Yamagata's Top 15 Onsen Ryokan Ranking
Share
Top 15 Recommended Hot Spring Ryokans in Yamagata
https://myjapanshoptokyo.com Fishing gear, cameras for saleWhen you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax, a hot spring ryokan is the perfect place to stay. Yamagata Prefecture boasts countless charming ryokans such as Zao Kokusai Hotel in Zao Onsen, Koyo Japanese Inn in Kaminoyama Onsen, Tachibanaya in Atsumi Onsen, and Matsunoyu Yunoka in Tendo Onsen. However, with so many options, many people may not know which one to choose.
How to Choose a Hot Spring Ryokan in Yamagata
1. The Appeal of Hot Spring Ryokans in Yamagata
The appeal of a hot spring ryokan is being able to relax in a hot spring with a pleasant atmosphere. After soaking in the hot spring, you can enjoy a drink in your room, take a stroll outside, or savor dinner. You can spend blissful time that Japanese people have loved for generations.
Famous hot spring areas in Yamagata include Zao Onsen, Tendo Onsen, Atsumi Onsen, and Yunohama Onsen. Each has different water quality, and you can enjoy bathing in hot springs with various benefits and effects.
There are many excellent hot spring ryokans such as "Zao Kokusai Hotel" in Zao, "Koyo Japanese Inn" in Kaminoyama Onsen, "Tachibanaya" in Tsuruoka (Atsumi Onsen), and "Matsunoyu Yunoka" in Tendo Onsen, so we encourage you to relax to your heart's content at your preferred hot spring ryokan.
2. Check the View from the Hot Spring
If you're going on a trip, you'll want to pay attention not only to the hot spring itself but also to the view and atmosphere from the bath.
Yamagata has many ryokans that offer spectacular views, such as the Zao mountain range and the sunset over the Sea of Japan.
For example, Zao Kokusai Hotel in Zao Onsen, where you can see the ski slopes spread out below; Koyo Japanese Inn in Kaminoyama Onsen, where you can see the Zao mountain range; Tachibanaya in Atsumi Onsen, where you can see beautiful mountains and Japanese gardens; and Matsunoyu Yunoka in Tendo Onsen, where you can see a vast garden, are particularly recommended for their excellent views.
Soaking in a private open-air bath with a pleasant atmosphere while gazing at a spectacular view will surely provide you with the ultimate relaxation.
3. Check the Hot Spring Water's Composition
While the water quality varies by hot spring and cannot be simply compared, it is recommended to choose natural hot springs rather than artificial ones.
Unlike artificial hot springs, which have hot spring components added later, natural hot springs contain health-benefiting components, providing a comfortable experience.
In Yamagata, Zao Kokusai Hotel in Zao, Koyo Japanese Inn in Kaminoyama Onsen, Tachibanaya in Tsuruoka (Atsumi Onsen), and Matsunoyu Yunoka in Tendo Onsen are recommended as they offer hot spring water drawn from underground.
Top 15 Recommended Hot Spring Ryokans in Yamagata
Yamagata's Recommended Ranking
1
Zao Onsen Zao Kokusai Hotel
Zao Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Bath /Hot Spring Resort Feeling the Grand Nature of Zao
A luxury ryokan located right in front of the Yokokura ski slope of Zao Onsen. It is highly regarded as a gourmet ryokan, offering kaiseki cuisine that lavishly uses ingredients from Zao Onsen. It's a taste that will become an unforgettable memory. The excellent view, where you can enjoy the ski slopes spread out below, is also attractive. The baths include three types of private baths and the hotel's proud Hachiemon-no-Yu. With a comfortable lounge and massage services, you can enrich your time spent at the hotel.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 933 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Bus/Shuttle] Zao Onsen Bus Terminal
- Number of rooms: 51 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 9,500 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 14,100 yen/person
2
Kaminoyama Onsen Koyo Japanese Inn
Kaminoyama Onsen Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Open-Air Bath / Private Bath /A long-established hot spring ryokan that has received high praise for many years
A luxury ryokan located on the lush green Hayama plateau in Kaminoyama. It is renowned for its delicious cuisine, offering Japanese kaiseki meals that make the most of Yamagata's local flavors. The dining experience offers a sense of the extraordinary, unique to travel. The ability to enjoy panoramic views of the Zao mountain range is also a major draw. For bathing, guests can enjoy sulfate hot spring water, known for its beautifying properties. The comfortable lounge and bar allow guests to relax and unwind at the hotel.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 5-20 Hayama, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 6 minutes from JR Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, approx. 20 minutes via National Route 13 from Yamagata-Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway
- Number of rooms: 140 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 10,600 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 15,000 yen/person
3
Atsumi Onsen Tachibanaya
Tsuruoka Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Open-Air Bath /Founded 370 years ago. A long-established ryokan with a beautiful, charming Japanese garden.
