Enjoy a moment of traditional Japanese beauty at a long-established Ryokan in historic Zao Onsen.
A long-established Ryokan with a history of around 300 years, watching over Zao Onsen through the ages. In the detached annex villa “HINA-KURA,” a traditional storehouse has been fully renovated into a private retreat, featuring an open-air bath in your Room with free-flowing hot spring water direct from the source. Enjoy an exclusive stay in a Room with a dignified presence shaped by history. Savor our own natural hot spring that continues to flow after centuries, along with beautifully presented mountain delicacies, and spend a refined holiday in a nostalgic space where traditional beauty and innovative design coexist.
I enjoyed soaking in Zao Onsen’s strongly acidic, milky-white water with a distinct sulfur scent—this is what an Onsen should be like.Since it’s an old building, there are countless flaws if you start pointing them out, so I stayed while telling myself that’s just how it is.The staff work hard, but not at a level that truly impresses.The meals featured many local specialties and were good, but the rice—the most important part—was too firm at dinner and far too soft at breakfast.This Accommodation is recommended for those who love Onsen.
shayashi 7/22/2026The acidic Onsen I’d heard about was amazing!The large public bath was not crowded, so I could soak and relax at my own pace.At night, the wind and snowstorm were intense, and dust from the attic blew in through drafts from gaps in the room. This triggered my house dust allergy symptoms. I understand it was a difficult time of year to clean due to the seasonal change, but this was disappointing.The meals were very delicious, but dinner in particular was quite large—I couldn’t finish one dish that came after the main meat course. Offering an option to choose might be a good idea.
りそや 3/23/2026
Facilities and Services
See All- Hot spring
- Room with Open-Air Bath
| IN | 15:00～18:00 |
|---|---|
| OUT | 10:00 |
| Number of rooms | 18 rooms |
| Pet | Not allowed |
| Your child | Not allowed |
| We kindly ask that children aged 12 and under do not stay at this Accommodation. |
Photo
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![[Yumori] The temperature is adjusted by the amount of hot spring water.](https://www.img-ikyu.com/contents/common/image/acc0/00001990/0/org/10558398.jpg?auto=compress,format&lossless=0&fit=crop&w=200&h=200&q=30)
- Japanese-Western room
- 30㎡
- Capacity 2 people
- Japanese-style Room
- 43㎡
- Capacity 2~5 people
- Japanese-style Room
- 32㎡
- Capacity 2~6 people
Best-Selling Stays
Stays Proud Of Onsen
Rooms With Open-Air Baths Popular At Stays
Stays With High Ratings
Gourmet Stays
Accommodation With Pillow Selection For Better Sleep
Accommodation Easily Accessible Without A Rental Car
Stays Popular For Natural Hot Springs
Barrier-Free Onsen Accommodation
Accommodation With Seasonal Views
Introduction of the Accommodation
In our atmospheric, traditional Japanese wooden building, enjoy a soothing stay as time passes quietly. Refined interiors crafted by traditional artisans will remind you of the beauty of Japan’s timeless heritage.
Since our founding, our private hot spring source has flowed abundantly without interruption, and is fed directly—pure and unblended—into nine uniquely designed baths. The milky, mineral-rich waters with natural “yunohana” deposits have captivated and been cherished by guests for generations: a truly authentic Onsen. Relax at your own pace and savor a soothing soak that gently unwinds body and mind.
All 23 guest rooms each offer a distinct style—Japanese-style rooms, Japanese-Western rooms, maisonettes with open-air baths, and detached annex villas—so every visit feels fresh and inspiring.
Blessed with pure spring water from majestic mountains and fertile land, Yamagata is home to exceptional mountain flavors. Centered on these local ingredients, our richly nourishing kaiseki cuisine is crafted using traditional regional techniques and cooking methods that bring out the natural taste of each ingredient.
Group Hotel List
Annex Villa Yama no Toki
An all-inclusive Accommodation in a secluded hot spring retreat in Yamagata, wrapped in tranquility. Enjoy complimentary drinks at dinner and in the “Satoyama” lounge, as well as an Onsen-hopping experience at nearby Accommodations—designed to help you make the most of your stay. Spend a leisurely, luxurious time that delights both body and mind at the remote Shirabu Onsen.
