Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
7,8/10 Very good - Based on 25 reviews
Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel is a traditional hot-spring ryokan located in Kaminoyama, blending a landscaped Japanese garden with views toward Kaminoyama Castle and the Zao mountain range. The property combines tatami-style rooms and hybrid bed rooms across several wings, designed to accommodate couples, families and small groups while preserving a quietly traditional atmosphere. Multiple communal baths draw from the local source, so the hotel functions as a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata, pairing classic bathing rituals with contemporary public facilities and straightforward guest services.
Room types range from standard Japanese layouts to larger suites and a selection of special rooms advertised with source-fed in-room baths; several suite categories include private, flowing hot-spring bathtubs. A handful of rooms are configured as a ryokan with private onsen Yamagata, offering in-room access to source water and discreet changing facilities. The property provides indoor and outdoor communal baths, a spa area and at least one whirlpool-style option, while staff emphasise attentive omotenashi and practical guest support. Dining is a focal point: a refreshed buffet and course menus highlight Yamagata produce — hand-cut soba, local vegetables and regional beef served from live cooking counters, alongside seasonal sweets and local fruit.
Practical amenities include an on-site restaurant, communal lounge, free Wi‑Fi, parking and day-use bathing; the hotel also accommodates meetings and group events. Recent renovations have refreshed dining and public areas while retaining wood-and-paper interiors and garden views. The location serves as a convenient base for exploring Kaminoyama’s onsen district, nearby hiking trails and the Zao area year-round.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
Positive Reviews
Helpful and attentive staff
Multiple reviews praise staff for being very helpful and considerate, assisting guests despite language barriers and arranging seating at the buffet so groups could sit together.
Good food and buffet with local specialties
Guests frequently complimented the meals — renewed dining venue, tasty buffet offerings, local specialties and unique items (e.g. regional porridge), and overall high food quality.
Relaxing onsen and bath facilities
Several reviewers enjoyed the baths: large bathing areas, comfortable water temperature, spacious changing rooms and good bath amenities contributed to a relaxing experience.
Complimentary drinks and small extras
Guests appreciated free drink services and regional liqueurs, as well as conveniences like being allowed to take coffee to their room and provided extension cords for outlets.
Comfortable rooms and pleasant surroundings
Many found the rooms suitably spacious and relaxing, with nice views from the lounge and a central location that made nearby attractions accessible.
Negative Reviews
Heating / air-conditioning problems
Several guests reported issues with temperature control — rooms or bathrooms could be very cold, or air conditioning/heating was ineffective or difficult to adjust, causing discomfort.
Moldy or foul smells in some rooms/bathrooms
A number of reviews mentioned unpleasant odours or mold smell in bathrooms (specific rooms cited), indicating cleaning or ventilation concerns in some areas.
Aging or outdated facilities
Multiple comments noted that parts of the building and facilities feel old and could use renovation or updating.
Small outdoor onsen and occasional cleanliness issues
One guest found the outdoor onsen too small; other isolated remarks mentioned cleanliness problems such as a dirty in-room toilet or improperly set dinner tables.
Food/service shortages and breakfast expectations
A few guests experienced shortages (e.g. beer ran out) or felt portions/options were limited, and some expected breakfast to be included with the lodging price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types vary from twin rooms for two to Japanese-style rooms with 3–4 futons and family suites; capacities differ by room so check the selected room’s maximum occupancy before booking.
Yes — the property offers public indoor baths, outdoor (open-air) baths and a jacuzzi, and some guest rooms include a private open-air bath.
A courtesy car from JR Kaminoyama-Onsen Station is available; you should contact the hotel to reserve the pick-up (they ask for advance notice, often by the day before).
The nearest airport is Yamagata Airport (about 35–36 km); from Tokyo take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Kaminoyama-Onsen Station (roughly 90–150 minutes depending on service) and use the hotel’s station pick-up or walk from the station.
Staff provide English-language assistance; the hotel is used to international guests and has multilingual service at reception.
Standard check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM), and check-out is by 10:00 (10:00 AM); confirm times on your booking for any variations.
Some rooms feature private open-air baths for in-room use, while the large communal baths are shared; pets are not allowed on the property.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant offering buffet and regional dishes (including local Yamagata specialties) and a breakfast service; contact the hotel in advance for special dietary requests.
Kaminoyama Castle is within walking distance, Lina World and local amusement spots are a short drive away, and the Zao area (skiing, ropeway and scenic sites) is around 15–20 minutes by car.
Kaminoyama-Onsen town has local shops, restaurants and souvenir stalls within walking distance, and convenience stores are near the station; the hotel also offers free on-site parking if you travel by car.