Meitoya So

8.3
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.3/10, based on 1,390 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Mountain Setting Hot Spring Town Snow Landscape Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Indoor Bath
Staff 8,4/10
Facilities 8,2/10
Cleanliness 8,3/10
Comfort 8,0/10
Value for money 8,1/10
Location 8,8/10

Ryokan highlights

A modern Japanese ryokan in Zao Onsen known for free-flowing hot springs, local dining, and calm mountain-base stays.

Authentic Zao OnsenEnjoy Zao Onsen’s historic sulfur-rich waters in free-flowing natural hot spring baths.
Open-air BathingRock open-air baths and wood-lined public baths create a classic onsen atmosphere.
Local Yamagata MealsDinner and breakfast highlight Yamagata specialties and seasonal regional ingredients.
Modern Japanese FeelRenovated interiors blend warm wood tones with a relaxed modern ryokan style.
Bus Terminal AccessAbout 10 minutes from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, with shuttle service available.
Good Base for ZaoConvenient for exploring Zao’s mountain scenery, seasonal nature, and hot spring town.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsIts strongest stay driver is the onsen-town and mountain setting. One night works for check-in, baths, dinner, breakfast, and a short town walk; two nights makes sense if you want ropeway time, skiing, or a slower bath-focused stay without rushing onward.
Trip-planning verdict: Best used as a 1-2 night Zao Onsen stay for baths, mountain scenery, and ski or ropeway access, not as a long regional base.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthZao Onsen supports a short scenic and onsen stay better than a long sightseeing base unless you are skiing or hiking.
Bus-and-walk logisticsMost travelers arrive via Yamagata Station and bus, then walk from the bus terminal, so large luggage can feel annoying.
Dining options thin outIf you book without dinner, nearby restaurant choice can feel limited compared with a city stay.

Food & drinks

Meitoya So in Zao Onsen has an on-site restaurant for buffet breakfast, set-menu dinner, and local Yamagata sake, with a couple of useful nearby dining picks.

Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

Main dining room for breakfast and dinner set meals.

  • Breakfast buffetfoodJapanese-style morning buffet.
  • Yaki-shabu gozenfoodZao beef, wagyu, and local pork set.
  • Jingisukan gozenfoodZao-style lamb barbecue set.
  • Pork shabu-shabufoodKome-no-Musume pork hot pot set.
  • Yamagata local sakedrinkCurated local sake selection.
Restaurant Robata (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Well-known Zao Onsen spot for jingisukan mutton barbecue.

  • Jingisukan set mealfoodLocal mutton barbecue specialty.
  • Mutton barbecuefoodCooked on a convex grill.
  • BeerdrinkGood with grilled lamb.
Rest House 101 (nearby)
nearbynear the ropeway

Casual mountain-side restaurant with noodles, pasta, and tea-time items.

  • Japanese sobafoodA house recommendation.
  • PastafoodSimple hot meal option.
  • Lunch setfoodEasy midday choice.
  • Cake setspecialtyDessert with tea-time appeal.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Zao Onsen area, with the most practical public transport approach usually being via JR Yamagata Station and Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

A solid Zao Onsen stay for travelers who want authentic sulfur-rich hot springs, ryokan-style rooms, and easy access to the onsen town. It is less ideal if you want polished luxury, flexible late arrivals, or guaranteed modern room features in every category.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent sulfur onsen accessThe property offers Zao’s strongly acidic natural hot spring water with both a large indoor bath and an open-air bath available 24 hours. That makes it especially appealing if bathing is the main reason for your trip.
  • Private bath option availableIf you want more privacy, you can reserve a private bath for 50 minutes. This is useful for couples, families, or guests who prefer not to use the public baths all the time.
  • Good fit for a classic Zao stayRooms lean into a traditional ryokan feel, with Japanese-style layouts, tatami space, yukata, and some categories that blend Japanese and Western elements. It suits travelers who want something more local than a standard business hotel.
  • Convenient for onsen-town exploringThe ryokan sits in Zao Onsen and is close to key local sights and bathing spots, making it easy to combine your stay with walks around the hot spring village. It also offers a short pickup from the bus terminal, which helps on arrival.
  • Local Yamagata cuisine focusMeals highlight regional specialties such as Zao beef, Yamagata pork, jingisukan, and seasonal local dishes. That gives the stay more destination character than a hotel with generic buffet dining.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not every room has a bathSeveral room categories do not include a private bath, and some assigned-room plans may vary. If having your own bathing space is essential, you need to choose carefully.
  • Private onsen costs extraThe private bath is not included as a standard feature and comes with a separate fee. Travelers expecting an all-included private onsen experience may find that disappointing.
  • Arrival window is restrictiveFinal check-in is relatively early at 6:00 PM. That can be inconvenient if you are coming from a long train-and-bus journey or planning a late arrival after sightseeing.
  • Traditional style may feel datedThis ryokan appears geared more toward classic comfort and hot spring atmosphere than sleek design luxury. If you want a highly contemporary or upscale resort finish, it may feel modest.
  • Acidic water is not for everyoneZao’s famously strong sulfuric water is part of the appeal, but it can be harsh for some guests, especially those with very sensitive skin. Travelers who prefer gentler baths may not enjoy repeated soaks here.

Ranking around this ryokan in Yamagata

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 39th out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
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 Current ryokan 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
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