รีวิวและความประทับใจจากผู้เข้าพักที่ Zao Shiki no Hotel

The Zao no Kaze Group!

One of three group Hotels in Zao. With the hot-spring hopping pass, you can enjoy the Onsen at each Hotel. The International Hotel, as expected, has a large public bath and a “snow-viewing bath” featured on TV. Omiya Ryokan has a nostalgic atmosphere, and Shiki no Hotel offers carefully selected free-flowing hot spring water in its annex. It warms you to the core, so you’re less likely to get chilled even when walking outside. Since I was staying here after Omiya Ryokan, I took the ropeway to the summit to see the snow monsters and came back down—but it was still too early for check-in. I thought I’d wait in the lobby, but even though it was before 2:00 PM, they said, “Your Room is ready,” and let me in. They even upgraded me to a Room with a massage chair! My final day in Yamagata started on a high note. I strolled over to the International Hotel with my bath basket (they also offer Shuttle Service if you ask). The last uphill stretch is pretty tough, but it’s good exercise. The Room had Ryukyu tatami mats that made it very relaxing. Near the summit station (mid-March), there were only thin snow monsters left—but I watched real thick, impressive ones on the Hotel’s snow-monster channel instead (laugh). Still, even the thinner ones at the top were more than enough for tourists to enjoy—and maybe it was better without long ropeway lines. For dinner I chose the quality-over-quantity course: Yamagata beef filet steak! Tender and delicious. Even after soaking in the bath, both teppanyaki aromas and sulfur smells clung to me—I felt like I smelled funny (laugh). Dinner also included Yamagata’s famous imoni stew—my favorite inland-style flavor (soy sauce & beef). They let guests decide when to light it up at the table, so I could eat it while it was truly hot—much appreciated. I headed to breakfast looking forward to its great reputation. In a spacious dining area with views of falling snow outside, I enjoyed a relaxed meal. There was an excellent variety of Japanese/Western/Chinese options; since I don’t eat much, I tried many different dishes in small bites each time. From 10:00 AM checkout until the Shuttle Service bus to Yamagata Station (1:00 PM), I took a walk along Takayu Street to buy inkamochi recommended by this Accommodation. After that I considered visiting a nearby pond by the Hotel but gave up because of heavy snow buildup making access difficult up close. After waiting until 11:30 AM when bath cleaning finished, I enjoyed one last Onsen soak and then they drove me to Yamagata Station via Shuttle Service . Thank you very much for everything!