- Home
- Nationwide Ryokan
- Tohoku Ryokan
- Yamagata Ryokan
- Zao · Tendo · Kaminoyama Ryokan
- Zao Onsen Uta no Yado Wakamatsuya
Zao Onsen Uta no Yado Wakamatsuya
Yamagata Prefecture/Zao OnsenEnjoy the seasonal nature and ingredients at Zao Onsen, a renowned hot spring in Yamagata.
Located on a hill in Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, the traditional accommodation "Wakamatsuya" is associated with Mokichi Saito, a renowned local poet. Established in 1655 (Meireki 1), it is one of the most historic accommodations in Zao Onsen and has been cherished by many guests over the years. Enjoy the luxurious natural onsen with 100% pure spring water flowing directly into our "Large Stone Carved Open-Air Bath." Relax in guest rooms offering views of Mount Zao, one of Japan's top 100 mountains. Savor seasonal Yamagata cuisine and experience heartfelt hospitality for a truly soothing stay.
This was my first stay here, and I was able to relax very comfortably.Not only were the meals and the Onsen wonderful, but the staff were also very courteous and attentive.
縁起だるま 8/26/2026It was my first time staying in Zao Onsen. The meals and the Onsen were excellent. In particular, I really enjoyed relaxing on my own in the private family bath; with its high metasilicic acid content, it left my skin smooth and felt wonderful. The food suited my taste and was delicious. I’ll be back again, perhaps in autumn.
熊大 8/2/2026
Facilities and Services
See All- Hot spring
| IN | 15:00~18:00 |
|---|---|
| OUT | 10:00 |
| Number of rooms | 21 rooms |
| Pet | Not allowed |
| Your child | Permitted |
Photo
See AllBest-Selling Stays
Stays Proud Of Onsen
Stays Popular For Natural Hot Springs
Accommodation With Delicious Meat Dishes
Gourmet Stays
Japanese-Style Resort Accommodation
Accommodation With Mountain Views
Barrier-Free Onsen Accommodation
Accommodation With Easy Access To Public Transportation
Accommodation With Allergy-Friendly Meals
Introduction of the Accommodation




![[Japanese-Western Style Room, 15 Tatami Mats] Enjoy a restful sleep on Simmons mattresses.](https://www.img-ikyu.com/contents/dg/guide/acc1/00002231/img/a_tp_04_250911.jpg?auto=compress,format&lossless=0&fit=crop&w=1400&h=568)


【Open-Air Bath】A stunning bath carved out of an 18-ton Zao Metosuki stone
Relax and unwind in our 100% natural hot spring baths, flowing directly from our private source. Enjoy the breathtaking seasonal views of the Zao Mountain Range from your room. Savor exquisite dishes crafted with Yamagata's freshest seasonal ingredients, presented with meticulous attention to detail for a feast for all five senses. Indulge in a blissful moment that soothes both your mind and body.

Exhibition Corner Related to Mokichi Saito, a Poet Associated with Our Facility
Saito Mokichi, a poet who deeply loved nature and expressed its grandeur and beauty in his works, was inspired by the majestic land of Arashi Zao. This land not only nurtured Mokichi's sensitivity but also touched the hearts of many other renowned poets throughout history. The admiration for nature reflected in their poetry continues to soothe hearts and inspire new poetic expressions even today. Our accommodation, closely associated with Mokichi, showcases his handwritten works along with various items related to traditional Japanese poetry. We aim to share the unchanging warmth of this heritage alongside the blessings of our hot springs. |Saito Mokichi (1882–1953) Born on May 14, 1882, in Kanakame Village (now Kaminoyama City), Minamimurayama District. Inspired by Masaoka Shiki's posthumous collection "Take no Sato Uta" during his time at Kaisei Middle School and First High School, he aspired to compose poetry. While studying medicine at Tokyo Imperial University Medical School, he became a disciple of Ito Sachio and joined "Araragi" upon its founding as one of its prominent poets. Alongside his career as a physician, he published his first poetry collection "Shakko" in 1913 (Taisho 2). He continued publishing collections based on the universal theory of "Shaseiron," establishing himself as a leading figure in modern tanka poetry.






