Saikatei Jidaiya
8,8/10 Excellent - Based on 133 reviews
Saikatei Jidaiya is a traditional ryokan set in the Kaminoyama area of Yamagata, offering a calm, retro-inspired interior across a compact property of around seventeen rooms. The house style combines tatami-floored Japanese rooms with selected modern amenities such as free Wi‑Fi throughout and climate control; public areas are arranged to encourage slow-paced relaxation and seasonal floral touches. Practical facilities include on-site parking for guests and several flexible banquet rooms for small group dining or gatherings, with standard check-in from mid-afternoon and morning check-out.
Bathing is a defining feature: the ryokan operates communal indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths alongside multiple room types that include semi-open-air or private bathing options, so guests can choose shared thermal facilities or an in-room experience. Many room categories explicitly list half open-air baths or private bathroom arrangements, and the property emphasises local mineral water flow in its bathing areas. This balance of communal and contained bathing positions the property as a straightforward ryokan with onsen in Tōhoku for travellers seeking both public and private onsen options.
Meals focus on regional flavours served in dedicated dining spaces or private dining rooms, with morning service described as an Asian-style breakfast and evening menus emphasising local ingredients. The ryokan provides practical guest support such as luggage storage, occasional shuttle service to the nearest station, and easy access to nearby attractions including a local ski area and family amusement park—making it a convenient base for exploring the area. For visitors prioritising in-room bathing, this property functions clearly as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata while retaining the communal onsen traditions of the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Saikatei Jidaiya
Positive Reviews
Attentive, very hospitable staff
Multiple guests praised the welcoming, polite and helpful staff who went above and beyond (warm welcome with tea, returning forgotten items, patient communication despite language differences).
Exceptional traditional meals
Kaiseki and other meals were repeatedly described as superb—beautifully presented, made from local ingredients and often highlighted as a main highlight of the stay.
Private and relaxing onsen experience
Private in-room onsens and outdoor baths were frequently mentioned as a highlight—clean, relaxing and often the most memorable part of guests’ stays.
Authentic, comfortable ryokan atmosphere
Guests enjoyed the traditional Japanese style, quiet clean property, spacious rooms with authentic tatami or low-bed layouts, and an overall genuine ryokan experience.
Memorable, high-quality service and value
Reviewers described the overall experience as luxurious yet affordable, with careful attention to detail, making stays highly recommendable and memorable.
Negative Reviews
Location and transport not very walkable
Several guests noted the property is a bit far from the main train/bus station and local attractions, requiring a 10–30 minute walk or a short taxi ride; some found walking impractical.
Small or limited onsen views/space
A few guests reported the onsen facilities felt small or that the outdoor onsen had limited views compared with expectations.
Parking and taxi access issues
Some reviewers mentioned narrow or limited parking and difficulty fitting large suitcases into small taxis (many cars were compact), occasionally needing to arrange a larger vehicle.
Occasional amenity/room comfort issues
Isolated comments mentioned room temperature being a bit too warm and inconveniently placed or awkward electrical outlets.
Inconsistent local information / shuttle expectation
One guest noted misleading information about a free shuttle in the listing, and another reported staff gave incorrect local opening hours—rare but important service gaps to be aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type — many traditional tatami rooms sleep 2–6 using futons; check the specific room description when booking because extra beds and cots are not available.
Yes — the property has public hot‑spring baths, open‑air baths and rooms with private in‑room onsens; one complimentary private open‑air bath session (45 minutes) is included per stay with reservation required.
The ryokan offers a free shuttle service (typically to/from Kaminoyama‑Onsen Station); please request shuttle pickup in advance when you book or contact the property for timing details.
Kaminoyama‑Onsen Station is about 1.9 km away and Yamagata Airport is roughly 38 km from the ryokan; Yamagata Station is around 15 km by road.
Staff are primarily Japanese; many guests report helpful service but limited English, so a translation app or basic Japanese phrases can be useful.
Meals are served in private dining rooms and feature seasonal kaiseki‑style cuisine with local Yamagata ingredients, including regional beef; special dietary requests should be communicated in advance.
Guests with tattoos can use private in‑room and reserved private baths; policies for public baths can vary, so please check with the ryokan on arrival if you plan to use communal facilities.
Yes — the ryokan provides at least one reservable private open‑air bath (one free 45‑minute use per stay) and staff can help arrange additional private bath reservations subject to availability.
Pets are not permitted at Saikatei Jidaiya; there are local shops and convenience stores in Kaminoyama Onsen town for basic supplies within a short drive or walk.
The ryokan sits in Kaminoyama Onsen with easy access to the hot‑spring town, Lina World (approx. 6.5 km) and Zao area (about 18 km); use the local shuttle, taxis or the reservation Zao shuttle bus for regional sightseeing.