Takamiya Yunohama Terrace Western Tea House
A stylish auberge where you can savor Yamagata’s finest cuisine while gazing out over the Sea of Japan. Enjoy the rich bounty of Shonai—brought to life through diverse local ingredients and the chef’s inspiration—in our restaurant with sunset views.
Takamiya Mogamigawa Bettei Benishiro
This Ryokan offers sweeping views of the Mogami River from throughout the Facility. Feel the breeze on your skin and let yourself be embraced by the elegant scenery of the Mogami River, as your mind gently unwinds in its timeless flow. Please enjoy a quiet, unhurried stay while reflecting on the history that has been passed down through generations.
Sakurayu Sanshuyu
All Rooms feature a private open-air bath, and in-Room dining lets you savor Yamagata’s seasonal flavors at “Nagomi no Shitei.” Enjoy a stay where your wishes come true—relaxed and at ease, as if spending time in another home.
Atsumi Onsen Takamiya Bettei Kuon
A modern designer Ryokan born in Atsumi Onsen, a historic hot spring with 1,000 years of tradition. Soothe yourself in Atsumi’s gentle waters, savor the bounty of the Sea of Japan and the cuisine of Shonai—known as a culinary capital—and unwind in spacious guest rooms for a truly relaxing stay.
Takamiya Rurikura Resort
A designer resort by world-renowned architect the late Kenzo Tange. Its distinctive exterior and arched restaurant create a true resort atmosphere. The views from the upper floors are exceptional. Enjoy the flavors of Zao and a relaxing getaway with soothing time at Zao Onsen.
Mikiya Sansorai
An Accommodation where time flows gently in a single-story space that blends into the rural landscape. Savor meals featuring “Sato no Minori” ingredients delivered from our home garden and rice fields, unwind in free-flowing hot spring water, and spend a relaxing moment at your own pace in a traditional setting that evokes Japanese charm.
Facilities and Equipment of Accommodation
- The room
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Facilities & Services
- Meal
Basic Information
| Taxes | A Hot Spring Tax of JPY 150 must be paid separately on-site. |
|---|---|
| Card information | VISA / MASTER / JCB / AMEX / DINERS |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Breakfast | There is no information about breakfast. |
| Your child | You cannot stay. We kindly ask that children aged 12 and under do not stay at this Accommodation. |
| Room service | Not available |
| Common amenities |
|
| Facilities and Features |
|
| Esthetic Massage | None |
| Fitness gym | None |
| Public Bath |
|
| Open-air bath |
|
| Private bath |
|
| Room with Open-Air Bath |
|
| Spring quality and benefits | Hydrogen sulfide-containing strongly acidic alum and green vitriol spring Gastrointestinal illness, eye conditions, injuries, and skin-beautifying benefits ※Regarding the notation of "Gensen Kakenagashi" |
| Sauna | None |
| Hot stone spa | None |
Reviews
- Rooms & Amenities4.26
- Facility4.17
- Hospitality & Service4.61
- Meals4.70
- Onsen & Bath4.83
- Satisfaction4.48
*Reviews that have been translated from Japanese.*
*Showing only reviews from 一休.com (Japanese) and Yahoo!トラベル.*
Access Information
Yamagata Prefecture54 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City
TEL：+81-23-610-9602
■By Car
From all directions (Tohoku Expressway):
- Murata JCT (Yamagata Expressway) → Yamagata-Zao IC → National Route 13 / local roads → our Accommodation
- Fukushima-Iizaka IC → National Route 13 (via Yonezawa City) / local roads → our Accommodation
- Murata IC → Zao Echo Line → our Accommodation
*The Zao Echo Line is closed in winter (November to late April).*
*If you are arriving by car, we will provide detailed directions to the parking area. On the day of your stay, once you reach the area near the “Zao Onsen Yamagata Kotsu Bus Terminal,” please contact us.*
*After you arrive at the parking area, our staff will carry your luggage and escort you to our Accommodation.*
■By Train
- Tokyo Station (Yamagata Shinkansen) → Yamagata Station
- Sendai Station (Senzan Line) → Yamagata Station
- Niigata Station (Uetsu Main Line / Yonesaka Line) → Yonezawa Station (Ou Main Line) → Yamagata Station
Yamagata Station (50 min by bus) → Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (5 min on foot) → our Accommodation
*Free Shuttle Service is available from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.*
Please call us upon arrival at Yamagata Station and again when you arrive at the terminal.
