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The 10 Best Ryokans in Zao Onsen, Japan

Check out our pick of great ryokans in Zao Onsen

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Superb: 9+ Very good: 8+ Good: 7+ Pleasant: 6+
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Set in Zao Onsen and only 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takasagoya Ryokan offers accommodation with city views, free WiFi and free private parking. A public bath is available for guests. The ryokan features family rooms.

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.

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9.1
Superb
243 reviews
Price from
£50
per night

Located within a 10-minute walking distance from the Zao Sky Cable aerial lift, Miyamaso Takamiya features 9 natural hot spring baths for guests to enjoy. The wooden structure of the property portrays a traditional Japanese-style accommodation. Free Wi-Fi is available at the lobby.

The food and service were excellent. Staff were very nice.

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9
Superb
147 reviews
Price from
£214
per night

A 5-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Iwashimizu Ryori no Yado Kinosato offers guests an indoor/outdoor hot spring and free Wi-Fi use throughout the property. Complimentary welcome drink and red bean soup are served upon arrival.

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9
Superb
8 reviews
Price from
£214
per night

Renovated in 2017, Meitoya Sou offers a modern-style ryokan with natural hot spring baths. Free WiFi is offered and free private parking is available on site.

Every room includes a TV and yukata robes. For your comfort, you will find slippers, free toiletries and a hairdryer.

We had shabushabu for dinner, and it was excellent. Partner and I are both not breakfast people so we just had some coffee and pastries, but I think the breakfast buffet is also good. The location is also perfect for a weekend getaway from a busy working week. The staff were all nice and service was good.

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8.1
Very good
537 reviews
Price from
£79
per night

伊藤屋 features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Zao Onsen, 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Each accommodation at the 3-star ryokan has quiet street views, and guests can enjoy access to a hot spring bath and a public bath. The accommodation offers full-day security, luggage storage space and organising tours for guests.

Host is nice and friendly. Japanese style breakfast is very nice. There is fridge and microwave outside my room.

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8
Very good
206 reviews
Price from
£34
per night

Located in Zao Onsen, Matukaneya Annex offers 3-star accommodation with hot spring baths including a free-flowing natural hot spring bath. The property features a restaurant serving unique cuisine. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Free private parking is available on site.

All units at the ryokan are fitted with a seating area. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The accommodation is equipped with a terrace and a shared lounge.

The location and bus access was extremely convenient and one of the primary reasons in choosing the place. The hotel also offers their own shuttle service to get you around faster if your in a pinch.

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8.6
Fabulous
151 reviews
Price from
£113
per night

Just a 1-minute walk from Uwanodai Ski Resort, Zao Plaza Hotel features free WiFi and ski storage. Zao Onsen Bus Terminal is an 8-minute walk away, and free pick-up shuttles are provided when called from the terminal.

Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room at Plaza Hotel Zao has a TV and a fridge. An electric kettle with tea leaves is also provided.

We love the meals, services, big rooms and the strategic location to Zao Sky Cable. It is quite a walk to Sanroku Ropeway but the hotel offers pick up and drop off service whenever you want, which is a total plus. Breakfast and Dinner are just marvelous. The facilities are quite old but it is clean and very traditional Japanese. The Onsen is the best in town and it's open 24 hrs.... Overall, we love it and definitely will go back.

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8
Very good
120 reviews
Price from
£71
per night

Only a 5-minute walk from the Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Omiya Ryokan features Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths and massage treatments. The hotel offers Japanese dining and ski storage facilities.

Very beautiful traditional ryokan, the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. Had a blast snowboarding for the first time and enjoyed the onsen after a whole day out in the cold. Breakfast and dinner are delicious and very large portions.

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8.5
Very good
257 reviews
Price from
£76
per night

Only a minute's walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Shiki no Hotel offers Japanese Yukata robes and indoor/outdoor public hot-spring baths. Free WiFi is availble in public areas.

Guests sleep in Japanese futon bedding on tatami (woven-straw) floors or in Western rooms with beds and carpeted floors. Green tea can be enjoyed and each comes with a flat-screen TV and a fridge. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer and slippers.

Great location, 5 mins by foot to the ski lift, great sauna, staff removed snow from my car, good breakfast, clean and quiet room, great view of the forest

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8.8
Fabulous
251 reviews
Price from
£97
per night

The ryokan has a flat-screen TV. Featuring free private parking, this 2-star ryokan also features free WiFi.

