Top Boutique Hotels in Zao Hot Spring (2026)

Located within a 10-minute walking distance from the Zao Sky Cable aerial elevator, Miyamaso Takamiya features 9 natural hot spring baths for guests to enjoy. The wooden structure of the property portrays a traditional Japanese-style accommodations. Free Wi-Fi is available at the lobby. Rooms at Takamiya Miyamaso feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. Yukata robes, free toiletries and an electric kettle are available for guests in all rooms. Free luggage storage is available to guests. A souvenir shop can be found on site. A Japanese-style set breakfast and dinner are both available at the dining room. The Onsen Station on the Zao Chuo Ropeway is located within a 6-minute walking distance from the property. Nishi Zao Kogen is a 25-minute drive away. Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort can be accessed by ski elevators and aerial elevators that are located within a 5- to 10-minute walking distance from the property.

- "The taxi driver told us there are 4 "Takamiya" in the region, which was an interesting trivia, but can get confusing. Rooms were spacious and meals were delicious. Staff were helpful and carried our luggage to the room." - "We loved the overall experience and the food was absolutely amazing! The staff were amazing and extremely accommodating!" - "I would absolutely recommend this property to anyone! It is a little out of the way (1 hr bus ride from Yamagata station) but it’s well worth it. Two separate baths with two separate origin waters and a private bath you can book by the hour, and an outdoor bathtub in your room was really cool. It includes a very traditional dinner and breakfast using local specialties. Local sake selection for dinner/room service was also excellent. The staff was so polite and nice - they even carried our luggage to our room and picked us up at the bus station! Room was nice and big with seasonal nature sounds."

Takasagoya Ryokan is offering accommodations in Zaō Onsen. The 3-star ryokan is a 2-minute walk from Zao Hotsprings Ski Resort. The ryokan offers both free Wifi and free private parking. At the ryokan, some units are allergy-free. At the ryokan, the units are fitted with a shared bathroom. An Asian breakfast is available every morning at the ryokan. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs for guests to relax in. A ski pass sales point and ski storage space are featured at Takasagoya Ryokan, and guests can go skiing in the surrounding area. The nearest airport is Yamagata Airport, 22 miles from the accommodation.

- "The owners/staff are extremely kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable. They allowed me to check in early and even let me use the onsen in the afternoon after checkout." - "The breakfast and dinner is traditional Japanese and is excellent and value for money. The dinner was especially sumptuous and was more than expected. It had a small onsen and for the more adventurous you can also use on of the 3 public onsen that was only steps away from the front door. It's exceptionally close to the ski lift - easily walkable even with gear."

Wakamatsuya is located a 3-minute walk from the Zao Onsen Ski Resort and the Zao Bus Terminal. It houses 3 public hot spring baths, including one which can be privately used based on availability. Its Japanese-style rooms offer mountain views. Free WiFi access is available in public areas and in all guest rooms. The property is a 33-minute drive from Lina World and a 45-minute drive from the Yamagata Train Station. A free transfer is available from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Rooms feature satellite TV, along with tea making facilities and a fridge. They also offer a private bathroom with bath and shower facilities and a hairdryer. A breakfast set menu is available and is served in the dining room. Guests can also opt for a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner (kaiseki). Guests can sing their hearts out at a karaoke session open during summer or have fun skiing. There are also shops in the hotel, and massage services can be requested.

- "The ryokan provides transport pick up n drop off from the Zao Onsen bus terminal. All staff from driver, front desk to dining employees were very polite, obliging and provided very good customer service. Dinners n breakfasts were excellent and hosted in private rooms. Snow boots were loaned free. We used the private family onsen (first come first serve basis) for 40 mins and thoroughly enjoyed the sulphur spring water." - "The hotel was lovely and staff were excellent. Great location and an easy walk to the ski field and village for dinner. I stayed in a traditional Japanese room and the view of the village was beautiful. The staff were always helpful and very friendly. Highly recommend."