Ringoya, Zaō Onsen

8.2
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.2/10, based on 25 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
Hot Spring Town Mountain Setting Snow Landscape Hot Spring Bath Kaiseki Cuisine
Staff 9,5/10
Facilities 7,1/10
Cleanliness 7,8/10
Comfort 8,2/10
Value for money 7,6/10
Location 8,9/10

Ryokan highlights

A simple, traditional Zaō Onsen inn with central village access, small onsen, and ski-trip practicality.

Central Onsen VillageSet in the heart of Zaō Onsen near shops, eateries, and village atmosphere.
Walkable Ski AccessSeveral ski base areas are reachable on foot in about seven minutes.
Small Onsite OnsenGuests can soak in the inn's own compact hot spring bath.
Public Baths NearbyA public onsen sits just across the road for extra bathing options.
Bus Terminal CloseThe bus terminal is only a short walk away, helping car-free travelers.
Budget Ski StayBasic tatami-and-futon lodging suits travelers prioritizing location and ski convenience.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsSki and onsen access are the strongest stay driver here: arrive mid-afternoon, soak, eat dinner, walk the onsen streets, then use the slopes, ropeway area, or public baths before moving on. Two nights works if you want one full mountain day without rushing.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night or 2-night Zao Onsen stay for onsen, ski access, and a compact mountain-village stop rather than a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthZao Onsen is rewarding for baths, snow scenery, and a mountain day, but it is not dense enough for many sightseeing-heavy days.
Shared-facility simplicityThis is a simpler ryokan-style stay with shared bath and shared toilet room types reported, so do not expect full luxury privacy.
Winter luggage frictionSnowy streets and mountain transfers can make arrival with large suitcases less convenient than a city hotel near a station.

Food & drinks

Zao Onsen Ringoya at 21 Zao Onsen appears to have an on-site restaurant serving Japanese meals, with a few useful town dining spots nearby.

Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

In-house restaurant for lunch, dinner, and drinks.

  • Japanese set mealfoodSimple Japanese-style fare.
  • Lunch dishesfoodCasual daytime meals.
  • CocktailsdrinkMixed drinks are listed.
  • Local-style dinnerspecialtyEvening meal at the ryokan.
ROBATA (nearby)
nearbyabout 3 min walk

Popular nearby local restaurant with regional dishes.

  • Genghis Khan lambspecialtyLocal grilled lamb specialty.
  • Local ingredient dishesfoodRegional Japanese plates.
  • Rice set mealsfoodCasual filling meals.
  • BeerdrinkGood with grilled dishes.
Yunohana Chaya (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Bathhouse eatery known for light local meals.

  • Soba setfoodClassic noodle set meal.
  • Japanese light mealsfoodEasy option after bathing.
  • TeadrinkWarm drink break.
  • Onsen stop mealspecialtyCasual dining in spa setting.

Access, transport and nearby sights

Ringoya is a small inn in the center of Zaō Onsen, best reached via Yamagata Station and the Zaō Onsen bus network, with Yamagata Airport as the most useful flight option.

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 practical, characterful stay in the heart of Zaō Onsen that suits travelers who want easy ski access, a casual local feel, and an onsen base without paying for a luxury ryokan. It is less ideal if you want private in-room facilities, polished full-service comfort, or a quiet high-end retreat.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Right in the middle of Zaō OnsenIts address places it in the central onsen village, close to the tourist information area, public baths, restaurants, and the ski resort zone. That makes it easy to get around on foot without relying heavily on transport.
  • Very convenient for skiingThe property is listed near Zaō Onsen Ski Resort and offers ski-to-door access, ski storage, rentals, and ski pass sales. For winter travelers, that setup is especially convenient compared with a standard ryokan stay.
  • Onsen stay with a more casual vibeRingoya combines lodging with hot spring bathing and a relaxed mountain-base atmosphere rather than a formal luxury-ryokan style. It can be a strong fit if you want something more easygoing after a day outdoors.
  • Useful extras under one roofThis property is associated with more than just rooms: dining, day-use bathing, rentals, and outdoor activity support are all part of its identity. That can make the stay feel efficient and traveler-friendly, especially for active guests.
  • Good option for simple value in ZaōThe setup suggests a straightforward ryokan focused on location and function, with free Wi-Fi and family-friendly room options. If your priority is spending time in the village and on the mountain, Ringoya looks well positioned for that.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Shared-bathroom style may not suit everyoneRooms are described with shared bathroom facilities rather than full private bathrooms. That can feel inconvenient if you want more privacy or hotel-style comfort.
  • More practical than luxuriousThis is a 2-star ryokan-style stay, so the appeal is convenience and local atmosphere rather than upscale design or refined ryokan pampering. Travelers expecting a premium traditional experience may find it too simple.
  • Less ideal for a quiet retreatBeing in the center of the onsen area and closely tied to ski activity can be a plus for access, but it may also mean a busier feel. If you want a secluded mountain ryokan, this location may feel too active.
  • Traditional tatami setup may be limitingRooms are described with tatami and futon bedding, which many travelers enjoy but some find less comfortable than Western beds. This matters more on longer stays or for guests with mobility concerns.
  • Amenities appear fairly basicThe property seems geared toward active travelers who need a solid base, not extensive in-room features or resort-style facilities. If you want a wide range of polished amenities, there are stronger options in Zaō Onsen.

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: 37th out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

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37th Ringoya, Zaō Onsen Current ryokan 8.2/10 25
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