We also feature traditional Japanese poems, haiku, and tanka composed by our guests or their children.
We provide tanzaku paper and brush pens in honor of the poet Mokichi Saito, who is associated with our establishment. Why not try composing a tanka, haiku, or senryu as part of your travel experience? During your stay, your poems may be displayed throughout the facility, including at "Yukoji Gallery."
Facilities and Equipment of Accommodation
- The room
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Facilities & Services
- Meal
Basic Information
| Taxes | A Hot Spring Tax of 150 yen will be charged on-site. |
|---|---|
| Card information | VISA / MASTER / JCB / AMEX / DINERS / UnionPay / Debit card |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Breakfast | Japanese set meals are available. |
| Your child | You can stay. Some rooms and plans do not accommodate children.
If your search criteria do not match, you will not be able to complete the Reservation. |
| Room service | Not available |
| Common amenities |
|
| Facilities and Features |
|
| Esthetic Massage | None |
| Fitness gym | None |
| Public Bath |
|
| Open-air bath |
|
| Private bath |
|
| Spring quality and benefits | Sulfur Spring, Acidic Alum Spring, Acidic Green Vitriol Spring Neuralgia, Rheumatism / Hypertension, Stroke / Trauma, Fractures, Burns / Hemorrhoids / Gynecological Disorders / Diabetes, Obesity / Recovery from Illness, Stress Relief / Motor Function Disorders / Joint Pain / Muscle Pain / Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) / Digestive Issues / Neuralgia (Nerve Pain) / Wounds and Injuries (Bruises) / Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries) / Sensitivity to Cold ※Regarding the notation of "Gensen Kakenagashi" |
| Sauna | None |
| Hot stone spa | None |
| Others | *Some plans are limited to cash payment only (credit cards and other forms of payment are not accepted). |
| About Hygiene Measures | (1) COVID-19 Measures at Our Facility
・Temperature check devices are available at the entrance, and hand sanitizers are placed throughout the facility. Please feel free to use them as needed.
・We regularly ventilate and sanitize the premises.
・To respect your time, we will refrain from escorting you to your Room. Information regarding your stay will be provided at the counter during check-in. Rest assured, our staff will carry your luggage before or after you enter your Room.
(2) Requests for Guests
・Wearing a mask is optional; however, we kindly ask for consideration towards other guests. If you forget a mask, please feel free to request one at the front desk.
・Please refrain from loud conversations in the public bath area.
・When conversing in dining areas, we ask for your consideration of other guests around you.
Updated on 2024/6/22 |
Reviews
- Rooms & Amenities4.68
- Facility4.47
- Hospitality & Service4.68
- Meals4.71
- Onsen & Bath4.68
- Satisfaction4.71
*Reviews that have been translated from Japanese.*
*Showing only reviews from 一休.com (Japanese) and Yahoo!トラベル.*
Access Information
Yamagata Prefecture951-1, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City
TEL:+81-23-694-9525
【By Car】Approximately 15 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC, or approximately 25 minutes via the free Nishi-Zao Expressway from Yamagata Zao IC.
【By Train】Take the Zao Onsen route bus from Yamagata Station and get off at the final stop, Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. A 3-minute walk from there (Shuttle Service available; please call upon arrival).
- Parking Information
- Fee
- Free for guests
- Parking time
- Available for use during your stay.
- Parking space
- No restrictions
- Number of parking spaces
- 60 cars available outdoor
- Valet service
- Unavailable
There is a primary parking lot in front of the building, and if it is full, we will guide you to the secondary parking lot.
- Pickup and drop-off information
- Available (Free)We will pick you up at Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Please call us upon your arrival. Shuttle Service is available year-round to Zao Ropeway, Zao Sky Cable, and Zao Chuo Ropeway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please provide information about Open-air bath.
・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: Available ・Cloudy hot spring water: Available ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring ■Open 24 hours a day. (No switching between men’s and women’s bathing times.) *As the water is not diluted, heated, or circulated, the temperature may vary slightly depending on the spring temperature and weather conditions on the day. *Metal items (except gold and platinum) may rust; please remove accessories before bathing.
