Mogami Takayu Zenshichi no Yu

I think Zenshichinoyu is perfect for solo travelers who want to enjoy an onsen in peace. The views from the kashikiriburo (private, reservable baths) are just fantastic. This inn has seven different private baths, but the open-air ones named "Ebisuten" and "Hoteison" are in the absolute best locations. They offer panoramic views overlooking the entire Zao Onsen town and the distant mountains. And, of course, they are completely free for staying guests. The main public baths can sometimes feel crowded and not very relaxing. But here, you get to have both the incredible Zao scenery and the wonderful hot spring water all to yourself. It’s a truly luxurious experience.

If you're looking for a kashikiriburo (private, reservable bath) in Zao Onsen, you should definitely check out Zenshichinoyu. This is an inn that prides itself on its 100% gensen kakenagashi (pure, free-flowing) water and its meticulous quality management. You get to savor the incredible, strongly acidic sulfur spring all by yourself. You can even order sake (Japanese rice wine) for an extra fee to enjoy right in the private bath. They bring it to you floating in a large wooden bucket (ooke), which is a fantastic touch that really lets you savor the classic, authentic pleasure of an onsen. I highly recommend this place for anyone who wants to quietly and truly appreciate the pure quality of the water itself.

This is a Zao Onsen Ryokan (Japanese inn) with seven private baths, including one for dogs. (Currently there are four private baths, and the rest are in preparation.) You can view the starry sky from the spacious private open-air bath. You can enjoy the hot springs while drinking a little alcohol, which is only available in the private bath. The large public bath also has a garden open-air bath that is full of openness. You can enjoy local cuisine such as Yamagata beef kaiseki and the nature of Zao, and this hotel is also welcome for single occupancy.

If you're going to Zao Onsen, I recommend going there as there is a bus from JR Yamagata Station. The all-you-can-drink plan includes unlimited sake, wine, and craft beer! You can drink whatever you like with your Yamagata beef. Zenshichinoyu Hotel has Japanese-style rooms that can accommodate up to 5 people, so you can stay with friends. The hot springs are 100% 100% natural hot spring. There is a garden bath with a view of the garden, and the 7 private baths, including an open-air bath, give you a great sense of freedom! Some of your foreign friends may not like large public baths, so I think they will like the private baths.

It is said that only about 1% of hot spring inns in the country have genuine hot springs that 100% natural hot spring without circulation. You can enjoy it as much as you like in the private baths. There are four private baths, all of which are currently available for free use. Couples can enjoy bathing in the baths together. Another plus point is that you can enjoy Yamagata beef or Yonezawa beef steaks for meals.

Mogami Takayu Zenshichinoyu is a hot spring inn in Zao Onsen where you can enjoy the abundant amount of beneficial hot spring water that gushes out from two springs. The open-air bath from which you can look out at the starry sky can be rented for private use, so it is also recommended for married couple. The inn is also known for its delicious cuisine, which uses plenty of local Tohoku products and ingredients unique to Yamagata Prefecture. For dinner, you can enjoy plenty of Yamagata beef and home-grown vegetables. Even the accommodation plan with meals included is relatively reasonable, and you can fully enjoy Yamagata and Zao in early summer.

This hot spring inn is particular about using genuine free-flowing hot spring water, and the baths are equipped with indoor and outdoor baths. It is especially recommended in winter, when you can enjoy bath to view the snow. There are also private baths, so you can fully enjoy the hot springs in an open space surrounded by greenery. Most of the guest rooms are Japanese-style, but Western-style rooms are also available. From the standard Japanese-style rooms, you can see the Japanese garden. For meals, you can enjoy the hotel's original "Goshoku Nabe" (five-course hotpot) and kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）featuring Yonezawa and Yamagata beef. The cuisine makes generous use of the bounty of the sea and land.

"Mogami Takayu Zenshichinoyu" is a hot spring inn nestled in nature, 25 minutes by car from Yamagata Zao IC and 45 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station. There is also a free shuttle from Yamagata Station. In addition to the indoor bath and garden open-air bath, there are four private open-air baths, and you can 100% natural hot spring hot springs directly from the source in all baths. Dinner is kaiseki（a traditional Japanese multiple course meal ）with an emphasis on locally produced ingredients, and includes delicious dishes such as Yamagata beef, Yonezawa beef, Sangen pork Shabu Shabu（Japanese hotpot）-shabu hot pot, mountain vegetable tempura, and Yamagata specialty potato stew hot pot.