Mokichi Memorial Museum Station × Accommodation With Private Hot Spring SourceRecommended Hotel·Ryokan

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.

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.

A Ryokan with its own natural Onsen source. The unique milky-white Onsen of Zao is strongly acidic with numerous benefits, and the sulfur aroma delights Onsen enthusiasts. With abundant water flow, it is, of course, 100% sourced directly. As the name suggests, enjoy the Onsen with all "five senses."

A 15-minute drive from Yamagata Station. Enjoy a cozy Onsen getaway at a fully indoor resort—comfortable in both sunny and rainy weather. Orchard × craft × café, a large bath with our own hot spring source, and beautifully presented dishes featuring Yamagata beef. In December 2022, the ofuro café opened inside the property! At Yuyu no Sato Yusa, our highlights—“the top-floor large bath with views of the Zao mountain range” and “Japanese set meals featuring Yamagata beef and Yonezawa beef”—are now enhanced with even more fun from the ofuro café.Guests can use the ofuro café for free before check-in from 10:30 on the day of arrival! Enjoy one of Tohoku’s largest collections with 8,000 books while sipping complimentary coffee or detox water. In our large sauna—the first in Yamagata Prefecture to offer self löyly—we also host heat-wave sessions using fruit aromas! Draft beer and fruit liqueurs are also free! A guest-only lounge is available—spend a relaxing time at Yuyu no Sato Yusa.

A long-established Ryokan in the Zao Onsen town with a proud history of over 1,000 years. The retro interior, filled with Taisho-era charm, features tatami flooring throughout the building. Enjoy our private hot spring source, producing an abundant 720 liters per minute, along with carefully crafted dishes made with delicious local ingredients.

The 100% natural source onsen bath flows without adding water or heating, allowing you to enjoy the high-quality onsen of Zao.Milky white cloudy water that lets you feel the four seasons.Zao Onsen was discovered 1900 years ago by Kibi Takayoshi during Yamato Takeru's eastern expedition.