Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya
9,4/10 Exceptional - Based on 261 reviews
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya is a tatami‑floored ryokan set around a planted central courtyard, where traditional joinery and locally crafted Tendo Mokko furniture shape a calm interior. The property manages a compact collection of 22 uniquely styled rooms that mix futon-on‑tatami and Western bedding layouts; eight of those rooms include open‑air baths for guests seeking private bathing. Public bathing facilities are organized as two named complexes—Ginga no Yu for men and Tenku no Yu for women—each offering indoor and open‑air options that draw on the long history of Tendo Onsen, making this a ryokan with onsen in Tohoku for travelers who prioritise onsen access and quiet garden views.
Rooms are planned with practical details in mind: several include private dining alcoves and wheelchair‑accessible layouts, and staff can arrange room service for multi‑course kaiseki dinners served in the dining area called Senbazuru. The small scale of the inn is reflected in its services—complimentary shuttle connections from the local station (reservation recommended), limited on‑site parking, and a reception able to coordinate regional tours. House design emphasizes barefoot comfort underfoot, corridors and common spaces laid with tatami so guests move through each space with a measured, domestic ease.
Visitors will find a balance of local craftsmanship, seasonal cuisine and straightforward onsen facilities that suit both short stays and longer Yamagata explorations. The ryokan’s central garden frames views from public lounges and many guest rooms, while the availability of in‑room open‑air baths provides an option for privacy or accommodating guests with tattoos. For those seeking a small‑scale, service‑oriented base for day trips to nearby temples, parks and mountain scenery, this ryokan with private onsen Yamagata presents a compact, clearly defined experience of regional hospitality.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya
Positive Reviews
Attentive, friendly staff and excellent service
Multiple reviewers praised extremely kind, helpful and detail-oriented staff who anticipate guests’ needs. Comments mention courteous service at check-in and dining, use of translation apps when needed, and practical help like station pickup/drop‑off and shuttle/transport assistance.
Outstanding, beautifully presented meals
The kaiseki-style dinners and breakfasts were repeatedly described as excellent, generous and artfully presented. Several guests highlighted the high quality of local ingredients and memorable dining experiences in private dining rooms.
Great onsen facilities — private and public
Guests enjoyed both private in‑room onsens and the public baths. Reviews noted the baths as relaxing, therapeutic and a real highlight of the stay, with several guests specifically mentioning soaking and spa areas.
Spacious, comfortable rooms and high cleanliness
Many reviewers reported large, comfortable rooms (some upgraded to suites), meticulous attention to room detail and high standards of cleanliness. Rooms were described as relaxing with comfortable beds and well‑maintained facilities.
Peaceful property, attractive garden and relaxing atmosphere
The ryokan’s serene setting, traditional ambience and central Japanese garden were frequently praised. Guests found the hotel very tranquil and a great place to unwind, noting the quiet environment and pleasant communal spaces (semi‑private sitting areas, free coffee/matcha).
Negative Reviews
Remote location / limited nearby activities
Several reviewers noted the property is in a small city with limited things to do within walking distance; some mentioned the hotel is a bit far from the train station (though shuttle/pickup is offered) and advised paying attention to train connections when arriving from larger cities.
Early fixed meal times
A number of guests found dinner and/or breakfast scheduled earlier than they preferred and would have liked later dining options (about an hour later) for greater convenience.
Room layout, storage and light issues
Some guests reported limited storage space and awkward room layouts. One reviewer suggested better window shades for summer as daylight can enter very early, affecting sleep.
Occasional dated areas or partial renovations
A few reviews indicated that certain rooms or parts of the property showed aging or had only partial renovations, so room condition can vary depending on which room is assigned.
Minor in‑room amenity and bathroom issues
A small number of guests mentioned minor shortcomings such as no complimentary bottled water in rooms, limited towel provision, or weak shower water pressure in some bathrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ryokan has 22 uniquely styled rooms; room types range from twin and modern Japanese rooms to family suites, with some room configurations sleeping up to eight guests (futons/beds vary by room).
Yes — the property offers natural hot spring public baths (indoor and open-air) and several room types include private open-air onsen baths; in-room private baths are limited to specific room categories.
A free shuttle from JR Tendo Station is available by prior reservation; Yamagata Airport is about a 15-minute drive and Sendai Airport is roughly a 75-minute drive.
Staff are accustomed to international guests and can assist in English; basic English service and multilingual support are available for common requests.
Standard check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; please inform the ryokan of your expected arrival time. The property enforces quiet hours (about 22:00–07:00) and has an entry curfew overnight.
Pets are not allowed at the property.
Yes — convenience stores and small supermarkets are available in Tendo town near Tendo Station, which is a short walk from the ryokan.
Popular nearby sights include Yama‑dera (Risshaku Temple), Tendo Park and Jakushoji Temple; the ryokan’s local tour options can also arrange regional excursions such as Ginzan Onsen visits.
The ryokan serves traditional Japanese cuisine, with multi‑course kaiseki dinners and Japanese set breakfasts; meals are served in dining areas, private dining rooms, or in‑room dining for certain room types.
The property does not advertise separate rentable private public baths; however, several room types come with private in‑room onsen baths — request a room with a private bath when booking and contact the ryokan in advance to confirm availability.