The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in.

Great location, 5 minutes walking from the ski resort, 1 minute from public onsen, 2 minutes walking from the bus stop. A lot of restaurants around. The stuff are friendly. The breakfast is really good, Japanese style.

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8.3
Very good
68 reviews
Price from
£68
per night

Looking for a ryokan?

Experience culture authentically with a stay at this traditional Japanese-style accommodation. Sleep on the floor (on a futon roll) in a room furnished with tatami flooring and sliding doors. Guests can often expect access to a communal bath plus a complimentary Japanese garment called a yukata.
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Most booked ryokans in Zao Onsen this month

Great access to the city centre! Check these ryokans in Zao Onsen

  • Takasagoya Ryokan
    9.1
    Scored 9.1
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 243 reviews

    Set in Zao Onsen and only 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takasagoya Ryokan offers accommodation with city views, free WiFi and free private parking. A public bath is available for guests.

    Lovely staff and atmosphere and helped with any questions I had.

  • Iwashimizu Ryori no Yado Kinosato
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 8 reviews

    A 5-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Iwashimizu Ryori no Yado Kinosato offers guests an indoor/outdoor hot spring and free Wi-Fi use throughout the property.

  • Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 147 reviews

    Located within a 10-minute walking distance from the Zao Sky Cable aerial lift, Miyamaso Takamiya features 9 natural hot spring baths for guests to enjoy.

    接待人員親切 餐食用心 獨特的傳統風格 不愧是300多年歷史的温泉旅館(房內的半戶外温泉實在太喜歡了

  • Zao Shiki no Hotel
    8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 252 reviews

    Winter closure of the open-air baths "Shirakaba-no-yu" (Late December - 28 February) Due to the accumulation of snow, the open-air bath will be closed during the winter.

    location , outdoor onsen and nice buffet breakfast

  • Wakamatsuya
    Central location
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 38 reviews

    Wakamatsuya is situated 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.

    Nice ryokan with good view and good service staffs

  • Matsukaneya Annex
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 151 reviews

    Located in Zao Onsen, Matukaneya Annex offers 3-star accommodation with hot spring baths including a free-flowing natural hot spring bath. The property features a restaurant serving unique cuisine.

    入住時自製洗衣機壞了,店員改請我們用飯店自己的洗衣機(清潔房務用品的),不過整潔度還是沒問題,是個奇妙的體驗

  • Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira
    8.6
    Scored 8.6
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 96 reviews

    Located just an 8-minute walk from Zao-onsen Ski Resort, Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu Ohira boasts various natural hot spring baths and stunning seasonal views of surrounding Zao mountains. 4 free...

    Good service , nice place , very impression, Perfect

  • Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan
    8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 257 reviews

    Only a 5-minute walk from the Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Omiya Ryokan features Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths and massage treatments.

    Beautiful rooms and facilities with very helpful staff

  • Matsupokkuri
    Central location
    8.3
    Scored 8.3
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 68 reviews

    Matsupokkuri is a property situated in Zao Onsen near Zao Onsen Ski Resort. The ryokan has a flat-screen TV. Featuring free private parking, this 2-star ryokan also features free WiFi.

    Excellent location and friendly and helpful owner.

  • Meitoya So
    Central location
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 537 reviews

    Renovated in 2017, Meitoya Sou offers a modern-style ryokan with natural hot spring baths. Free WiFi is offered and free private parking is available on site.

    Amazing breakfast and dinner and just overall feel

  • 伊藤屋
    Central location
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 206 reviews

    伊藤屋 features mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, set in Zao Onsen, 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

    目の前に外湯がありましたが、ここのお風呂も大変良かった。昔ながらの旅館でしたから、妙に落ち着きました。 

  • Le Vert Zao
    Central location
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 79 reviews

    Just a 1-minute walk to Nakamori Ski Resort, Le Vert Zao offers both Japanese and Western-style rooms.Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas and free private parking is provided.

    館内温泉は最高でした。また近くの有料の露天風呂への送迎もして頂きました。 朝夕食 お米が美味しかったです。

  • Zao Plaza Hotel
    Central location
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 120 reviews

    Just a 1-minute walk from Uwanodai Ski Resort, Zao Plaza Hotel features free WiFi and ski storage.

