Le Vert Zao
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Le Vert Zao sits in the heart of Zao Onsen, Yamagata, a compact ryokan-style hotel that places guests a short walk from the resort lifts and the central ropeways. The property offers a mix of Japanese, Western and hybrid rooms across a modest footprint of approximately 37 units, arranged to serve solo travellers, couples and families. Practical features geared to mountain visitors include ski-to-door access, on-site ski storage and drying facilities, complimentary on-site parking and a shuttle service between the local bus terminal and the property on request, making transfers and equipment logistics straightforward for ski and hiking itineraries.
On-site facilities focus on uncomplicated comfort and traditional hot-spring use: the ryokan provides public hot spring bathing facilities fed by the local thermal source, separate bathing areas, and shared changing rooms, alongside common amenities such as free Wi‑Fi in public areas, a restaurant serving Japanese-style (Asian) breakfast and evening dining, luggage storage and a small reception desk that assists with lift passes and local directions. Rooms are equipped with basic conveniences—tea/coffee makers, flat-screen TV and private bathrooms—so guests have the essentials needed for short stays centered on outdoor activities.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Le Vert Zao
Positive Reviews
Excellent ski access and location
Many reviewers praised the property's proximity to the slopes and lifts — several mention ski-in/ski-out convenience, a short walk to the gondola/chair lift, and easy access to Zao Onsen attractions. The hotel also offers a shuttle to the ropeway and bus station which guests found useful.
High-quality onsen and bathing facilities
Guests frequently highlighted the natural hot spring — described as very hot, acidic/sulfurous and well maintained. The onsen is accessible from the main lodge (insulated passage) and is valued as a great way to unwind after skiing.
Friendly, helpful staff and good shuttle service
Staff were repeatedly called friendly, accommodating and proactive (picking guests up from the bus stop, assisting with delays, arranging shuttle runs). Reviewers appreciated staff efforts to help even with limited English and occasional multilingual support.
Clean, comfortable rooms with ski amenities
Reviews noted the hotel is exceptionally clean and well maintained. Rooms were described as quiet and comfortable with good storage, a porch in some rooms, private bathrooms, and a dry room/ski storage for equipment.
Good food and breakfast
Several guests enjoyed the meals and breakfast buffet — mentions include nicely presented course dinners (e.g., sukiyaki, sashimi, dessert) and a tasty breakfast buffet. Some reviewers specifically called breakfast and dinner 'nice'.
Negative Reviews
Meals are expensive and limited for some diets
Multiple reviewers said hotel meals are pricey and that choices for vegetarians or pescatarians are very limited, making on-site dining less attractive for guests with dietary restrictions.
Up-hill location and access can be tiring
Although close to the slopes, the property sits uphill from the bus station and town; several guests found the walk with luggage tiring. The shuttle exists but may require a request or prior notice.
Some rooms and bathrooms feel dated or need maintenance
A number of guests reported older rooms and fixtures — stiff taps, occasional rust from a faucet and general signs that parts of the property could benefit from renovation despite good maintenance overall.
Occasional communication and service lapses
Issues mentioned include shuttle information not clearly communicated (guests only learned after lugging luggage), a forgotten dinner booking, staff shortages affecting services, and occasional breakfast seating mix-ups — though most were eventually resolved.
Limited on-site rental/amenities at times
At least one reviewer wished they could rent ski equipment at the hotel but staff shortages prevented it; others noted the onsen is small, so facilities may feel limited during busy periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include Single, Twin, Japanese-style and Japanese-Western family configurations; family rooms use futons and can accommodate up to four guests—check the specific room description for exact maximum occupancy when booking.
There is an on-site communal natural hot-spring public bath; private or reserved use may be possible on request, so ask the property before arrival if you need a private slot.
The ryokan offers a complimentary shuttle service on request for the bus terminal and sometimes to the ropeway; services run at specific times so please request pickup/drop-off in advance.
Le Vert Zao is roughly 35 km from Yamagata Airport and about a 30–45 minute drive depending on conditions; you can also take public buses from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen and walk up to the lodge or arrange a transfer.
Front-desk staff are primarily Japanese but commonly assist international guests in basic English and can help organize local activities or transport with advance notice.
Expect a traditional onsen-ryokan atmosphere with mixed Western–Japanese room styles, communal hot-spring bathing, regional Japanese meals and warm local hospitality geared to mountain and ski guests.
The hotel is a short walk from Zao ropeways, local restaurants, public baths and trailheads; Mount Zao’s famous winter “snow monsters” and the ski slopes are accessible via the nearby ropeways.
Regular buses run from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen (final stop), and the ryokan is an uphill walk of about 5–10 minutes from the bus stop; the property’s shuttle can assist with luggage on request.
Standard check-in is between 15:00 and 19:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the property entry is closed overnight (approximately 23:00–07:00), so notify the ryokan if you will arrive late.
There is an on-site restaurant serving Japanese-style breakfast and dinner with limited vegetarian options available on request; pets are generally not accepted, and small shops or convenience stores are within a short walk for basic supplies.