Very nice accommodation. Nao is a very friendly person and the kitchen is wonderful ! Very convenient washing machine and dryer.

Breakfast was alright. The location is good as it is in a refurbished community centre, so it was a cool little community project. Lots of space.

“Lovely guesthouse in a converted school building”

I really liked the friendly atmosphere; little gem in Yamagata prefecture, in the sleepy town of Murayama - close to Ginzan+Zao onsens and Yamadera, Yamagata city. The female dorm was comfortable, there were two 4bed areas separated from each other so it didnt feel crowded at all. Lockers were available to use, and plenty of privacy in the dorm. Cute and cozy hangout area, you could even play with a Famicom if you wanted which was super cool. Owner was really kind and explained everything in detail - also was really cool to hear his story how he ended up in Japan.

Really cool concept! Amazing that such a small town had this great community center. Fun experience being part of the local community. Just funny being in a school building. It was fun checking out the different areas of the place. Convenient for going to Ginzan Onsen (even though Ginzan is so small that there is not much to see and I wouldn't go there again). I loved the decoration, the tall beds and especially the view from the staircase outside. Best sunset spot! Nice surroundings with the mountains. Once I cooked and sat down in the garden, beautiful experience. I couldn't test out the pizzeria due to the opening hours but the smell is amazing. Friendly owners giving advice of the area. Beds were very comfortable (pillowcases a bit weird). They even have a washing machine for guests, the dryer however would be one of the huge ones in the laundry which I didn't want to use so I put my clothes outside on the chairs to dry.

Thank you very much to Sam and Nao for making this place feeling like home. I would absolutely come back, very cozy and warm place to stay

“Idyllic school classrooms converted to glowing guesthouse within lovely local ecosystem.”

Amazing location just north of Yamagata (Murayama) in a unique facility near the train station, food spots, and beautiful hiking trails/gardens to explore. The building is a converted school with businesses, coffee shop, and fantastic pizza place in addition to a full kitchen, shower room, and the usual guesthouse amenities, making this feel truly like a hidden gem within a lively ecosystem of the local community. Host were incredibly helpful and friendly with lots of local recommendations and tips for day trips, and the "converted school" vibe was outstanding with chalkboards, books, and learning materials available to write messages to future travelers or take space for remote work/study. Highly recommend for both short and long stays, and will definitely be returning again (hopefully) soon!

“Old school and modern”

Friend staff and very nice concept in an old school. Only dormitories, but very comfortable and as much as privacy as possible. Showers two floors down and a bit to walk, but very modern and clean. Definitely will come back.

all things

Affordable & Cosy place, stayed here for 2 weeks. Friendly owners run the place. - Pizzeria (authentic Neapolitan pizzas) & Bagel Cafe just downstairs - Train Station is 3 min walk - Big Supermarket is 7 min Walk (opposite McDonald’s) - Lawson & 7/11 only few mins walk away - The guesthouse is located in Murayama - a really nice peaceful town. - 15 min train ride away from Tendo which has a huge shopping mall - it’s 40 mins to Yamagata Station by local train. 510 yen one way. Trains run every hour.

“Very good”

Warm

“Very unique experience”

There's a public space for eating and chatting in 3F. Also, a kitchen room with fridge, utensils, bowls, plates, microwave, oven, boiler etc., very well equipped. In 3F, there's another fridge with freezer, mugs, cold drinking water, shampoo, towel (100 yen each) were provided. Beds were quite spacious (compared to most beds in cheap hotels) and clean. You have to carry the shampoo from 3F to 1F shower room yourself. There's a coin laundry (wash+dry) below at 1600 yen.

The staff was so very friendly, the beds very comfortable and a nice location.

“Best”

environment and the feel so chill

The place is incredible: it is a former school where you can find the guesthouse, a pizzeria, a coffee shop and many more. The guesthouse is clean and the staff nice.

“Reccomend. Great value for money”

The included facilities such as toilets, a kitchen, washing machine, shower rooms, changing rooms etc. were large, on a different floor to the dormitory and integrated into a community centre. Furthermore although they were part of a community centre they were often empty. I found that this was very convenient as it meant I could get ready in the mornings or nights without disturbing others from sleeping, this also meant that the mornings were very quiet and I was not woken up by any sounds of other guests. The owner was very kind and helpful

“Owner, Sam, was a legend. Had some great chats over a cuppa and he gave me lots of great recommendat”

In Murayama not Yamagata but eash to get between the two by train. Murayama was a ghost town but I kind of loved it. Would recommend.

Hospitality

“Perfect stop for one night”

Comfy beds and helpful staff. Pizza resturant in the building

“Wonderful place to stay. Great location, vibe and very friendly staff.”

“I had a wonderful time in Yamagata Guesthouse! Very recommended! Definitely coming back”