Takamiya Hotel Lucent

8.6
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.6/10, based on 1,662 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 National Park Public Onsen Open-Air Bath Sauna
Staff 8,8/10
Facilities 8,6/10
Cleanliness 8,6/10
Comfort 8,8/10
Value for money 8,4/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A practical Zao Onsen stay with strong ropeway access, hot springs, and flexible room choices.

By Zao RopewaySet right by the ropeway area, making ski and mountain access especially easy.
Open-air OnsenPopular hot spring baths include an open-air bath for classic Zao soaking.
Good Ski BaseWell placed for ski days, with storage and easy access to nearby slopes.
Japanese-Style RoomsMostly Japanese rooms create a more traditional stay than a standard hotel.
Mountain ViewsSome rooms look onto seasonal mountain scenery, adding to the relaxing atmosphere.
Flexible Group StaysRoom variety, including Japanese-Western options, suits families and mixed travel groups.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsRopeway and onsen-town access are the strongest reasons to stay here. One night works for check-in, baths, dinner, breakfast, and a short town walk; two nights make sense if you want ropeway sightseeing, skiing, snow monsters, or a relaxed mountain pace without rushing onward.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1–2 night Zao Onsen stay for onsen, ropeway access, skiing, and mountain scenery rather than a long sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited long-stay depthZao Onsen is strong for baths, ropeway, seasons, and snow, but the immediate area is not dense enough for many sightseeing-heavy days.
Mountain transit frictionAccess is practical from Yamagata by bus, but it is less convenient than staying near a rail hub with easy luggage movement.
Meals matter hereSome plans do not allow same-day meal additions, and nearby food options can be limited at night.

Food & drinks

Verified as Takamiya Hotel Lucent in Zao Onsen; it offers on-site breakfast and seasonal Japanese dinner, with a few useful restaurants close by.

Restaurant Crystal (on-site)
on-site

Main hotel dining room for breakfast and set-course dinners.

  • Breakfast buffetfoodJapanese and Western breakfast spread.
  • Kaiseki-style dinnerfoodSeasonal Japanese course meal.
  • Yamagata beef hot potspecialtyLocal beef in a warming hot pot.
  • Komenoko pork dishesspecialtyLocal pork featured in select plans.
Restaurant Robata (nearby)
nearbyabout 10 min walk

Well-known local spot for Zao-style jingisukan barbecue.

  • JingisukanspecialtyGrilled mutton barbecue, Zao favorite.
  • Mutton setfoodTable-grilled lamb with vegetables.
  • BeerdrinkClassic pairing with barbecue.
Yunohana Chaya (nearby)
nearbyabout 2 min walk

Casual restaurant opposite the Chuo Ropeway, handy for noodles and light meals.

  • Soba setfoodSimple noodle set meal.
  • Light mealsfoodQuick bites near the ropeway.
  • Hot drinksdrinkWarm drinks after skiing or hiking.

Access, transport and nearby sights

TAKAMIYA HOTEL LUCENT is in central Zao Onsen and is most practically reached via Yamagata Station and the Zao Onsen bus network, with Yamagata Airport as the most useful air gateway.

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 mid-range onsen stay in the center of Zao Onsen, especially strong for ski access and variety of room types. It suits travelers who want convenience and sulfur hot springs more than those seeking a polished luxury ryokan experience.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Excellent ropeway-side locationIt sits by the center of Zao Onsen and right near the Zao Chuo Ropeway area, which is especially handy for skiers and for getting around the onsen town without much hassle.
  • Real Zao onsen experienceThe property offers the strongly atmospheric Zao hot spring experience with large public baths and an outdoor bath, making it a solid choice if the onsen itself is a priority.
  • Private baths for extra comfortIf you want more privacy, it has reservable private baths with both indoor and outdoor options. That is a big plus for couples or guests who feel shy about public bathing.
  • Flexible rooms for different groupsThe mix of Japanese-style, Japanese-Western, and maisonette rooms makes it easier to match the stay to couples, families, or small groups instead of forcing everyone into one layout.
  • Good local food focusDinner plans highlight regional specialties such as Yamagata beef, Yonezawa beef, and Komenoko pork, so the stay can feel rooted in the area rather than like a generic resort meal.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not ideal for limited mobilityThere are stone steps before the entrance and no elevator inside, so guests with heavy luggage, strollers, or walking difficulties may find the layout inconvenient.
  • More hotel than refined ryokanThis is better seen as a practical onsen hotel than an intimate high-end ryokan. Travelers chasing a deeply exclusive or luxurious traditional stay may find it less special.
  • Some baths are not hot spring waterNot every bath gives the same onsen experience, since one large bath uses boiled groundwater rather than the hot spring itself. If you care about that distinction, it may matter.
  • Private baths cost extraThe private baths are a paid add-on, so the more romantic or secluded bathing experience is not automatically included in the room rate.
  • Wi-Fi may disappointFor travelers who need stable internet for work or streaming, connectivity appears to be a weaker point compared with the property's stronger scores for location and staff.

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: 31st out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
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 Current ryokan 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
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Traveler routes

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This ryokan is included in 1 public itinerary.

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1

6 days – Hyogo > Kanagawa > Ishikawa > Yamagata

6 stops
Carole Manier Updated 20 May 2026 1 matching ryokan
Hot Spring Town 20% Mountain Setting 20% Old Town 20% City Center 14% Food District 13% Station Access 13%
1. Kariya Ryokan Q 2. PROSTYLE Ryokan Yokohama Bashamichi 3. 黒梅屋 Kurumiya 4. Takamiya Hotel Lucent 5. Koyasan Shukubo Jokiin 6. +1 more

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