Hotels near Zao Hotspring, Yamagata

This hotel exceeded my expectations completely. The yamagata airport shuttle (from airport) has a drop-off point right in front of the hotel. The hotel is a 5minutes walk from yamagata station. There is a seven-konbini on 1F of the hotel building, and a toyota car rental directly across the street (1min walk). The hotel room was much bigger than hotel rooms in tokyo, with an amazingly luxurious toilet. Bottled water is provided everyday, as long as you remember to place the ”Make-up room” magnet outside your room door by 10am. The restaurant on 1F sells delicious yamagata beef sukiyaki, it is highly recommended though semi-expensive. The surrounding area of the hotel has a good mix of izakayas, konbinis (all 3 big brands incl lawsons & familymart), and fast food; you'll never go hungry. The reception desk is on 3F and the self-service amenities were of good quality (i.e., scented and thick oshibori, 2 different brands of facial cleansers & lotions, and drip coffee). The staff deserve praise for being so friendly, helpful, and accomodating; they allowed our request for cleaning to be done after 11.30am instead of the usual 10am, and gladly provided extra hangers and laundry bags. Speaking of laundry, there are coin operated laundry machines in this hotel, which have both washing and drying in a single machine; the machine is also password-protected per wash, which gives one a peace of mind. Stayed here for 9 nights as my base of operations for this holiday, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Daiwa Roynet Yamagata Ekimae. 10/10.

I booked this hotel for its location. After checking out in the morning, it's only a 7-8 minute walk to the bus stop for the Zao bus (though you definitely need to buy tickets early, an hour in advance during peak season). The hotel maintains the high standards typical of a chain, with good cleanliness. They've also added some local flavor, with a very rich breakfast spread featuring some local specialties. Most importantly, they have rooms that can accommodate multiple people, which is perfect for families or a large group of friends.

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.

Located on the top of a business building linking to the Yamagata station. You won’t have to be worried even if it’s snowing or raining. A side note to travellers from the hotter climate, the hotel doesn’t supply air conditioning during winter. Instead it has a small webbed facility that allows outside air to flow into the room. This slight chills the room. However during the day, the room will be super hot. Initially we had a room facing the sun and when we checked in, the room is super hot. Called the customer service only to find out they didn’t have air conditioning during winter and we have to rent a fan from them. After a slight communication, the customer service is kind enough to upgrade us to a bigger room which is slightly cooler. Big props to the customer service lady! 5 stars service !

Nice and clean business hotel very near the Yamagata train station. Location is top notch! Basic hotel with everything you'd need. There is an artificial onsen on the 14th floor, which was good for a soak after a long day. Breakfast buffet was basic but tasty. Warm foods like rice, miso soup, bacon, stir fried veggies, etc were available in addition to some pastries and bread with butter and jams. Will definitely stay again when in the Yamagata area.

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.

After arriving at the bus stop, I found out that there are no taxis in the Zao Onsen area in the summer. I was in a pinch, so I called the inn and they arranged a free shuttle, which was very helpful! As soon as I got off the bus, a staff member greeted me with a smile and quickly carried my luggage into the inn. Once I arrived, all the staff were very polite and pleasant, leaving a very good impression! The man at the front desk was especially kind and warm, and his soft Yamagata accent was very soothing. The hot spring water temperature and quality were excellent, and the open-air bath allowed me to relax and unwind while feeling the nature. It was also very convenient to be able to watch YouTube and Netflix on the TV in my room. There was an event going on, so the menu was different from usual, but the food was excellent. Everything was delicious, and I was especially impressed by the large selection of fresh vegetables and the many options available, including one that catered to vegetarians and vegans! Overall, it was a wonderful inn, but there were some disappointments. Even though the room was renovated and comfortable, the unit bath was quite old and dated. Also, while soaking in the smaller of the two large (small) baths, the bath was so small that body soap and shampoo from people washing their bodies and hair kept getting into the hot spring, which was very unpleasant. It's a real shame to have such a wonderful hot spring bath only to be soaked in dirty water and soaps constantly seeping in. 😢 I really wish this smaller bath would be a private bath where only those who have thoroughly washed themselves in the larger large bath could enjoy a leisurely soak, eliminating the body soap and shampoo.

The location is super convenient, just a 2-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ropeway Station. There's a ski rental shop about a 1-minute walk away. You can store your ski equipment in a specific locker in your room on the ground floor, or use the password-locked lockers in the lobby. Zao Bus Terminal is about a 7-minute walk. They even offer a free ride back to Zao Bus Terminal when you check out. For dinner, there are six delicious and beautifully presented options to choose from. A Lawson convenience store is about a 5-minute walk for evening snacks. The onsen (hot spring) is a good size, not too big, not too small. And since there weren't many guests, it was a very pleasant experience.

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.

My room, shared restrooms, & bath were extremely clean! The home is full of character & clearly well-taken care of. Right by Yamagata Station & perfect place to shop. Bunch of parks as well, Kajo Park in particular has the Yamagata Castle Ruins. I spent a day going to Ginzan Onsen, further away compared to Zao. Definitely beautiful view but make sure you are aware of the bus & train schedules, because they come by roughly once an hour. The hostess is as nice as the reviews say she is! A little awkward at first, but she'd chat with me & patient when I tried speaking in Japanese. Very cheery personality! There was an avalanche risk warning, but she reassured me I'll be safe going to Ginzan Onsen. She'd come out to greet or see me off each day. Overall, very pleasant! Amenities were great! She provided basic necessities without extra charge (toothbrush/paste, towels) AND a yukata!! The futon was already set out for me when I arrived. Each night, when I returned, the bath was ready so I could go straight to showering & soaking. Lastly the amazing breakfast like the other reviews have stated. So cheap for how much food she gives you! Great variety, the rice smelled amazing, & a little different each meal. You come down at the agreed time, sit at a table with the TV on, & eat the meal in peace. Overall, the best place I stayed at in Japan & will definitely book again when visiting Yamagata! You really get to live the traditional Japanese-lifestyle!