Traditional Japanese lodging shines in Zao Onsen. Takasagoya Ryokan wins for its authentic experience, combining classic tatami rooms with soothing hot spring baths. We love Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso for its spectacular mountain views and seasonal kaiseki meals. Modern travelers feel at home at Zao Kokusai Hotel, which smartly blends Western comforts with Japanese onsen traditions. Families consistently rate Matsupokkuri highly for its welcoming atmosphere and spacious rooms. Budget-conscious travelers should consider Le Vert Zao, offering clean, simple rooms without sacrificing access to thermal baths. Let’s explore our favorite Zao Onsen accommodations in detail.
Good To Know
- Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso is highly rated for its attentive staff, exceptional meals, and amenities like free Wi-Fi, on-site onsens, and Japanese-style meals.
- Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan offers an exceptional dining experience with local ingredients and focuses on traditional Japanese hospitality in a quiet location.
- Zao Kokusai Hotel is known for its exceptional service, cleanliness, and dining options that include various Asian and buffet-style meals.
- Takamiya Hotel Lucent is a highly rated hotel with hot spring facilities, free private parking, and an electric vehicle charging station, as well as excellent breakfast.
- Zao Plaza Hotel is a family-friendly option with traditional Japanese-style futon beds, private bathrooms, and positive reviews for its kind staff, beautiful views, and delicious food.
Takasagoya Ryokan
Nestled within the picturesque Zao Onsen region, Takasagoya Ryokan offers visitors an authentic Japanese lodging experience.
This traditional ryokan boasts a prime location, just 200 meters from the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Guests can choose from various room types, including spacious family rooms and cozy twin options, all featuring amenities like air conditioning, free WiFi, and shared bathrooms.
The ryokan’s dining experience is a highlight, with a delicious Asian breakfast and local specialties served for dinner. Rated 9.2/10 by 303 reviewers, Takasagoya Ryokan is praised for its excellent staff, clean facilities, and great value.
Whether seeking a cozy winter retreat or a peaceful summer getaway, this traditional Japanese inn provides an immersive and memorable stay in the heart of Zao Onsen.
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Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Situated within the scenic Zao Onsen region, Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso offers guests an authentic Japanese lodging experience.
This traditional ryokan features tatami-matted rooms and futon bedding, steps away from Zao Sky Cable and Zao Churo Ropeway. Guests praise the ryokan’s attentive staff, exceptional meals, and relaxing ambiance, earning it a 9.3 overall rating.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, on-site onsens, and a Japanese-style breakfast and dinner. Room types range from Japanese suites to maisonettes, accommodating up to 6 adults.
While children over 12 are welcome, the ryokan is adults-only. With its convenient location and traditional Japanese charm, Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso provides an ideal winter getaway for skiing and hot spring soaking.
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Zao Shiki No Hotel
Located within the scenic Zao Onsen region, Zao Shiki no Hotel offers visitors an accessible and comfortable base for exploring the area’s natural wonders.
Just a short walk from Zao Ropeway Station, the hotel provides easy access to the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Guests can relax in the property’s Japanese Yukata robes and unwind in the indoor/outdoor hot-spring baths.
Rooms feature amenities like tatami flooring, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. Dining options include the Yama no Uta restaurant, serving Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
Other facilities include free private parking, public baths, and a sauna. While some guests noted limited dinner choices during extended stays, the hotel’s excellent location, cleanliness, and friendly staff have earned it an impressive 8.8 rating from over 300 reviews.
Zao Kokusai Hotel
The Zao Kokusai Hotel stands as a highly-rated accommodation within the scenic Zao Onsen region.
Situated just a minute’s walk from the Zao Onsen Ski Resort and near the Zao Ropeway, the hotel offers convenient access to the area’s top attractions.
Guests can enjoy the comfort of Japanese-style or Western-style rooms, with amenities like flat-screen TVs and Yukata robes.
The hotel’s highlight is its indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths, as well as private onsen rentals.
Dining options include a variety of Asian and buffet-style meals.
Reviews praise the hotel’s exceptional service, cleanliness, and facilities.
With a 1-minute shuttle from Yamagata Station and Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, the Zao Kokusai Hotel provides a seamless and relaxing stay for visitors to the Zao Onsen region.
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Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan
Though situated in the scenic Zao Onsen region, Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan stands out as a traditional Japanese-style accommodation that offers guests a serene and immersive experience.
Located just a 5-minute walk from the Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, the ryokan features Japanese-style rooms with tatami-mat flooring and futon bedding.
Guests can enjoy two indoor public hot spring baths and an open-air bath, as well as amenities like free parking, a restaurant serving Japanese cuisine, and a souvenir shop.
The ryokan has received high ratings, particularly for its exceptional dining experience, featuring multi-course meals made with local ingredients.
With a focus on traditional Japanese hospitality and a quiet location, Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan provides a truly authentic ryokan experience.
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Matsukaneya Annex
Matsukaneya Annex stands as a traditional ryokan nestled in the scenic Zao Onsen region. This highly-rated property offers an authentic Japanese experience, with guest reviews praising its hospitable staff and relaxing onsen baths.
Guests can enjoy convenient ski-in/ski-out access, along with a range of on-site amenities like a restaurant, shared lounge, and activities like karaoke and fishing.
The ryokan’s Japanese-style rooms and glamping tents provide comfortable accommodations. Conveniently located near Yamagata Airport and the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort, Matsukaneya Annex is an excellent choice for travelers seeking a traditional yet well-equipped lodging option in the Zao Onsen area.
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Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira
Nestled in the heart of Yamagata’s Zaō Onsen region, Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira stands as a highly-rated ryokan that offers guests an authentic Japanese lodging experience.
