Hot Springs Hotels in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

The hotel has a Showa-era feel. There's no elevator, so you have to carry your luggage up yourself, thankfully it's only on the second floor. There are six private baths that can be booked in advance, and you can use them freely after 9 pm as long as no one is there – it's fantastic! After soaking in the hot springs, they even give you complimentary milk. Dinner was Yamagata beef shabu-shabu, which was delicious. I'd definitely stay here again next time I'm in Zao!

This hotel is about 1.5 km from Tsuruoka JR Station. The nearest bus stop is 'Science Park.' There's a direct bus from Yamagata Airport, but other bus connections are unavailable, making transportation a bit inconvenient; it's more suitable for those traveling by car. The hotel itself is newly renovated, surrounded by rice paddies, offering a beautiful and clean environment. Breakfast is a Japanese-style buffet featuring locally sourced ingredients. Dinner requires a reservation, as dining options nearby are limited to a convenience store. There are three dinner set menus, which I found a bit pricey, but the food was delicious, especially the bread and desserts. Service was, as always, attentive, and the hot spring facilities were excellent. The only downside is its relative distance from famous Tsuruoka attractions like the Dewa Sanzan mountains and Kamo Aquarium. It's also a bit far from the S-mall bus terminal and the JR station.

The room was beautiful, with tatami, yukata, tabi, and a little bag with towels to take with you when you go to their proper outdoor onsen that's right across the street. The onsen has good amenities, has 2 baths one indoor that's around 42 - 45 degrees, and outdoor one that's usually cooler around 38 - 42. The best thing about that onsen is that there usually not many people there, often I was there alone. The breakfast was great too, there were at least around 20 - 30 different dishes/foods to choose from. The hotel also sells discounted ski passes, and has it's own ski/snowboard rental service for lower price than most of the rental services nearby (the snowboard was of great quality, the shoes not so much). When we checked out, the hotel arranged a van to take us to the bus terminal as well. Overall, one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at in Japan. 👌🏻

As it is a long-established luxury inn, there are no problems with the facilities or the service. However, one thing that bothered me was that I had to wait a long time for dinner when I went to the dining room at the designated time. There were no strings to fasten the sleeves of the yukata anymore. It may have been a coincidence, but it was a great disappointment for a luxury inn that I rarely go to.

I spent two nights in Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka and I would stay there again. The location is very good - ten minutes easy walk from Tsuruoka JR train station and it's directly connected to S-Mall, so you don't even have to go outside to access the shops and restaurants in the mall. There is also a bus terminal at the mall for local buses - I caught a bus from there to Mount Haguro. The bedroom was a good size for a Japanese business hotel with a good size desk and chair. However, I could only find one power socket! It's good that I brought a power *****! Typical of Japanese hotels with Onsen / Sentō the bathroom is small - most people would use the public bath facilities to shower. The hotel has a Japanese style bath, however it was in the annexe, so it was rather confusing the first time I tried to find it. Two of the baths were inaccessible - the door was locked. The main bath was okay, there is a sauna and cold plunge pool. The front desk were very polite, efficient and could speak basic English.

This ryokan-style hotel boasts a beautiful location on a snow-covered mountain, right next to a stunning ski resort. The accommodations are very convenient, featuring separate shower and toilet facilities within the room. There's also a private onsen available for a small fee, offering a wonderfully private outdoor bathing experience. The hotel provides excellent shuttle services to various destinations; you can easily request a ride to the Zao Ropeway to see the Snow Monsters, as well as to restaurants, the bus station, and more.

Absolutely lovely place. At first I thought I'd be uncomfortable with how spaceous the room was (I'm a very jumpy solo traveller), but the room was just so comfy with an excellent view. The heater was a bit hot, but there was an electric fan too, so all was great. The hotel allows you to have a free 50 minute private bath each night, and the private baths are amazing, able to accommodate up to five persons and with windows to let in the light and stuff. Excellent onsen water -- very acidic and very hot. Takes some time getting used to the heat, but once you do it's a heavenly experience. There are also public baths (free of charge) that you could enjoy throughout the night and into early morning (they're closed for cleaning only during 9-12 in the morning), one indoor and one outdoor, both connected to one another. The outdoor one is a bit small, but it's so refreshing to be able to flee from the stifling indoor onsen to enjoy the crisp winter air while soaking up in the heat.

Overall a practical hotel close to the slopes, room was simple but fine. Free shuttle provided which proved very convenient. Breakfast was good with different options both Japanese and western styles. Staff was helpful especially the Japanese personnel and the young lady in the breakfast room however there was one Indian-like man who was not really hospitable, never smiling and never talking (no hello, nothing at all) staring at you which made me uncomfortable.

Woah! This is one of the best ryokans we’ve been to. The staff was super attentive and could speak some English, the rooms were amazing (see the photos!). The onsen in the room was fantastic so there was no need for us to go to the public or private onsen downstairs. The hotel is located 3 minutes away from the bus station and conveniently situated near everything. We’ve stayed at other ryokans but this one was top notch! We strongly recommend to stay at this place and will try to come back again with friends and family. Oh! The food was wow, too! We had breakfasts and dinners included and the sukiyaki dinner offered Yamagata A5 meat which was to die for. Breakfast was also great!

The day we checked in, the onson was not provided as heater was broken. It was a huge disappointment as we just drove long hours from Tokyo and expected to rest in onson. If the hotel can suggest other onson place or provide vochur, it would be nice. But we asked and there was nothing. Breakfast was good. And the night bar was a special idea.