Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori
9/10 Exceptional - Based on 6 reviews
Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori stands on the hot-spring flank of Akayu Onsen in Nanyo, Yamagata, and presents itself as a heritage ryokan that traces its identity to the Uesugi family’s historic villa. The property keeps a traditional aesthetic throughout public areas and guest rooms, combining tatami-floored spaces and Japanese‑Western layouts to suit couples, families and small groups. Hospitality is framed around deliberate, locally rooted service: English‑speaking staff are available, free Wi‑Fi reaches guest areas, and guest flows are designed for a relaxed, unhurried stay typical of a ryokan with onsen in Yamagata.
The bathing facilities are a central feature: the “East” wing houses five distinct baths including a large stone bath and a square‑shaped masu bath, while the “West” wing offers six further tubs such as a cypress log bath and a large barrel bath, bringing the total to eleven bathing options for onsen hopping. There is also a mist sauna and a reservable private bath called Goten no Yu, offered in set time slots for exclusive use; the spring is a sulfur‑containing sodium‑calcium chloride type, and the property lists traditional onsen benefits such as relief from fatigue, neuralgia and certain chronic conditions. This combination supports its positioning as a ryokan with private onsen in Yamagata for visitors seeking both communal and solitary thermal experiences.
Guest accommodation ranges from standard Japanese rooms to larger special suites, each equipped with modern comforts like climate control, toiletries, TV/DVD and typical ryokan amenities such as yukata and tea sets. Dining emphasizes seasonal Yamagata ingredients and regional specialties, including locally reared beef and vegetable dishes, with vegetarian options available on request with prior notice. Practical conveniences include on‑site parking and a station pickup service (reservation required), and the property is reachable from the Yamagata Shinkansen corridor in roughly two and a half hours from the Tokyo area, making it accessible for a multi‑day itinerary in the region.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori
Positive Reviews
Varied hot spring offerings
Large onsen facilities with multiple baths (each onsen offering around five different baths), providing a wide variety of bathing experiences.
Excellent, professional and accommodating staff
Staff were described as professional, friendly and attentive from arrival to departure, including thorough accommodation of special requests such as food allergies.
High-quality traditional meals in private setting
Kaiseki-style dinner and breakfast served in private rooms; food was praised as extremely tasty, plentiful and exceptional.
Generous complimentary extras and strong value
Many free extras were noted (welcome sake, free wine tasting, cakes and coffee, and mention of a free massage feature), combined with a historic atmosphere and very reasonable pricing.
Overall memorable experience
Guests reported a unique, highly enjoyable stay and expressed a desire to return, highlighting the overall positive impression of the ryokan.
Negative Reviews
Small in-room bathroom
Some guests wished the en-suite bathroom in the room had been larger, indicating limited space for comfort.
Noisy room doors at night
Interior room doors close loudly, which can make moving quietly at night (for example to use the toilet) difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room types range from twin rooms for two to Japanese-style family rooms with multiple futons that can sleep up to about 6–7 guests; confirm occupancy for each room type when booking.
The property has two main bath complexes (Higashi/East and Nishi/West) with multiple indoor and open-air baths, including large stone, cypress-log and barrel-shaped gensen baths; baths are refreshed daily.
The ryokan describes public indoor and open-air baths and does not list dedicated private-rental onsen; contact the property directly to request private use or special arrangements.
A free pickup from JR Akayu Station is available with prior reservation; there is no scheduled airport shuttle—Yamagata Airport is about a 50‑minute taxi ride away.
Take the Yamagata Shinkansen (Tsubasa) from Tokyo to JR Akayu Station (about 2.5 hours) and use the ryokan’s reserved pickup or a short taxi for the final leg.
The front desk has English-speaking staff and will use a translation app if an English speaker is not available.
The ryokan serves seasonal Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients and Yonezawa beef; vegetarian meals are available if requested at least three days in advance, and guests may bring their own food (not permitted in the evening dining hall).
Children of all ages are welcome, but cribs and extra beds are not available at the property.
Pets are not permitted; the property lists a minimarket on site for basic items.
Located in Akayu Onsen, the ryokan is convenient for Uesugi Shrine, Yonezawa and Lina World, and is within reach of Zao Onsen; local travel is by JR Akayu Station connections and taxis for day trips.