Takasagoya Ryokan

9.0

This Ryokan has an overall rating of 9.0/10, based on 196 reviews.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
🥇 1st	Sakaeya Hotel	10.0/10	118
🥈 2nd	Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya	9.4/10	965
🥉 3rd	Shouhakutei Azumaso	9.3/10	179
4th	天童荘 TENDOSO	9.6/10	29
5th	Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso	9.2/10	1,267
6th	Hayamakan	9.2/10	730
7th	Tendo Hotel	9.2/10	539
8th	Tamonkan	9.2/10	313
9th	Hagurokan	9.2/10	90
10th	Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan	9.2/10	89
11th	Wakamatsuya	9.1/10	670
12th	Kinosato, auberge gastronomique à Zaō Onsen	9.1/10	316
13th	Tsukinoike	9.3/10	38
14th	Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori	9.1/10	64
15th	Tendo Onsen TAKINOYU	9.0/10	436
16th	Kameya Hotel	9.0/10	207
17th	Takasagoya Ryokan Current ryokan	9.0/10	196
18th	Zao Shiki no Hotel	8.9/10	749
19th	Tachibanaya	8.9/10	182
20th	YuiLocalZao	9.6/10	5
21st	Arimakan	8.9/10	42
22nd	Yūsuitei Isagoya	8.8/10	639
23rd	Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery	8.8/10	480
24th	Oyado Morinone	8.8/10	255
25th	Yura Onsen Yaotome	8.8/10	141
26th	Matsukaneya Annex	8.8/10	35
27th	ShirabuOnsen Higashiya	8.8/10	32
28th	Tsukasaya Ryokan	8.8/10	7
29th	Namegawaonsen Fukushimaya	8.6/10	70
30th	Saikatei Jidaiya	8.6/10	304
31st	Takamiya Hotel Lucent	8.6/10	1,662
32nd	Yuuyu No Sato Yusa	8.5/10	85
33rd	Bankokuya	8.5/10	178
34th	Ikkyu -Seaside Hotel-	8.2/10	8
35th	Takamiya Ryokan Sagiya Sansorai	8.2/10	13
36th	Yumorinoyado Sannozyou	7.9/10	6
37th	Ringoya, Zaō Onsen	8.2/10	25
38th	Senso Yutagawa	8.2/10	37
39th	Meitoya So	8.3/10	1,390
40th	onogawaonsen azumasou	8.2/10	169
41st	Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel	8.1/10	56
42nd	Kansyokan	8.1/10	78
43rd	Kami no yama Azumaya	8.0/10	675
44th	Tofuya Ryokan, Onogawa Onsen, Sauna, Barrier-free	7.3/10	31
45th	Takamiya Bettei Kuon	7.4/10	643
46th	Hotel Tetora Resort Tsuruoka	7.2/10	191
47th	Keyaki no Yado, source ambrée	4.1/10	25

Check-in from 3:00 PM

Mountain Setting Hot Spring Town Quiet Village Public Onsen Hot Spring Bath

Location

990-2301 Yamagata, Zaō Onsen, Zaoonsen 23, Japan

Staff 10,0/10

Facilities 8,0/10

Cleanliness 9,0/10

Comfort 9,0/10

Value for money 9,0/10

Location 9,0/10

Central Zao BaseJust a 3-minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal for easy arrivals.

Hot Spring HoppingGuests receive bath tickets for nearby public baths and the large open-air bath.

Homemade Yamagata MealsHandmade seasonal dishes highlight local flavors like Yamagata beef, sansai, and mushrooms.

Warm Family HospitalityFamily-run atmosphere with three generations of hostesses gives the stay a personal feel.

Ski Area AccessWell placed for Zao Onsen sightseeing and winter sports, including the nearby ski area.

Traditional Tatami StaySmall-scale Japanese rooms and classic inn character suit travelers seeking a traditional stay.

Recommended stay1-2 nightsOnsen-town setting is the main driver: arrive mid-afternoon, soak before dinner, walk the small hot spring area, then use the next morning or full next day for the ropeway, shrine area, or skiing without rushing onward.

Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-night to 2-night Zao Onsen stay for baths, mountain air, and seasonal ropeway or ski access, not as a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthZao Onsen is rewarding for baths and mountain scenery, but most travelers will run out of varied non-ski sightseeing after 1-2 nights.

Shared bath styleVerified lodging details point to public bath use rather than private in-room bathing, so privacy-focused travelers may be disappointed.

Mountain logisticsThis is not a city-center base; access is manageable but less convenient than staying near Yamagata Station for fast regional day trips.

Dining Room (on-site)

on-site

Handmade seasonal ryokan meals by the host family.

ZAO stand MY (nearby)

nearbynext door

Modern restaurant and bar beside the ryokan.

Oto Chaya (nearby)

nearbyabout 10 min walk

Relaxed lunch cafe near the entrance to the hot spring town.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Useful access points Stations, stops, airports and practical travel advice.