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: Sulfur Spring, Acidic Alum Spring, Acidic Green Vitriol Spring ・Spring efficacy: Neuralgia, Rheumatism / Hypertension, Stroke / Trauma, Fractures, Burns / Hemorrhoids / Gynecological Disorders / Diabetes, Obesity / Recovery from Illness, Stress Relief / Motor Function Disorders / Joint Pain / Muscle Pain / Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) / Digestive Issues / Neuralgia (Nerve Pain) / Wounds and Injuries (Bruises) / Arteriosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries) / Sensitivity to Cold
What kind of facilities and features are available?
There are the following facilities and features. Hot spring・Open-air bath・Free-flowing hot spring・Large public bath・Private bath・Within a 5-minute walk to the convenience store.・Free shuttle service
I would like to know the access information.
【By Car】Approximately 15 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC, or approximately 25 minutes via the free Nishi-Zao Expressway from Yamagata Zao IC. 【By Train】Take the Zao Onsen route bus from Yamagata Station and get off at the final stop, Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. A 3-minute walk from there (Shuttle Service available; please call upon arrival).
Is parking available?
・Fee: Free for guests ・Parking Hours: Available for use during your stay. ・Parking space: Length --- Vehicle width --- Vehicle height --- ・Number of parking spaces: 60 cars ・Valet Service: Unavailable You can use the facilities for free before check-in and after check-out. There is a primary parking lot in front of the building, and if it is full, we will guide you to the secondary parking lot.
Please provide information about Private bath.
・Hot spring: Available ・Free-flowing: Available ・Cloudy hot spring water: Available ・Supplementary information: 100% natural hot spring ■The bath can accommodate 4–5 guests at a time. ■Reservations are not accepted; when it is available, please lock the door and use it. ■Available 24 hours a day, free of charge.
Is an internet connection available?
Connection is possible. ・Wi-Fi is available. For more details, please refer to the room and plan information.
What kind of hygiene management is being conducted?
(1) COVID-19 Measures at Our Facility ・Temperature check devices are available at the entrance, and hand sanitizers are placed throughout the facility. Please feel free to use them as needed. ・We regularly ventilate and sanitize the premises. ・To respect your time, we will refrain from escorting you to your Room. Information regarding your stay will be provided at the counter during check-in. Rest assured, our staff will carry your luggage before or after you enter your Room. (2) Requests for Guests ・Wearing a mask is optional; however, we kindly ask for consideration towards other guests. If you forget a mask, please feel free to request one at the front desk. ・Please refrain from loud conversations in the public bath area. ・When conversing in dining areas, we ask for your consideration of other guests around you. Updated on 2024/6/22
Search by Theme
- Accommodation For Snow Monsters
- Sulfur Hot Spring Accommodation
- Stays Popular For Natural Hot Springs
- Onsen Accommodation By Water Quality
- Historic Stays
- Accommodation Convenient for Snow Monster Tours
- Convenient Accommodation For Famous Mountain Sightseeing
- Accommodation With Scenic Ropeway Views
- Accommodation For Relieving Fatigue After Mountain Climbing
- Accommodation With Unique Onsen
- Accommodation With Onsen For Joint Pain
- Stays Proud Of Onsen
- Accommodation With Snow Views
- Accommodation By Onsen Benefits
- Recommended For Skiing
- Accommodation With Hot Spring Town Ambience
- Accommodation With Famous Onsen
- Accommodation With Private Family Bath
- Accommodation With Relaxing Welcome Lounge
- Winter Accommodation
- Accommodation With Separate Bath And Toilet
- Accommodation With Onsen For Neuralgia
- Stays Popular for Private Baths
- Private Relaxing Accommodation
- Relaxation Accommodation
- Calm Accommodation For Guests In Their 50s
- Accommodation For Snowboarding
- Accommodation With Cuisine Using Domestic Ingredients
- Japanese Luxury Accommodation
- Extraordinary Stays






![[Private Dining Room]](https://www.img-ikyu.com/contents/common/image/acc1/00002231/4/org/13534261.jpg?auto=compress,format&lossless=0&fit=crop&w=200&h=200&q=30)






