Zao Onsen's Bucket List Ryokan

Question

Could you recommend a once-in-a-lifetime ryokan in Zao Onsen, Yamagata? I'm looking for a place with high-quality hot springs, impeccable service, and breathtaking views.

Nomuta · Accepted Answer

This is one of the largest hotels in Zao Onsen, conveniently located on the slopes. It is also close to the ropeway station, and the famous frost-covered forest spreads around the summit station. Zao Onsen is a traditional hot spring with a high sulfur content, a milky white sulfur-rich hot spring with a unique smell. It is a very hot spring-like inn, and I highly recommend it.

Pika · Answer

For the true onsen enthusiast, might we suggest this incredible inn? Its greatest allure is the chance to enjoy nine distinct baths, all located right on-site. The standout experience is the open-air bath, or rotenburo, which is fed by the inn's own private spring, bubbling up from just behind the property. This water is served gensen kakenagashi style—100% pure and free-flowing, directly from the source.For a journey into history, a short walk leads to the "Choju-no-yu" public bathhouse, which retains its 200-year-old structure. Here, you can soak while feeling the deep sense of the past. Immerse yourself in the variety of baths and savor the celebrated waters of Zao to your heart's content.

Ermine · Answer

For any true onsen lover, the high-quality waters of "Gokan-no-Yu Tsuruya" are an essential experience. The inn proudly features Zao's signature strong acidic sulfur spring, served 100% free-flowing directly from the source, in a thermal bath that will warm you to your very core.In addition to the main grand bath, a key attraction is the four private onsen, which can be used free of charge whenever they are vacant. Thanks to the inn's intimate and compact design, you can fully savor the essence of Zao Onsen simply by exploring the variety of baths available on-site.

Ermine · Answer

Step back in time at "Omiya Ryokan," a truly lovely inn brimming with the nostalgic charm of the Taisho Roman era. The entire building is lined with traditional tatami mats, inviting you to leave your slippers at the door and enjoy the soothing, relaxing feeling of walking barefoot.Here, you can immerse yourself in the authentic Zao Onsen experience, enjoying the characteristic sulfur-scented spring water in a variety of baths. From your room, gaze upon a panoramic view of the quaint onsen town and the mountains of Zao, whose beauty transforms with every season. At night, the romantic glow of the town's lights creates a scene of pure magic.

Poyoyon · Answer

While this is a large-scale hotel, it also offers the traditional comfort of Japanese-style washitsu rooms. The true centerpiece, however, is its extensive selection of open-air baths (rotenburo). Here, you can relax and soak in the milky-white sulfur spring while taking in a grand panorama of the Zao mountain range.With several baths to choose from, each offering a unique ambiance, you can enjoy a varied and luxurious bathing experience. For your dining pleasure, the restaurant serves exquisite cuisine featuring Zao's finest local ingredients, perfectly paired with local sake. The melt-in-your-mouth Zao beef is an absolute must-try.

TS · Answer

We highly recommend Zao Plaza Hotel, primarily for its spectacular scenery. Perched on the mountainside, it offers breathtaking views. From the dining hall, you'll be captivated by the sight of the mountains rising to your left and the world spreading out far below on your right—a view you could gaze at for hours.The open-air bath is exceptionally spacious, ensuring you'll have plenty of room to relax without it ever feeling crowded. One friendly tip: The spring water is famously potent due to its mineral quality. Please be mindful not to get it in your eyes, as it can cause a temporary sting.

Zao Onsen's Bucket List Ryokan

Zao Kokusai Hotel

This hotel is located on the slopes!

Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso

The appeal is the abundance of baths and the ease of bathing around

Gokannoyu Tsuruya

Discover the rich quality of our hot springs and the pure fun of our bath tour.

4. Oomiya Ryokan

A romantic hot spring inn where you can enjoy hospitality and hot springs

5. Zao Shikino Hotel

There are plenty of open-air baths

6. Zao Plaza Hotel

The restaurant has a wonderful view.

7. Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort

A resort-style hotel with a welcoming atmosphere

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