Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 224 reviews
Yubo Ichiraku TENDO SPA & BREWERY, operating under the Ichiraku group in Tendo, is a modern ryokan-style inn that combines onsen facilities with an in-house microbrewery. The property maintains a compact inventory of rooms—around 37—which includes a selection of guest rooms fitted with private open-air baths; public bathing areas are themed with local shogi motifs reflecting the town’s identity. The property underwent a recent rebrand and renovation to focus on individualized stays rather than large-group tourism, and it presents a series of dedicated guest amenities such as dedicated parking and multilingual reception services.
The bathing options are varied: the layout features large communal onsen for guests, multiple bookable private baths carved from materials like Zao rock and hinoki, and additional wellness options including a guest-only private sauna. As a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata, many room types offer en-suite outdoor tubs or private onsen slots, while the lodge’s brewery—Tendo Brewery—produces craft beers that incorporate regional ingredients (including a cherry-flavored brew), served across a terrace and a small bar. Meals commonly follow an all-inclusive or set-dining approach with local produce highlighted in multi-course evening menus and buffet breakfasts, making the stay both experiential and convenient.
Public areas combine traditional ryokan touches (yukata and tatami circulation, a towel/yukata corner) with contemporary touches like on-site artworks, a beer terrace and a late-night stand for small plates and cocktails, creating a relaxed post-bath atmosphere. The property’s layout and programming are aimed at couples and families seeking a waterside retreat as well as beer enthusiasts wanting local craft tastes; its setting in Tendo also places guests within easy reach of the city’s shogi-themed attractions and seasonal cherry displays. For visitors seeking a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata Prefecture that pairs hot-spring bathing with locally brewed beer and regionally focused dining, this property presents a compact, well-equipped option.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
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Review summary for: Ichiraku tendo spa & brew
Positive Reviews
Generous all‑inclusive offerings
Many guests praised the all‑inclusive format: free/local beers, drinks bar, tasting room, cocktails at night, snacks and extras (e.g. marshmallows by the fire), which created a relaxed, abundant experience.
Excellent food, especially dinner
Numerous reviews highlighted superb meals and well‑planned kaiseki dinners; breakfast was also often described as very good or excellent.
Onsen and bathing facilities
Private and communal hot springs were repeatedly mentioned as a major highlight — private onsen, free private spas and pleasant outdoor baths were valued by guests.
Friendly, attentive staff
Staff were described as kind, caring and accommodating; reviewers appreciated attentive service and efforts to assist non‑Japanese speakers.
Pleasant communal spaces and extra amenities
Guests enjoyed stylish, artsy common areas, outdoor decks and artworks, plus extras such as a bar/tasting area, open fire, and family‑friendly activities which made the stay enjoyable.
Negative Reviews
Rooms sometimes dated or darker than photos
Multiple reviewers reported that some rooms felt aged, small or darker than advertised; while comfortable for short stays, the room condition contrasted with the nicer common areas.
Issues with private onsen access or configuration
There were complaints about private bath access — waiting for keys, lack of reservation system, and at least one room having a wooden tub that required filling with tap water rather than a true fed onsen.
All‑inclusive timing and set meal constraints
Guests noted limited operating windows for the all‑inclusive benefits (e.g. beer availability hours), required meal booking and fixed set meals which sometimes led to wasted food or a feeling of inflexibility.
Communication and information problems
Some reviewers reported poor communication (e.g. not being informed about renovations reducing hot‑spring access) and language/translation challenges for non‑Japanese speakers.
Value concerns and practical inconveniences
A number of guests questioned value for price (expensive for what was received), noted specific practical issues (hard pillows, lack of bottled water in rooms, nearby road noise or small elevator), or felt portions were insufficient for hungry children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from single and twin rooms to Japanese-style rooms with futons; capacities go up to six guests in the largest Japanese rooms and family rooms typically sleep up to five.
The property provides guest-only public hot spring baths and outdoor onsen areas, plus private onsen options available in certain rooms or as reservable private baths.
Yes — some room types include a private outdoor bath, and private onsen use is offered for guests; request this room type or reserve private use when booking.
Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
No regular airport shuttle is listed; Yamagata Airport is about 6 km away, so taxis or rental cars are the usual options for arrival.
Tendō Station is roughly a 25–30 minute walk; a short taxi ride from the station is quicker and commonly used.
Staff are multilingual; the reception team can assist in Japanese, English, Chinese and German.
The ryokan follows an all-inclusive-style format for drinks with on-site craft beer and local sake, serves dinner (multi-course style) and a buffet breakfast.
Tendō’s local attractions include shogi-related shops and riverside cherry blossom spots; the Zao Onsen/Zaō ski area is about 30 km away for day trips.
Pets are not permitted on the premises; convenience stores and local shops are within walking distance, and the property offers free parking plus accessible facilities in some public areas.