Arimakan
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 92 reviews
Arimakan is a mid‑sized ryokan set in the Kaminoyama Onsen district of Yamagata, combining traditional Japanese room layouts with contemporary comforts. Guest rooms typically feature tatami floors and futon or bed options, modest living space, and private bathrooms; the property includes elevator access and on‑site parking, and presents a calm atmosphere suited to couples and families seeking a restorative stay. Practical details such as standard check‑in from the mid afternoon and morning check‑out reflect typical ryokan rhythms, while staff support for luggage and local information is regularly offered.
The property centres on its bathing facilities: several public baths and an observation open‑air bath allow guests to unwind with views toward the surrounding hills, and private kashikiri baths are available for exclusive use by reservation. As a ryokan with private onsen in Kaminoyama, Yamagata, it caters to visitors who value privacy and onsen etiquette; bathing areas are fed by local hot springs and include both indoor and outdoor options, alongside a small sauna and occasional wellness services such as massages to complement the hot spring experience.
Meals emphasise Yamagata ingredients and are often served in‑room or in small dining areas, with menus that rotate seasonally to showcase local produce and simple, regionally rooted preparations. The ryokan’s location is a short walk or quick taxi from Kaminoyama‑Onsen Station and provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Kaminoyama Castle and the Zao area for mountain activities. Facilities also support small events and group needs, making the property a practical base for exploring the wider Yamagata prefecture while enjoying a ryokan with onsen Yamagata experience.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Arimakan
Positive Reviews
Warm, attentive staff
Many guests praised the friendly and helpful staff who went above and beyond—assisting with luggage, offering shuttle service to the station, and accommodating special requests (including dietary needs and assistance in Thai when available).
Delicious, abundant meals
Food received frequent praise: beautifully presented, plentiful multi-course kaiseki-style meals, often served in-room. Local specialties and premium beef (Yamagata/Yonezawa wagyu) were highlighted as standout items.
Excellent onsen experience
The property offers multiple hot-spring options (public and private), including a rooftop private onsen with mountain views and one complimentary private use for guests. Guests found the baths relaxing and a major highlight; some also enjoyed the ganbanyoku heated stone.
Clean, spacious and comfortable rooms
Rooms were described as clean, large and comfortable with good views. Several guests noted a relaxing, traditional atmosphere and appreciated separate sitting/dining areas when meals were served in-room.
Good overall value and helpful amenities
Reviewers felt the ryokan delivered strong value for a full-service stay — free shuttle, helpful gift shop, and thoughtful service contributed to a memorable stay for many guests.
Negative Reviews
Surprise or high dinner costs
A few guests were surprised by expensive à la carte or upgrade items at dinner and recommended confirming prices beforehand to avoid unexpectedly high bills.
Pillows and bedding preferences
Some guests were disappointed the pillows were not the traditional buckwheat type they expected; bedding/pillow firmness/preferences may not match every guest's expectation.
Some parts feel aged or have poor outside views
A minority noted older or worn elements (for example torn shoji) and uninspiring exterior views from certain rooms, which affected the overall outlook for those guests.
In-room dining layout and entrance privacy issues
A few reviewers mentioned the in-room dining table placement felt awkward (at the room edge), and one noted a low entrance/only a thin curtain that reduced privacy when entering the room.
Basement bath quality and local dining availability
One guest felt the underground bath was less appealing, and several mentioned that nearby town restaurants sometimes had unreliable opening hours, making off-site dinner planning difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types include double and several family layouts; family rooms and suites can sleep up to four guests (combinations of beds and futons). Children are generally not permitted, so check the booking conditions before you reserve.
Yes — Arimakan operates multiple hot-spring facilities including a Roman spa with five bath types, a Golden spa, saunas and outdoor viewing baths. Many baths run 24 hours except cleaning periods and there are gender-specific times for some areas.
Yes — the ryokan offers private baths; the outdoor viewing bath is available free for a 30‑minute slot in the evening, while other private family baths can be reserved (some require a small fee and advance booking). Contact the ryokan to reserve a time before arrival.
The property is about a 10‑minute walk (roughly 900 m) from JR Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, and some guests report station pick‑ups — contact the ryokan to confirm shuttle availability. For airports, see the next question for the nearest option.
The closest airport is Yamagata Airport, approximately 37 km from the ryokan; onward travel typically involves a taxi or local bus/train to Kaminoyama-Onsen Station followed by the short walk or arranged pick‑up.
The ryokan maintains multilingual web information and guest reviews note staff who speak English; staff are generally helpful with basic English but contacting them in advance is advised for special requests.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 to 19:00 and check‑out is from 07:30 to 10:00. Note there is a curfew window when entry is restricted late at night, so confirm arrival plans if you expect to arrive after hours.
Arimakan commonly offers half‑board with dinner and breakfast, including Asian, vegetarian and vegan options; many guests receive meals served in the room. Inform the ryokan of dietary restrictions when booking so they can prepare appropriate options.
The ryokan is located in the Kaminoyama Onsen area with local hot‑spring town attractions; nearby points of interest include Lina World and Zaō ski area, with Yamagata city reachable by local train. Activities mentioned by guests include hiking, skiing (seasonal) and local sightseeing.
The property does not advertise pet‑friendly rooms on public listings, so please contact the ryokan to confirm any pet policy. There is an on‑site gift shop and the town has convenience stores and supermarkets a short walk or drive away for basic supplies.