A luxury ryokan located in a tranquil mountain setting surrounded by lush greenery. Its scenic beauty is a major draw, featuring stunning views of the mountains and a beautiful Japanese garden. Dinner offers kaiseki cuisine that highlights local ingredients from Tsuruoka. For bathing, guests can enjoy Atsumi Onsen, a famous hot spring, in two private open-air baths and a large public bath. With a lounge and bar, guests can relax and unwind at the hotel.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 3 Yuatsumi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 100 minutes from Chujo IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway, approx. 5 minutes by taxi from JR Atsumi-Onsen Station
- Number of rooms: 78 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 12,300 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 12,300 yen/person
4
Tendo Onsen Matsunoyu Yunoka
Tendo Onsen Ryokan Luxury / Secluded Inn / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Open-Air Bath /A Japanese-style hot spring ryokan with a lush green and tranquil atmosphere
A luxury ryokan located in the heart of the hot spring town. It is chosen by travelers who prioritize cuisine, offering kaiseki meals that use Yamagata's local ingredients. The taste will undoubtedly become an unforgettable memory. The excellent view, which overlooks a vast garden, is also a major draw. For bathing, guests can enjoy two types of free-flowing hot springs, the only ones in Tendo. With a comfortable lounge and massage services, you can enjoy your time at the hotel even during a long stay.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 2-2-54 Kamata Honcho, Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 5 minutes by car from Tendo Station
- Number of rooms: 9 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 22,000 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 22,000 yen/person
5
Zao Onsen Myotou Resort Lucent Takamiya
Zao Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Bath /Ryokan located directly in front of Zao Chuo Ropeway
A luxurious ryokan situated directly in front of the Zao Chuo Ropeway. It boasts beautiful scenery, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacular views of the Zao高原. Another appealing feature is the ability to enjoy both large public baths and private baths, each with a different ambiance. With aesthetic treatments and massages available, it's also a popular choice for female travelers who wish to cherish their time at the hotel.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 942 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Bus/Shuttle] Take a bus bound for Zao Onsen from JR Yamagata Station, then a 5-minute walk from the final stop, Zao Onsen.
- Number of rooms: 60 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 6,200 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 8,200 yen/person
6
Akayu Onsen Uesugi no Oyu Goteenshu
Akayu Onsen Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Open-Air Bath /A hot spring inn that preserves the tradition as a villa of the Uesugi family
A luxury ryokan located in a tranquil setting just off the Ushū Kaidō. It is characterized by its excellent views, allowing guests to observe the changing seasons through the surrounding trees. Dinner offers kaiseki cuisine that highlights local ingredients from Yamagata. For bathing, guests can enjoy 12 different types of baths. With a post-bath lounge and massage services, guests can relax and unwind after their bath.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 989 Akayu, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Train] JR Ou Main Line Akayu Station
- Number of rooms: 31 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 15,900 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 15,900 yen/person
7
Atsumi Onsen Bankokuya
Tsuruoka Ryokan Luxury / Scenic View / Hot Spring / Private Open-Air Bath /A pure Japanese-style ryokan with Sukiya-style architecture, surrounded by cherry blossom trees
A luxury ryokan located in Atsumi Onsen. It is renowned for its delicious cuisine, offering kaiseki meals that highlight Tsuruoka's gourmet delights. It will surely create unforgettable travel memories. The ability to enjoy panoramic views of the Atsumi River is also a major draw. For bathing, guests can enjoy Atsumi Onsen, a famous hot spring known for its skin-beautifying properties. With banquet halls available within the facility, it is also convenient for celebratory events.
- 【Detailed Information】
- Address: 1 Yuatsumi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] 5 minutes by car from Atsumi Onsen IC on the Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway, 5 minutes by taxi from JR Uetsu Main Line Atsumi Onsen Station, 40 minutes by car from Shonai Airport
- Number of rooms: 91 rooms
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 13,200 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 13,200 yen/person
8
Zao Onsen Gokan-no-yu Tsuruya (Yamagata Prefecture)
Zao Ryokan Superb View / Hot Spring / Private Bath /A hot spring inn proud of its free-flowing hot spring water
A ryokan with 41 rooms located at the lowest part of Zao Onsen town, directly opposite the bus terminal. It is known for its highly-rated dinners, where guests can enjoy kaiseki cuisine featuring local Zao Onsen delicacies. It's a taste that will become a memorable part of your trip. The beautiful natural scenery of Zao is also one of its charms. The baths feature free-flowing hot spring water from the inn's own source. With banquet facilities, it's also suitable for celebrations and anniversaries.
- 【Details】
- Address: 710 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] To Zao Onsen, approximately 20 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway via Prefectural Road 21.
- Number of rooms: 41
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 7,000 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 13,200 yen/person
9
Yunohama Onsen Kameyama
Tsuruoka Ryokan Luxury / Superb View / Ocean View / Hot Spring / Open-air bath in guest room /A luxurious ryokan with beautiful scenery and gourmet food
A luxury ryokan located in Shonai-Yunohama, blessed with rich nature and culture. It has a high reputation as a gourmet inn, offering a choice of Japanese kaiseki or French kaiseki cuisine. The flavors are something to look forward to at dinner. The superb views, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets over the sea, are also a charm. For baths, you can enjoy Yunohama Onsen with free-flowing hot spring water, neither diluted nor heated. A comfortable lounge and massage services can make your time at the hotel even more fulfilling.