■By Airplane
- Yamagata Airport (~50 min by car) → our Accommodation
- Shonai Airport (~1 hr 30 min by car) → our Accommodation
- Sendai Airport (~2 hr 30 min by car) → our Accommodation
- Parking Information
- Fee
- Free for guests
- Parking time
- Free during your stay
- Parking space
- No restrictions
- Number of parking spaces
- 20 cars available outdoor
- Valet service
- Unavailable
- Pickup and drop-off information
- Available (Free)We offer a free Shuttle Service from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.
Please call us when you arrive at Yamagata Station and again when you arrive at the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please provide information about Open-air bath.
・Business Hours: 00:00～24:00 ・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: Available ・Cloudy hot spring water: Available ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring Bathing is available 24 hours a day. *Please note that cleaning may take place during certain hours. ■ Choju-no-Yu: Main Building, 1st floor (gender-swapping schedule) *The open-air bath at Choju-no-Yu is limited to one area. ■ Seseragi-no-Yu: Rian Sansui, 1st floor (gender-swapping schedule)
What are the qualities and benefits of the hot spring water?
The spring quality and efficacy of the hot spring are as follows. ・Spring quality: Hydrogen sulfide-containing strongly acidic alum and green vitriol spring ・Spring efficacy: Gastrointestinal illness, eye conditions, injuries, and skin-beautifying benefits
What kind of facilities and features are available?
There are the following facilities and features. Hot spring・Rooms with open-air baths available・Open-air bath・Free-flowing hot spring・Large public bath・Private bath・Free shuttle service
I would like to know the access information.
■By Car From all directions (Tohoku Expressway): - Murata JCT (Yamagata Expressway) → Yamagata-Zao IC → National Route 13 / local roads → our Accommodation - Fukushima-Iizaka IC → National Route 13 (via Yonezawa City) / local roads → our Accommodation - Murata IC → Zao Echo Line → our Accommodation *The Zao Echo Line is closed in winter (November to late April).* *If you are arriving by car, we will provide detailed directions to the parking area. On the day of your stay, once you reach the area near the “Zao Onsen Yamagata Kotsu Bus Terminal,” please contact us.* *After you arrive at the parking area, our staff will carry your luggage and escort you to our Accommodation.* ■By Train - Tokyo Station (Yamagata Shinkansen) → Yamagata Station - Sendai Station (Senzan Line) → Yamagata Station - Niigata Station (Uetsu Main Line / Yonesaka Line) → Yonezawa Station (Ou Main Line) → Yamagata Station Yamagata Station (50 min by bus) → Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (5 min on foot) → our Accommodation *Free Shuttle Service is available from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.* Please call us upon arrival at Yamagata Station and again when you arrive at the terminal. ■By Airplane - Yamagata Airport (~50 min by car) → our Accommodation - Shonai Airport (~1 hr 30 min by car) → our Accommodation - Sendai Airport (~2 hr 30 min by car) → our Accommodation
Is parking available?
・Fee： Free for guests ・Parking Hours： Free during your stay ・Parking space： Length --- Vehicle width --- Vehicle height --- ・Number of parking spaces： 20 cars ・Valet Service： Unavailable
Please provide information about Private bath.
・Business Hours: 14:00～22:00 ・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: Available ・Cloudy hot spring water: Available ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring Kibi Tagayu (Shigaraki-ware bathtub) — Separate Annex Sansui, 1st floor *Paid service: 50 minutes / 3,000 yen *Please make a Reservation at the front desk on the day of use (first-come, first-served).
Is an internet connection available?
Connection is possible. ・Wi-Fi is available. For more details, please refer to the room and plan information.
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