Onogawa Onsen Kajikaso
8,5/10 Excellent - Based on 27 reviews
Onogawa Onsen Kajikaso is a villa-style hot spring inn in the Onogawa Hot Springs area of Yonezawa, southern Yamagata Prefecture. Set across about 33,000 m² of gardens and ponds, the property frames seasonal landscapes and a quiet pace. Its baths draw from a spring associated with the poet Ono no Komachi and are recognized among local hot spring heritage sites. Accessible from Yonezawa by local bus and about two hours from Tokyo by shinkansen, the property is presented as a ryokan with onsen in Tōhoku, blending traditional bathing culture with contemporary villa comforts.
Accommodation offers nine room types, from tatami suites to modern Japanese‑Western rooms; several units include private open‑air baths fed by natural spring water. Many rooms look over the central pond or river, and some renovated units add massage chairs and modern beds while retaining Japanese materials. On-site bathing comprises communal indoor baths, outdoor open-air pools, a footbath lodge open to the public and a hot spring drinking area; the footbath is typically open 07:00–21:00. Together these options make the property a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata for guests seeking in-room open-air bathing and villa-style privacy.
The dining program highlights Yonezawa beef and seasonal kaiseki using local produce; a grill-style restaurant serves breakfast and dinner with regional specialties such as radium hot spring eggs and Tsuyahime rice. Guest facilities include a lounge, banquet space, bicycle rental, on-site parking, massage services, free Wi‑Fi and non-smoking rooms. The emphasis is on seasonal hospitality, quiet garden views and a variety of bathing experiences that support slow relaxation and a countryside hot spring retreat atmosphere.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Onogawa Onsen Kajikaso
Positive Reviews
Excellent onsen experience
Multiple guests praised the hot springs—high-quality spring water, smooth feel on the skin, several bathing options (including outdoor and private/family baths) and 24-hour access, making soaking an outstanding part of the stay.
Outstanding food and seasonal ingredients
Many reviews highlighted delicious, plentiful meals (dinner and breakfast), with special mentions of sukiyaki/shabu‑shabu and local Yamagata seasonal ingredients. Guests found the meals well prepared and a key highlight of their stay.
Attentive, friendly staff and good hospitality
Staff were repeatedly described as warm, helpful and child‑friendly — going out of their way (e.g., bringing a bed/blanket for a baby at dinner, cleaning snow off a car). Service and welcoming attitude improved the guest experience.
Comfortable, well‑equipped rooms
Rooms were described as large, clean and comfortable, often equipped with massage chairs and modern conveniences (air conditioning, TV, Wi‑Fi, room service). Private onsen in some rooms was appreciated.
Traditional ryokan atmosphere with convenient facilities
Guests enjoyed the stylish, traditional ryokan setting, easy parking, proximity (short walk) to local parks/restaurants/ski slope for some, and overall cleanliness and maintenance.
Negative Reviews
Meal portions can be excessive
Several guests felt dinner portions were very large—excellent quality but too much quantity for elderly diners; reviewers suggested offering smaller or selectable portions for seniors.
Remote location / travel distance
A few guests noted the ryokan is in a remote mountain area and can feel far to reach from some attractions, which may be inconvenient depending on travel plans.
Occasional service/communication issues
A minority of reviews mentioned problems with staff communication (unclear explanations during meals) or a single rude employee incident; overall service is praised but there are occasional lapses.
Room amenity and cleanliness concerns in some cases
Some guests reported specific room issues such as no in‑room shower, presence of insects in a room, or thin futon bedding—isolated complaints indicating variable room setups or maintenance needs.
Occasional odors in bath/toilet areas and unfamiliar breakfast flavors
A few reviewers noted an unpleasant toilet odor in the women’s large bath area and one guest found the traditional Japanese breakfast flavors less to their liking. These were mentioned by a small number of guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary; many rooms accommodate between 1 and 6 guests and some rooms use futons for larger groups. Check the specific room description when booking for exact capacity.
The ryokan offers communal indoor baths, an open-air rotenburo, a footbath and a hot-spring drinking area, and some room types include a private open-air bath. The springs are sourced from the historic Onogawa/Onogawa hot spring.
Private/reservable baths are offered at times; please request a private bath directly with the property in advance to confirm availability and any booking procedure.
The property lists shuttle service; if you prefer public transport, take the Yonezawa city bus (about 26 minutes) to Onogawa and then a short walk of around 5 minutes. Contact the ryokan ahead to arrange station pickup if needed.
From Tokyo Station take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yonezawa (about 2 hours 10 minutes), then a city bus to Onogawa and a brief walk to the ryokan. Regional airports such as Sendai connect by train or express bus to Yonezawa, followed by the local bus.
The property provides English information and staff can assist in English to a practical degree; contact them before arrival if you need detailed travel arrangements or language support.
On-site dining serves seasonal kaiseki-style cuisine featuring local Yamagata ingredients and Yonezawa beef, with a restaurant open for dinner and breakfast. Notify the ryokan in advance for dietary restrictions or special requests.
Nearby highlights include Uesugi Shrine and Yonezawa city attractions, the traditional streets of Onogawa Hot Spring, and seasonal nature activities in the area. The ryokan also offers local experiences related to the hot-spring culture.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00; the ryokan accepts special requests and can assist with luggage storage or courier services—ask them ahead if you need early arrival or late departure arrangements.
Policies vary between booking channels, so please confirm the pet policy directly with the property before travel. For supplies, there are vending machines and small local shops in Onogawa and larger supermarkets in Yonezawa city for more extensive shopping.