- 【Details】
- Address: 1-5-50 Yunohama, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 25 min from JR Tsuruoka Station, 10 min from Shonai Airport [Bus/Shuttle] 40 min by regular bus from JR Tsuruoka Station
- Number of rooms: 66
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 7,000 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 17,600 yen/person
10
Zao Onsen Zao Waka-no-Yado Wakamatsuya
Zao Ryokan Luxury / Hidden Gem / Hot Spring / Private Bath /A ryokan located in the heart of Zao Onsen
A luxury ryokan located in the heart of Zao Onsen. It is highly praised for its delicious cuisine, offering kaiseki dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients from Zao Onsen. The natural hot springs are also a draw, where guests can slowly enjoy the beautifying waters of the unique, highly acidic sulfur springs. With a comfortable lounge and massage services available, you can relax and fully enjoy your stay at the hotel.
- 【Details】
- Address: 951-1 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 16 km (25 min) from Yamagata Zao IC on Yamagata Expressway [Bus/Shuttle] 45 min by bus from JR Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen
- Number of rooms: 23
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 10,600 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 16,300 yen/person
11
Zao Onsen Hotel Oak Hill
Zao Ryokan Pet-friendly / Secluded Inn / Superb View / Hot Spring /A ryokan located in the lush natural setting of Zao Plateau
A ryokan with a small number of 30 rooms, nestled in the rich natural environment of Zao Plateau. Its superb views of Mount Zao and the ski slopes are a distinctive feature. Another charm is the ability to enjoy the high-quality hot spring water of Zao Onsen in its rock bath and hinoki (cypress) bath. With a spacious banquet hall available, it's also ideal for celebrations or large group trips.
- 【Details】
- Address: 756 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 20 min from Yamagata Zao IC on Yamagata Expressway [Bus/Shuttle] 40 min by bus from JR/Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station
- Number of rooms: 30
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 6,400 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 9,900 yen/person
12
Mikiyasan Sorai -SAGIYA SANSORAI-
Kaminoyama Onsen Ryokan Secluded Inn / Superb View / Hot Spring / Open-air bath in guest room /A ryokan nestled in a quiet location surrounded by rice fields
A ryokan with a small number of 12 rooms, situated in a quiet area surrounded by rice fields. It features superb views overlooking the Zao mountain range and a traditional Japanese garden. The natural hot springs are also a highlight, with a large communal bath luxuriously filled with free-flowing natural hot spring water. With banquet rooms available, it's also suitable for family anniversary trips.
- 【Details】
- Address: 283 Takamatsu, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 5 min from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station
- Number of rooms: 12
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 15,800 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 15,800 yen/person
13
Zao Onsen Zao Shiki no Hotel
Zao Ryokan Luxury / Superb View / Hot Spring /A highland inn located in the tranquil forest and lakeside of Zao
A luxury ryokan situated by the Shigi-no-yachinuma marsh at the foot of the Zao mountain range. It is highly regarded as a gourmet inn, offering kaiseki cuisine abundantly utilizing seasonal ingredients from Zao Onsen. The superb views of the majestic nature of Zao are also a charm. For baths, guests can enjoy a detached natural hot spring bath and an open-air large communal bath. A comfortable lounge and massage services are available to enhance your time at the hotel.
- 【Details】
- Address: 1272 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Train] Yamagata Station [Bus/Shuttle] Zao Onsen Bus Terminal
- Number of rooms: 39
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 6,700 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 11,400 yen/person
14
Zao Onsen Sakaiyamiya Forest Hotel Waldberg
Zao Ryokan Superb View / Hot Spring / Private Bath /A ryokan located on a refreshing highland
A ryokan with 36 rooms, located on a refreshing highland. It features superb views overlooking the natural grandeur of the Zao mountains and forest. Another charm is its natural hot springs, where you can enjoy an open-air bath along a mountain stream. With banquet rooms available within the facility, it's also convenient for family anniversary trips.
- 【Details】
- Address: 889-1 Shimizusaka, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Bus/Shuttle] Approx. 40 min by bus from Yamagata Station to the last stop (Zao Onsen), then a 15-min walk.
- Number of rooms: 36
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 10,600 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 10,600 yen/person
15
Biyu Bishoku no Hanare-yado Onogawa Onsen Kajikasou
Yonezawa Ryokan Pet-friendly / Superb View / Hot Spring / Open-air bath in guest room / Private bath /A ryokan located in Onogawa Onsen
A ryokan with 31 rooms located in Onogawa Onsen. Its superb views are a distinctive feature, allowing you to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the pond while you relax. Another charm is the ability to enjoy the large communal bath, which retains a strong sense of the Showa era, and private family baths. As it is a pet-friendly inn, it is also recommended when you want to travel with your dog or other pets.
- 【Details】
- Address: 2070 Onogawa-machi, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Access: [Car] Approx. 20 min from Tohoku Chuo Expressway Yonezawa Chuo IC
- Number of rooms: 31
- Price: ◆Two people, room only: from 16,700 yen/person ◆Two people, two meals: from 16,700 yen/person













