Beautiful, relaxing garden views; spacious rooms with lots of towels and kimonos
Negative reviews
- Rooms/building can feel old; some areas need attention (e.g., wallpaper, toilet door)
- In-room hot bath/open-air bath reported as too small or water temperature lukewarm in the morning
- Limited public transit connectivity in the area (specific times, long waits for trains)
- Location considered far (around 30 minutes by car)
- Onsen issues mentioned: part of outdoor bath under construction with a blue tarp; men’s bath bucket bath unavailable
Hayamakan
9.1/10 (Based on 314 reviews )
999-3242 Yamagata, Kaminoyama, Hayama 5-10, Japan
Hayamakan (Hayamakan / Hayama-kan) is a traditional ryokan in the Hayama area of Kaminoyama Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, set on a quiet hillside with views toward the Zao mountain range. The bathing facilities use 100% natural hot spring water drawn from the property’s own source, with a stone-built large public bath and an open-air bath designed without a roof for a more open feel. Both are available 24 hours. In addition, guest rooms feature in-room hot spring baths (including hinoki baths), with some room types offering a view bath and a terrace footbath. Dining focuses on Yamagata ingredients, presented as a modern take on Japanese cuisine. On site, there are calm lounge spaces overlooking a garden, a shogi piece gallery near the baths, a small shop with local specialties, and a guest-only relaxation esthetic service.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Friendly, polite and helpful staff; good/excellent service (some reviews mention staff going the extra mile and even room upgrades).
- Calm/relaxing ambiance; beautiful surroundings and mountain views.
- Spacious, comfortable rooms; some rooms have private in-room onsen/hot spring baths and footbaths.
- Onsen facilities (public and outdoor) described as clean, nice, relaxing; some mention tattoo-friendly outdoor onsen.
- Meals praised as delicious and well-prepared; dinner highlights include Yonesawa beef shabu set; breakfast also described as delicious.
Negative reviews
- Breakfast described as common Japanese style with a rather small menu.
- Location not perfect / not near the train station or convenience store; hotel sign lacks English (mentioned).
- Food value/portion issues: some felt food wasn’t worth the price; others found dinner portion too small or meals too large to finish.
- Maintenance/cleanliness issues mentioned: stains on carpet, mould in bathroom shutters, some facilities needing better maintenance; older feel.
- Other issues: seasonal stink bugs around open-air bath; low door frames for tall people; towels only one and no place to dry; noise at coffee lounge; hot spring bath takes long time to fill / water flow small; coordination issues about allergies (not asked) and ingredients served again.
Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery
9.1/10 (Based on 230 reviews )
994-0025 Yamagata, Tendo, Kamatahoncho 2-2-21, Japan
Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery is a ryokan-style onsen stay in Tendo Onsen, Yamagata, at Kamatahoncho 2-2-21. The property focuses on bathing and post-bath relaxation, with a large public bath and an open-air hot-spring bath; the open-air bath is supplied by free-flowing hot spring water, and bathing hours run from 5:00 to 24:00. Two private open-air baths (hinoki and rock) are also available, depending on plan and availability. Beyond the onsen, the in-house brewery and bar areas underline the “spa & brewery” concept, while the restaurant serves dinner and a buffet breakfast. Free on-site parking and Wi‑Fi are provided.
Detailed Ratings
ComparePositive reviews
- Free-flow/all-inclusive drinks (craft beers, cocktails, wine, sake) and snacks/extras
- Very delicious kaiseki dinner; food widely praised (including beef)
- Breakfast often described as fantastic/superb (e.g., well-prepared beef steak, omelette)
- Friendly, kind, attentive and caring staff; well-organised check-in and help with luggage
- Onsen/spa facilities praised: private baths/onsen available, communal bath and outdoor areas pleasant
Negative reviews
- Pillows described as too hard
- Rooms described by some as dated/nothing special/dark; sometimes not matching photos
- Hotel entrance hard to spot at night; needs brighter/more prominent signage
- Private bath/onsen availability issues: waiting for keys, hard to get a private bath slot; suggestion for reservations
- Location/comfort issues: out of the way and next to a roadway with traffic noise
Summary Table
| Position | Hotel | Rating | #Reviews | Stars | Staff | Cleanliness | Comfort | Location | Value for money | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsukasaya Ryokan | 9.7▲ | 34 | 4 | 10.0▲ | 10.0▲ | 9.8▲ | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.7▲ |
| 2 | 蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里 | 9.4 | 30 | 4 | 10.0▲ | 9.7 | 9.8▲ | 9.4▲ | 8.4 | 9.2 |
| 3 | Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori | 9.4 | 8▼ | 3▼ | 9.5 | 8.6▼ | 9.0▼ | 7.4▼ | 7.6▼ | 8.6▼ |
| 4 | Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya | 9.3 | 268 | 4 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.1 | 8.8 | 9.4 |
| 5 | Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso | 9.2 | 244 | 4 | 9.6 | 9.4 | 9.4 | 9.0 | 8.7 | 9.0 |
| 6 | Tendo Hotel | 9.2 | 134 | 3▼ | 9.6 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 8.7 | 9.2 | 9.5 |
| 7 | Shouhakutei Azumaso | 9.2 | 71 | 4 | 9.7 | 9.5 | 9.5 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 9.4 |
| 8 | Takamiya Ryokan Sagiya Sansorai | 9.2 | 28 | 4 | 9.7 | 9.6 | 9.1 | 9.0 | 9.6▲ | 9.4 |
| 9 | Hayamakan | 9.1▼ | 314▲ | 4 | 9.7 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.2 |
| 10 | Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery | 9.1▼ | 230 | 5▲ | 9.4▼ | 9.1 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 9.0 | 9.1 |
FAQ
Tsukasaya Ryokan is a small, family-run stay in the quiet Yutagawa Onsen village near Tsuruoka. It uses natural, free-flowing hot spring water and offers private baths reserved for one group at a time. It’s a great pick if you want a traditional tatami room and a calm, intimate onsen experience.
Kinosato (蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里) is known for its strongly acidic, milky-white free-flowing Zao Onsen water. You can soak in a detached semi open-air bath and also use separate men’s and women’s indoor large baths. The setting is quiet by a pond and convenient for the Zao Onsen Ski Resort area.
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya stands out for its waterproof tatami onsen baths, designed to feel warm and non-slip. The men’s and women’s areas include indoor and open-air baths, and some rooms offer an in-room open-air or semi open-air onsen bath. It’s set around a Japanese garden and serves seasonal kaiseki using Yamagata ingredients.
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso offers a distinctly historic atmosphere in a traditional wooden building in the Zao Onsen village. The onsen facilities include multiple natural hot-spring baths, with indoor and open-air options and some time-based alternation by gender. Private baths can be reserved, and selected rooms include an open-air bath.
Hayamakan is a hillside ryokan in Kaminoyama Onsen with views toward the Zao mountain range. It uses 100% natural hot spring water from its own source, with a large stone public bath and a roofless open-air bath available at all hours. Every room includes an in-room hot spring bath, and some room types add a terrace footbath.