Enjoy 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 8/26/2026
  • It 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
Open-air bath / Free-flowing hot spring / Large public bath / Private bath / Within a 5-minute walk to the convenience store. / Free shuttle service
IN15:00~18:00
OUT10:00
Number of rooms21 rooms
PetNot allowed
Your childPermitted
  • Japanese-style Room
  • Capacity 1~3 people

【No Meals Included】No Meal Plan - Advance Payment Only

IN 15:00~18:00
OUT 10:00
¥31,900
No meals ; 2 peopleTax included¥31,262
(USD 203.23)

【One Night with Breakfast】Enjoy a healthy Japanese set meal featuring local ingredients and dishes ~ Check-in available until 10 PM!

IN 15:00~22:00
OUT 10:00
¥36,300
Breakfast included ; 2 peopleTax included¥35,574
(USD 231.26)

【No Meals Included】No Meal Plan - Advance Payment Only

IN 15:00~18:00
OUT 10:00
¥36,300
No meals ; 2 peopleTax included¥35,574
(USD 231.26)

【One Night with Breakfast】Enjoy a healthy Japanese set meal featuring local ingredients and dishes ~ Check-in available until 10 PM!

IN 15:00~22:00
OUT 10:00
¥40,700
Breakfast included ; 2 peopleTax included¥39,886
(USD 259.29)

【No Meals Included】No Meal Plan - Advance Payment Only

IN 15:00~18:00
OUT 10:00
¥36,300
No meals ; 2 peopleTax included¥35,574
(USD 231.26)

【One Night with Breakfast】Enjoy a healthy Japanese set meal featuring local ingredients and dishes ~ Check-in available until 10 PM!

IN 15:00~22:00
OUT 10:00
¥40,700
Breakfast included ; 2 peopleTax included¥39,886
(USD 259.29)

Best-Selling Stays

Stays Popular For Natural Hot Springs

Accommodation With Delicious Meat Dishes

Accommodation With Easy Access To Public Transportation

Accommodation With Allergy-Friendly Meals

Introduction of the Accommodation

【Japanese-Style Room 10-15 Tatami Mats】Tranquil and Authentic Japanese Design
【Open-Air Bath】A stunning bath carved out of an 18-ton Zao Metosuki stone
【Private Bath】Relax with natural hot spring water flowing directly from our own source
【Semi-Open-Air Bath Guest Room】Relax and unwind in a spacious bath *Please note this is not an Onsen.
[Japanese-Western Style Room, 15 Tatami Mats] Enjoy a restful sleep on Simmons mattresses.
【Japanese-Style Room 10-15 Tatami Mats】Tranquil and Authentic Japanese Design
【Open-Air Bath】A stunning bath carved out of an 18-ton Zao Metosuki stone

【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

Exhibition Corner Related to Mokichi Saito, a Poet Associated with Our Facility

【Accommodation Associated with Mokichi Saito, the Local Poet】

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.

A serene and tranquil atmosphere throughout the property
We also feature traditional Japanese poems, haiku, and tanka composed by our guests or their children.
Waka poems composed by our guests during their stay are displayed throughout the facility.
Enjoy a rich time embracing the gentle transitions of the four seasons.
A serene and tranquil atmosphere throughout the property
We also feature traditional Japanese poems, haiku, and tanka composed by our guests or their children.

We also feature traditional Japanese poems, haiku, and tanka composed by our guests or their children.

Experience the Essence of Japanese Culture: Enjoy Creating Haiku and Tanka Poems

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
    The room
  • Hot Springs & Baths
    Hot Springs & Baths
  • Facilities & Services
    Facilities & Services
  • Meal
    Meal

Basic Information

TaxesA Hot Spring Tax of 150 yen will be charged on-site.
Card information
VISA / MASTER / JCB / AMEX / DINERS / UnionPay / Debit card
Pets
Not allowed
BreakfastJapanese 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
  • ○ Shampoo · conditioner
  • ○ Body soap · soap
  • ○ Towel · Bath towel
  • × Body towel · sponge
  • ○ Toothbrush set
  • ○ Comb · Brush
  • ○ Shower cap
  • ○ Hair dryer
  • ○ Shaving
  • × Shaving Gel/Foam
  • × Bath additives
  • ○ Yukata
  • × Nightwear
  • × Bathrobe
  • × Slippers
  • ○ facial cleanser
  • ○ Toner
  • ○ Lotion
  • ○ Makeup remover
  • ○ Cotton swab
  • ○ Cotton
  • × Clothing deodorizing spray
  • ○ Refrigerator
  • × Minibar
  • ○ Electric kettle
  • ○ Tea set (free)
  • ○ Television
  • ○ Safe
  • ○ Scale
  • × Trouser press
  • × Free morning edition
  • × Pay-per-view broadcast
  • ○ Satellite broadcasting
  • × Video on Demand
  • × Radio
  • × CD player
  • × DVD player
  • × Blu-ray player
  • × Speakers for portable audio
  • × In-room PCs and tablets
Facilities and Features
  • ○ Hot spring
  • × Rooms with open-air baths available
  • ○ Open-air bath
  • ○ Free-flowing hot spring
  • ○ Large public bath
  • ○ Private bath
  • × Sauna
  • × Ganbanyoku (rock bathing)
  • × Within a 5-minute walk from the station
  • ○ Within a 5-minute walk to the convenience store.
  • × Indoor pool
  • × Outdoor pool
  • × Pet-friendly
  • × Spa facility
  • × Fitness
  • ○ Free shuttle service
  • × Shuttle Service (Paid)
  • × Room service
  • × Room Service Available 24 Hours
  • × Barrier-free
  • × Childcare services
Esthetic Massage
None
Fitness gym
None
Public Bath
The number of Public Bath
2
Business Hours
---
Hot spring
Available
Free-flowing
Available
Milky hot spring water
Available
Additional Information
100% natural hot spring
Remarks
Available 24 hours a day. (No switching between men and women.) * As the water is not diluted, heated, or recirculated, the temperature may vary slightly depending on the spring’s temperature and weather conditions on the day. * Metals (except gold and platinum) may rust; please remove accessories before bathing.
Open-air bath
The number of Open-air bath
4
Business Hours
---
Hot spring
Available
Free-flowing
Available
Milky hot spring water
Available
Additional Information
100% natural hot spring
Remarks
■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.
Private bath
The number of Private bath
2
Business Hours
---
Hot spring
Available
Free-flowing
Available
Milky hot spring water
Available
Additional Information
100% natural hot spring
Remarks
■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.
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"
In some facilities, heating or adding water for temperature adjustment may be performed. Additionally, please note that in some parts of the facility, the hot spring water may not be free-flowing from the source. For more details, please contact each facility.

SaunaNone
Hot stone spaNone
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

Overall Score
4.66
Wonderful (38)
  • Rooms & Amenities
    4.68
  • Facility
    4.47
  • Hospitality & Service
    4.68
  • Meals
    4.71
  • Onsen & Bath
    4.68
  • Satisfaction
    4.71

*Reviews that have been translated from Japanese.*

*Showing only reviews from 一休.com (Japanese) and Yahoo!トラベル.*

Access Information

Address
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
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.

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.

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