Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira
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Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira sits in the Zao Onsen village on the slopes of Yamagata, a traditional ryokan balancing communal spaces and practical facilities for outdoor guests. Positioned within easy reach of ski lifts and ropeways, it serves winter skiers and summer trekkers with a shuttle service, on-site ski pass sales and storage, bicycle rental and free parking. Public areas offer Wi‑Fi and shared bathing; breakfast is served in an Asian style. This property presents itself as a ryokan with onsen in Zao Onsen, Yamagata.
Hot spring facilities are central to the house: source waters are drawn immediately from the spring, blended to bathing temperature without added heat or dilution, and supplied continuously without recirculation. The strongly acidic, milky-white spring is described on-site as 100% from the source, preserving mineral characteristics. Guests can reserve one of four private open-air baths for exclusive use, and some packages include private-bath access. These features make the property function as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata.
Guest rooms range from modest traditional units to plans that emphasize meals and onsen access; some room types share bathing facilities while others offer garden views. On-site amenities include a small shop, communal lounge, luggage storage and recreational options such as table tennis, and staff can arrange local activities or shuttle schedules. The ryokan’s position within Zao Onsen places visitors close to ropeways and hot-spring restaurants, with straightforward access to winter ski terrain and seasonal hiking in the Yamagata volcanic area.
Highlights of this ryokan
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohi…
Positive Reviews
Extensive private onsens with great views
Many reviews praise the large number of private and outdoor onsens, several of which are free to reserve. Guests enjoyed trying different baths and highlighted stunning scenic views from both the hotel and private onsen areas.
Friendly, attentive staff and good service
Staff are repeatedly described as kind, helpful and professional; many go out of their way to assist (shuttle arrangements, information, vouchers). Several reviewers noted staff who can communicate in simple English.
Convenient shuttle service and ski-friendly perks
The hotel provides a free shuttle to/from Yamagata station, bus terminal and ropeways (reservation required), and offers discount vouchers for ski hire. Guests found this very helpful for access to nearby ski slopes and ropeways.
Clean, comfortable rooms and family-friendly facilities
Rooms were described as clean, warm and spacious with good family rooms. Reviewers also mentioned enjoyable food (breakfast with Japanese and western options), children’s activities, and extra touches like complimentary local milk after the onsen.
Good location relative to onsen village and slopes
Many guests appreciated the position above Zao Onsen with pretty views of the village and easy access to nearby rotenburo and ski facilities; restaurants and ski points are within walking distance for some.
Negative Reviews
Steep or distant location requiring shuttle
Several guests noted the hotel sits on a steep hill or can feel far from the bus terminal; walking back can be hard, especially on icy roads, so the shuttle is often necessary.
Some areas showing age or under renovation
A number of reviews mentioned that corridors, toilets and some sanitary areas are in need of refurbishment or that parts of the property were being renovated during stays.
Limited English communication at times
Although many staff can help in simple English, some reviewers experienced language challenges with front desk communication, which can be a hurdle for international travellers.
Shared-bathroom and in-room amenity limitations
Guests who booked shared-bathroom options reported no private showers available; a few noted that in-room toilets lacked a washlet or other expected features.
Comfort and small service issues
Isolated comments mentioned uncomfortable beds, an air-conditioning problem in one room, and unclear information about onsen swimwear rules—suggesting occasional inconsistencies in comfort and guest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rooms include twin and Japanese-style layouts; some Japanese rooms can sleep up to five guests using futons, and no extra rollaway beds are available.
The ryokan has public indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths plus multiple private open-air (kashikiri) baths supplied by the local onsen source.
Yes — several private outdoor baths are available and can be reserved; guests report free reservations in the afternoon with open self-service use later in the evening.
Shuttle buses run between the property and Zao-onsen Bus Stop; you should request a shuttle at least one day in advance.
The nearest airport is Yamagata Airport (about 36 km); from JR Yamagata Station take the regular bus to Zao Onsen (~45 minutes) and then use the ryokan shuttle or walk a short distance.
Japanese is the primary language, but some staff speak English and can assist international guests; the property asks guests to note arrival details when booking.
Check-in is from 15:00 to 19:00 (please inform the ryokan of your arrival time in advance) and check-out is by 10:00; if you want to dine on-site you should arrive by the stated dinner cut-off (around 19:00).
The main property does not admit pets, though an annex offers some pet-friendly rooms; contact the ryokan directly to confirm pet availability and room assignment.
There are a few restaurants within a short walk and some ski-area facilities nearby, but dining options in the area are limited and many venues close early in the evening, so plan accordingly.
The ryokan sits in Zao Onsen with direct access to the Zao ski area and the nearby cable car; visitors can enjoy skiing and winter 'snow monster' views, plus hiking and hot-spring sightseeing in warmer months.