    皆さん一所懸命に頑張って接客対応され気持ち良かった。スリッパの消毒、部屋清掃など建物、設備は古いが清潔でした。

  • Yoshidaya Ryokan
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 98 reviews

    Located in the Zao hot-spring area just a 5-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yoshidaya Ryokan offers Japanese-style accommodations with mountain views.

    当日は遅くなってしまいましたが、快く対応して頂きました。温泉の泉質がやはり良いです。少し熱湯で温まりました。

  • Takamiya Hotel Lucent
    7.8
    Scored 7.8
    Good
    Rated good
     · 100 reviews

    Situated in the Zao Onsen hot spring area, Hotel Lucent Takamiya is just a 2-minute walk away from Zao Chuo Ropeway's Onsen Station.

    スタッフ様が本当に親切で、サービスも良かった! チェックアウト後も温泉も入れてすごく良かったです。

FAQ about ryokans in Zao Onsen





Ryokans that guests love in Zao Onsen

  • 9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 42 reviews
    Hosts were extremely helpful and friendly. They made sure we were comfortable with an extra futon, recommended vegetarian places, and showed us the onsen and where to rent equipment. It has a communal vibe, so extroverted people would love it.
    Abigail
    Young couple
  • 8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 257 reviews
    This is a lovely old Ryokan at the end of the onsen street. It's accessible by short walk to the ski resort and has its own onsen as well as having a traditional onsen just out side the front entrance.
    Tony
    Group
  • 8.8
    Scored 8.8
    Fabulous
    Rated fabulous
     · 252 reviews
    - Great hospitality - amazing onsen (both traditional outside the hotel and within the hotel) - yukata - fantastic breakfast
    Marco
    Young couple
  • 8.5
    Scored 8.5
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 257 reviews
    Very beautiful traditional ryokan, the staff were incredibly helpful and friendly. Had a blast snowboarding for the first time and enjoyed the onsen after a whole day out in the cold. Breakfast and dinner are delicious and very large portions.
    Kent
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £65.60
    8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 206 reviews
    Everything is really nice, it is an old style ryokan and very good hot spring. Room is spacious with view. Was able to use the washing machine for free! Located on the main hot spring street , walkable to the Ropeway. Lots of restaurants nearby however some required advance booking. The hosts are very lovely and nice. If you want to experience authentic ryokan this will be the place to go
    Chia Ying
    Young couple
  • 9.4
    Scored 9.4
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 31 reviews
    We loved our stay at Matsuo House. Taka, Oraphin and Yuuchan were amazing hosts. They were so welcoming and made us feel right at home. The rooms are traditiinL tatami rooms, futon beds. The lodge is right beside one of the public onsens and close to the chairlifts. Highlight of our ski trip to Japan. We will be back. Especially loved our morning greetings from 3 yo Yuuchan - "sleep well?" We sure did. Xx
    Duffey
    Young couple
  • 8.0
    Scored 8.0
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 83 reviews
    It's a very cosy, traditional place. We get to sleep on a futon in a tatami room. It is clean, the scenery from the rooms in the morning is amazing. Inou-san is more than willing to drive us around the place. The breakfast toast with cheese is delicious.
    Desireen
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £323.93
    9.0
    Scored 9.0
    Superb
    Rated superb
     · 147 reviews
    Amazing experience at the Ryokan. Rooms are really nice and the Onsen and food are great
    Andre
    Family with young children
  • Avg. price/night: £111.70
    8.1
    Scored 8.1
    Very good
    Rated very good
     · 537 reviews
    It’s well located. Close to the most famous onsen in Zao. The rooms are typical ryokan room, but I had to set my own futon. Onsen are great too
    Maria Inês
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £79.20
    7.9
    Scored 7.9
    Good
    Rated good
     · 98 reviews
    Yoshidaya Ryokan is a beautifully presented traditional ryokan. Its right in the middle of the old part of Zao Onsen surrounded by historic buildings. This is a traditional Ryokan so be prepared to walk up stairs and use shared facilities. The rooms are very warm and comfortable and the Ryokan facilities are well presented and clean. The Hot Spring bath was wonderful! I will be staying at Yoshidaya again!
    timothy_kenyon
    Solo traveller