Best way to arrive For most travelers, take rail to Yamagata Station and continue by bus to Zaō Onsen Bus Terminal, then walk a few minutes or take a short taxi if carrying luggage. If flying, Yamagata Airport is usually the most practical air gateway, while Sendai Airport can work well if your flight options are better there.

Yamagata Stationstation
11 kmKasumicho, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japantoo far to walk comfortablyabout 35–50 min by car depending on conditionsabout 35–45 min by bus to Zaō Onsen, then a short walk or taxi
Main rail gateway for most guests, especially those arriving by Shinkansen or regional JR services; usually the best transfer point before the mountain bus.
Zaō Onsen Bus Terminalbus
180 mZaō Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japanabout 3–8 min on footabout 1–3 min by taxi
Most useful final public transport arrival point for the ryokan; usually the best choice for travelers coming from Yamagata Station.
Yamagata Airportairport
27 kmHigashine, Yamagata Prefecture, Japanabout 55–80 min by car depending on traffic and weathertypically via Yamagata Station, then bus onward to Zaō Onsen; total time varies
Usually the most practical airport for the ryokan if flight schedules suit you, especially for domestic arrivals into Yamagata Prefecture.
Sendai Airportairport
46 kmNatori, Miyagi Prefecture, Japanabout 1 hr 30 min to 2 hr 15 min by car depending on conditionsoften easiest via bus or rail toward Yamagata Station, then bus onward to Zaō Onsen
A useful alternative airport with broader flight options; often worthwhile when fares or schedules are better than Yamagata Airport.
Zaō Chuo Ropeway Onsen Stationaccess
570 mZaō Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japanabout 5–12 min on footabout 2–5 min by taxibest checked locally
Helpful local mountain access point for ski and sightseeing days; not usually the primary arrival hub from outside Zaō Onsen.
Zaō Ropeway Sanroku Stationaccess
1.5 km229-3 Zaoonsen, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, Japanabout 10–20 min on foot depending on route and slopeabout 3–7 min by taxibest checked locally
Useful for sightseeing and winter access rather than long-distance arrival; practical if you plan ropeway rides or snow-monster viewing.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points

Excellent Zao Onsen locationThe ryokan sits in central Zao Onsen, within a short walk of the bus terminal, main street, public baths, and ski access. That makes it especially convenient if you are arriving by bus or mixing skiing with town strolls.
Warm family-style hospitalityGuest feedback consistently highlights the owners as exceptionally kind, helpful, and welcoming. The stay seems to feel personal rather than anonymous, which adds a lot to the ryokan experience.
Good base for skiingIt is well placed for the ski area and has practical features for winter travelers, including a drying room for ski gear. That is a real advantage in Zao, especially after snowy days on the mountain.
Strong meal experienceBreakfast and dinner are often praised, and the property is associated with carefully prepared local-style cuisine. This makes it a solid pick if meals are part of why you want a ryokan stay.
Spacious traditional roomsReviews frequently mention large, clean rooms with tatami-style character, and some note touches like kotatsu seating. It offers a classic Japanese inn atmosphere without feeling cramped.

5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs

The in-house bath is not true onsen waterSeveral guests note that the ryokan bath is convenient but not fed by the natural hot spring water. If your priority is soaking in an authentic on-site onsen, this may feel like a compromise.
Shared bathrooms may reduce comfortSome rooms rely on shared bathing facilities, and guests have specifically wished for private toilets and baths. Travelers used to hotel-style privacy may find that inconvenient.
Lots of stairs with luggageGuests mention a significant number of stairs, which can be tiring if you are carrying large suitcases or ski gear. This is worth noting for older travelers or anyone with mobility concerns.
Traditional bedding may not suit everyoneThe futon setup and firmer pillows are part of the ryokan style, but some guests found them less comfortable than Western beds. Light sleepers or those with neck or back sensitivity may notice it.
More cozy and practical than upscaleThe property seems strongest as a friendly, authentic, mid-range ryokan rather than a polished luxury retreat. If you want premium design, private open-air baths, or high-end resort features, it may feel too simple.

Current position: 17th out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

Rank	Ryokan	Rating	Reviews
12th	Kinosato, auberge gastronomique à Zaō Onsen	9.1/10	316
13th	Tsukinoike	9.3/10	38
14th	Uesugi no Miyu Gotenmori	9.1/10	64
15th	Tendo Onsen TAKINOYU	9.0/10	436
16th	Kameya Hotel	9.0/10	207
17th	Takasagoya Ryokan Current ryokan	9.0/10	196
18th	Zao Shiki no Hotel	8.9/10	749
19th	Tachibanaya	8.9/10	182
20th	YuiLocalZao	9.6/10	5
21st	Arimakan	8.9/10	42
22nd	Yūsuitei Isagoya	8.8/10	639