This 9.0-rated property is just an 8-minute walk from the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort, providing easy access to the area’s renowned outdoor activities.
Guests praise the friendly staff, private onsens, scenic views, and clean accommodations.
The ryokan’s amenities include free private parking, Wi-Fi, family rooms, hot spring baths, and a mix of Japanese and Western breakfast options.
While dining options nearby may be limited, Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira ensures a memorable stay with its traditional Japanese hospitality and convenient location.
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Meitoya So
Situated just a 5-minute walk from the nearest ski slope, Meitoya So is a renovated ryokan that offers guests modern-style accommodations and convenient access to Zaō Onsen’s attractions.
The property features an array of room types, including Japanese-style rooms and suites with tatami areas. Amenities include free WiFi, private parking, and 24-hour access to indoor and outdoor natural hot spring baths.
Guests can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast and dinner, with reviews praising the quality and variety of the meals. Rated 8.2 out of 10 based on 636 reviews, Meitoya So is known for its friendly staff, clean facilities, and overall excellent value.
Located 17 miles from Yamagata (Junmachi) Airport, the ryokan provides easy access to the area’s top sights, including a nearby sake museum.
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Wakamatsuya
Wakamatsuya is a highly-rated ryokan situated just a 3-minute walk from the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort in the heart of Zaō Onsen.
Boasting an excellent 9.4/10 rating based on 39 reviews, the property offers a range of Japanese-style accommodations, including twin, triple, and suite options with private hot tubs.
Guests can enjoy the on-site open-air and hot spring baths, as well as a restaurant serving traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner.
The ryokan provides free shuttle service, ski-in/ski-out access, and a variety of activities like skiing, hiking, and cultural tours.
Wakamatsuya caters to families with facilities for disabled guests and special diet meals.
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Matsupokkuri
Matsupokkuri is a well-regarded ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) located in Yamagata’s Zaō Onsen area.
Boasting an impressive 8.3/10 rating based on 81 reviews, this ryokan offers an excellent location just 5 minutes from the ski resort, 1 minute from the public onsen, and 2 minutes from the bus stop.
Guests have praised the friendly and helpful staff, as well as the comfortable bedding and tasty breakfast. Couples, in particular, have rated the location 9.7/10 for their getaways.
Amenities include free private parking, family rooms, free WiFi, and ski storage. Accommodation options range from Japanese-style rooms with 2 to 5 futon beds.
With its convenient access to local attractions and positive reviews, Matsupokkuri is a top choice for those seeking a relaxing stay in Zaō Onsen.
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Zao Plaza Hotel
The Zao Plaza Hotel stands out as another highly-rated accommodation option in the Zaō Onsen area. Rated 8.2 out of 10 based on 136 reviews, this ryokan offers guests a comfortable and convenient stay.
Amenities include free parking, family rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an included breakfast. Guests praise the hotel’s kind staff, beautiful views, and delicious food. The rooms feature traditional Japanese-style futon beds, private bathrooms, and modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs and refrigerators.
With a 6-minute walk to the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort and a shuttle service from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, the Zao Plaza Hotel provides easy access to the area’s top attractions.
While dining options nearby may be limited, the hotel’s prime location and well-appointed facilities make it an excellent choice for those visiting Zaō Onsen.
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The Green Zao
Situated near the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Le Vert Zao is a 2-star ryokan that offers guests a comfortable and convenient stay.
The property features amenities like free WiFi, private parking, and a hot spring bath. Guests can expect clean and cozy rooms, with options ranging from twin rooms to Japanese-style accommodations.
The staff at Le Vert Zao are friendly and helpful, and the property’s location provides easy access to the ski slopes.
While dining options may be limited after 7 PM, the ryokan’s restaurant serves a good breakfast buffet.
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Takamiya Hotel Lucent
Located just a 4-minute walk from the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Lucent offers guests a convenient and well-appointed stay in Zaō Onsen.
This 8.5/10 rated hotel features a range of accommodations, from Japanese-style twin rooms to maisonette junior suites. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s public bath, open-air bath, sauna, and hot spring facilities.
Amenities include free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and an electric vehicle charging station. The hotel receives high praise for its friendly staff, excellent breakfast, and ski-in/ski-out access.
Guests should note that dining options nearby may be limited and that tattoos may have restrictions in the public bathing areas.
With its prime location and extensive facilities, Takamiya Hotel Lucent is an excellent choice for those seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in the Zao Onsen area.
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Miyako Onsen, a Hot Spring in the Clear Waters of the Izu Region
Miyako Onsen, nestled in the Izu region, is a picturesque hot spring known for its crystal-clear waters.
This ryokan, Zao Onsen Iwakiyosui Ryori no Yado Kinosato, offers guests a tranquil retreat just a short 11-minute walk from the Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort.
With a rating of 9.2/10 based on 8 reviews, the property boasts excellent amenities, including free private parking, Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant serving Asian breakfast.
Guests can enjoy the public, open-air, and hot spring baths, as well as take advantage of the ski equipment rental and storage.
The staff, facilities, and cleanliness all receive high praise, making this a top choice for those seeking a relaxing stay in the Zao Onsen area.
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The Sum Up
Zao Onsen offers a wide range of accommodation options, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. Travelers can choose from highly-rated properties like Takasagoya Ryokan, Zao Shiki No Hotel, and Zao Plaza Hotel, each providing access to the area’s renowned hot springs and stunning natural scenery. Whether seeking a luxurious or budget-friendly stay, visitors to Zao Onsen will find a suitable option to suit their preferences and needs.