Yuuyu No Sato Yusa
8,6/10 Excellent - Based on 131 reviews
Yuuyu No Sato Yusa sits in the Kurosawa onsen district of Yamagata and presents itself as a contemporary take on a traditional inn, repositioned in recent years around an on-site café and bathing concept. The property draws its own hot spring water and offers a large public bath that looks toward the Zao mountain range, combining communal bathing with quieter café and reading spaces. This balance of facilities and atmosphere positions it as a ryokan with onsen Yamagata travelers often use as a base for exploring the region.
Facilities extend beyond the main baths: guests can use a garden sauna, a hot tub area and flexible communal spaces pushed by a café-library model that stocks several thousand books and manga, plus co‑working nooks and a children’s area. Dining is handled in a single on-site restaurant/café that serves breakfast and other meals, while select room types include private open‑air bathtubs for in‑room soaking; these room options make the property functionally a ryokan with private onsen Yamagata for travellers seeking more seclusion. Operational details note mixed use of public bathing and bookable in‑room baths.
Rooms range from Japanese‑style tatami layouts to larger suites with views; many guests highlight cleanliness and the calm communal spaces. Practical amenities include complimentary Wi‑Fi, on‑site parking and a 24‑hour front desk with English-speaking staff, and the property advertises both buffet and Asian-style breakfast services. Location-wise it sits within easy driving distance of Zao ski/onsen areas (around 12 km), is near Kaminoyama‑Onsen (roughly 6 km) and is accessible to Yamagata Station (about 8 km), making it convenient for day trips to local attractions such as Yamadera.
Highlights of this ryokan
Detailed Ratings
Points of interest nearby
Review summary for: Yuuyu No Sato Yusa
Positive Reviews
Very helpful, friendly staff
Multiple reviews highlight exceptionally kind and accommodating staff who go out of their way to assist guests, warmly receive late arrivals, and offer solutions (eg. room changes or earplugs) when needed.
Relaxing onsen, sauna and wellness facilities
Guests praise the onsen, private outdoor baths, sauna and hot spring water as very refreshing and conducive to relaxation; many mention the property as an ideal place to chill, read and unwind.
Excellent food and breakfast selection
Dinner (multi-course Japanese sets) and breakfast receive frequent praise for quality and variety; several guests said dinners exceeded expectations and breakfasts had a wide selection.
Family-friendly and good value for groups
The ryokan is noted as very family-friendly—kids’ facilities, play/reading areas, yukata rental for females, spacious rooms and available parking—making it suitable for groups and families at reasonable prices.
Unique, cozy communal spaces and design
Many reviewers enjoyed the hotel's distinctive interior (multi-floor library, warm common areas, cafe with free coffee/herb water), comfortable lounge wear and the homely atmosphere created by thoughtful design and tidy, clean rooms.
Negative Reviews
Difficult transport / remote location
Several guests reported the property is far from the main station, with limited transportation options and schedules (recommend taking a taxi); this makes day trips or transfers less convenient.
Occasional crowding in public onsen
A number of reviewers noted the public baths can get busy because day visitors may be allowed entry; limited shower/onsen capacity (one guest mentioned only six showers) can lead to peak-time congestion.
Room condition issues (some rooms feel outdated)
Multiple comments mention older or dated rooms and controls, and that some regular rooms are less modern than suites; guests suggested selective renovation would improve comfort.
Bedding, pillows and occasional odors
A few guests reported uncomfortable beds or blankets, pillows with minor smells, or room odors reminiscent of plumbing in some rooms, prompting them to use extra duvets or request alternatives.
Thin walls / potential noise for light sleepers
Some reviewers experienced noise from neighbouring rooms (eg. crying children or hallway light/steam of light) and recommended earplugs or room changes for sensitive/light sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Room capacity varies by room type—check each room’s description for the maximum number of guests. Children of all ages are welcome, but extra beds and cots are not available and children aged 6 and older are charged as adults.
Yes — the property has natural hot spring baths including an indoor onsen, open-air rotenburo with mountain views, sauna facilities and a hot tub. Some room types also include a private open-air bath.
There is no regularly scheduled airport shuttle listed; the ryokan is about 33 km from Yamagata Airport. Shuttle or pickup for groups may be possible by prior arrangement—contact the property to confirm availability.
The ryokan is roughly a 15-minute drive from Yamagata Station and about 6 km from Kaminoyama-Onsen Station; local buses and taxis serve the area. Driving is convenient and free on-site parking is provided.
Front‑desk staff speak Japanese and English and can provide basic assistance and local information. For detailed requests, it’s best to notify the property in advance.
The property blends ryokan hospitality with hotel comforts, offering hot springs, a library lounge with thousands of books, an on‑site café, sauna garden and family-friendly spaces. Seasonal local cuisine and relaxation-focused amenities are emphasized.
Nearby highlights include Zao Onsen and its ski area, Yama‑dera temple, Kaminoyama‑Onsen and the Lina World amusement park. The ryokan’s location also affords scenic views of the Zao mountain range.
Standard check‑in is from 15:00 with last check‑in around 20:00, and check‑out is by 10:00. If you expect to arrive after the stated check‑in window, notify the ryokan in advance to make arrangements.
Some guest rooms have private open‑air baths for exclusive use, while the public baths and café facilities are shared and may accept day visitors; ask the property about reservable private options. Pets are not permitted, and convenience stores or supermarkets are available in the nearby Yamagata area while the ryokan provides on‑site dining and a café.
The ryokan offers breakfast (buffet or Asian style) and an on‑site restaurant with seasonal Japanese and European dishes, plus an on‑site café open for day guests. Special dietary requests can be arranged if communicated to the property in advance.