สถานีสึตานิ × ที่พักขายดีใน 24 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมามีคะแนนอาหารสูงโรงแรม·เรียวกัง

For Yamagata, a paradise of Onsen, it's a bit disappointing that the large public bath uses Onsen additives. However, the breakfast menu is abundant and includes local gourmet dishes. The front desk staff are very kind and attentive. The room was clean and comfortable.

I love mountains and rivers, and this was my first stay because you can see both from the Room. As expected, you can see the Mogami River from the Room window, the open-air bath, and the dining area. I could also see the torii gate across the river. With only a small number of Rooms, I was truly able to relax. The Room had a lovely Tsugaru lacquerware sweets container. The open-air bath was quite hot so I didn’t stay in long, but my skin still felt wonderfully smooth afterward. One thing I personally appreciated was that the hair dryer in the women’s bath had strong airflow. All of the staff were very thoughtful, and it’s an Accommodation I’d love to visit again.

This was my first stay since the renovation. Not only is everything beautifully updated, but the amenities are well stocked, and I was truly happy that even the single room has a separate bath and toilet.

Because we’d mostly visited southern Onsen towns such as Zao, Akayu, and Kaminoyama, this year we decided to head north and went to Hijiori, Semi, and Ginzan. Hijiori had come up as an option before, but I had somehow assumed it was a remote, quiet, minor Onsen area. I was surprised to find it’s a rare Onsen town these days that still has real energy. While Zao and Akayu have largely turned into shuttered streets and feel like each place is operating separately for its own target guests, Hijiori Onsen has a welcoming style where the whole town hosts visitors together. The shops were lively too—I was truly moved to see that the best of the Showa-era Onsen town atmosphere still remains. I believe Yushin no Yado is family-run with additional staff; everyone was kind and warm in their service, so we felt at ease throughout our stay. And we were amazed by both the quantity and quality of the meals! It was so lavish I thought my stomach might burst—packed with mountain delicacies. I wished I had a bigger appetite. I felt bad leaving anything uneaten, and when I saw someone at a nearby table being served an enormous watermelon, I nearly despaired. However, they were clearly paying attention to how quickly we were eating; since I eat slowly, they switched mine to a smaller portion for me, which impressed me. As a couple who don’t drink alcohol much at all, strongly seasoned dishes meant to pair with drinks are delicious but make us need lots of water; if possible, it would be helpful to receive a pitcher of cold water once it’s clear we won’t be ordering beverages. The saltiness makes us thirsty—we end up drinking a lot of water and getting full before finishing the wonderful food. The private reserved Onsen in the annex offered as a guest perk had different water quality from the main bath area (which made it fun). It seems this Accommodation borrows the bathhouse of an older Ryokan that is no longer operating; because it didn’t lock properly from inside (no key), it made us nervous. Still, enjoying another type of spring water was great.