“Not stay here if you want to sleep”

Th property nothing special. The rooms are normal, some things are old. But it works just fine.

“Absulotely amazing . I will be back for sure . No question .”

The location was very good . Right in the middle of the village , a short walk to lifts , close to the bus station . You would be hard pressed to find a better location in Zao . The owners of this property are by far the kindest people I have ever come across . They were super attentive to anything your needed. You did not even need to ask , as soon as they could see you needed something they were right there with it . I arrived late at night , coming thorugh the door a but exhausted and flustered . The owners wife welcomed me and handed me a beer and some dried fish . You dont see that every day . A truly incredible property in Zao . Hiden gem . Dont miss this place .

“Simple with great service and good cheap food”

The staff couldn’t do enough for you Clean and simple Good value for money

“We had a great stay, would highly recommend!”

This was a traditional Ryokan, the staff were very nice and the location was very good, with access to the Zao Onsen ski area.

“Comfortable traditional stay close to the ski areas, bus station and public onsens.”

Location is excellent to access all the ski areas. Small towels were provided for the public onsens which are all less than 5 minutes on foot. It is also very close and easy access to the bus stop to/from Yamagata. The bedding was very warm and comfortable, be prepared for the traditional bean filled pillows. We found them easy to sleep on but if you are a fussy sleeper, this may be an issue for you. We ate dinner on our third night in house, they offered Tamagodon which was incredibly delicious and very good value for money.

“A wonderful experience. Glad to have met you all and thanks for the memories.”

Wonderful breakfast and the staff were first class. Went out of their way to accommodate us even when only a question was asked. Highly recommended! Thanks guys for making our stay truly memorable. Enjoy the wine..

The room is very comfortable, warm in winter. The bedding and particular The traditional Japanese pillow, oh, my, so good for sleep. I wanted to ask where to buy those pillows but did not get a chance. Location is awesome, everything are so close. The breakfast is amazing and a lot.

We had a great stay here in Jan 2026 as a family of four. The location was very central and was an easy walk to the ski lifts, onsens, bus station and shops. The hosts were so kind and generous too. Would highly recommend.

Location was excellent. So close to the bus station. Easy walk to the onsens and restaurants and ski slopes. The hosts were so kind and helpful.

“Loved Matsupokkuri in Zao - A Ghibli world! & such beautiful landscapes to ski through. So special!!”

In the heart of Zao Onsen village and a short walk to the main "ropeway" or cable car. The room was beautiful with a table and cushionbs and a cupboard with futons to put out. We went western style and left our futons out all the time we were there and had some of the cushions as a makeshift bedhead against the cupboard. The food was absolutely amazing - we had a shabu shabu hot pot dinner that was cooked on our table and it was difficult to stop eating although despite the very generous serving. Breakfast was also plentiful and nutritiously so well balanced that we could go on skiing for hours without a break. The owner is charming and although we hired a local guide for going back country we should have just talked to the owner. He has been skiing is Zao all his life and was a champion giant slalom skier and is a volunteer search and rescue patrol guy too. The mother has a shop downstairs and her delicious sweet dumplings get sold out everyday. Don't worry about not having a private bathroom (I normally prefer this) as the facilities are scrupulously clean. There is a lovely communal bath (one for men, another for women) and the best onsen in town just opposite (free voucher available from the front desk). Felt really well looked after. Will definitely come back!! Zao Onsen is like a ghibli world. There are snow rabbits running about in the breathtaking scenery of the snow monsters and apparently giant foxes and (musasabi) giant flying squirrels with 1.6m wingspan (very rare to see though). Just lovely! Zao also has a new excellent music bar/restaurant called Takiyama Studio. The chefs drum and play guitiar and various instruments and a waitress sings - it was amazing, especially the qualilty of the waitresses singing and guitar playing. The chef's singing was not my cup of tea but he knew his way around an axe!

“Amazing stay, would definitly book again. Please make sure you try the Iga Mochi from downstairs, I regret not purchasin”

The property is in a very convenient location with bathhouses a short walk away as well as a little convenience/souvenir shop across the road. The owner is very very kind and accomodating. Make sure you try their Iga Mochi store downstairs (run buy the accomodation owner too)! I regret not purchasing more.

Excellent location and friendly and helpful owner.

The owner very kind.

You get well beyond what you paid for, comfortable bedding and pillow. Owner was super helpful and friendly.

“awesome.”

traditional accommodation right in the heart of Zao.

Great at the price, classic minpaku.