Yuuyu No Sato Yusa

8.5
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.5/10, based on 85 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 / Check-out until 10:00 AM
Mountain Setting Countryside Escape Garden Setting Hot Spring Town Public Onsen Open-Air Bath
Staff 9,2/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 8,9/10
Comfort 8,9/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 7,7/10

Ryokan highlights

A relaxed hot-spring ryokan in Yamagata City with mountain views, easy access, and an onsen-cafe stay style.

Own Hot SpringNatural spring water rises on site, giving the baths a more distinctive local appeal.
Zao Mountain ViewsThe large baths and property look out toward the impressive Zao mountain range.
Ofuro Cafe LoungeAn attached ofuro cafe adds extra relaxation spaces beyond a standard ryokan stay.
Easy City AccessAround 15 minutes by car from Yamagata Station and roughly 5 from Zao Station.
Yamagata Beef MealsPopular meal plans prominently feature Yamagata beef, including sukiyaki and steak dinners.
Flexible Room TypesOffers mainly Japanese-style rooms plus Western and mixed options for different travel styles.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsScenery and bath time are the strongest stay driver here: arrive early, use the onsen and café spaces, have dinner, sleep, enjoy breakfast and one more bath, then continue to Zao, Yamagata City, or onward travel. A second night works if you want a slower hot-spring break or a nearby outing rather than constant sightseeing.
Trip-planning verdict: Good for a restorative 1-2 night stay near Yamagata City and the lower Zao area, but not the best choice for a fully walkable sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Car-leaning stayMost practical access is by car or taxi. It is not a station-area ryokan for easy walk-in logistics.
Limited walkable areaThe setting is quiet and semi-rural, so travelers wanting many shops or restaurants nearby may feel stuck.
Do not over-baseThis works better as a short onsen stay than a long regional base unless you already have a car and plans.

Food & drinks

This ryokan at 319-2 Kurosawa has a Japanese dinner venue plus a 1F cafe-restaurant with local Yamagata dishes, sweets, and breakfast service.

Yusa Dining (on-site)
on-site

Main ryokan dining for breakfast and seasonal Japanese dinner.

  • Breakfast buffetfoodMorning buffet with garden views.
  • Japanese set dinnerfoodSeasonal local-course style meal.
  • Yamagata beefspecialtyRegional beef featured in dinner plans.
  • Local vegetablesspecialtySeasonal produce from the area.
Cafe Restaurant (on-site)
on-site

1F cafe-restaurant for casual meals and drinks.

  • Yusa baked curryfoodHouse baked curry, a signature item.
  • Pork grill platefoodYamagata pork with apple balsamic sauce.
  • Fruit parfaitfoodSeasonal fruit dessert.
  • CoffeedrinkCafe drinks available with meals.
MOGY (on-site)
on-site

Small on-site sweets stop focused on ice cream and fruit treats.

  • Fruit ice creamfoodFruit-forward ice cream treat.
  • Seasonal fruit sweetsfoodLight dessert options using local fruit.
  • Cafe drinksdrinkSimple drinks to pair with sweets.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in the Kurosawa Onsen area south of central Yamagata, with Zaō Station as the nearest rail stop and Yamagata Station as the main arrival hub.

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

Should you choose this ryokan?

This is a hot-spring ryokan in Kurosawa Onsen, Yamagata City, with its own spring source and a distinctive on-site ofuro café concept. It suits travelers who want an easygoing wellness stay near Yamagata and Zao more than those seeking a secluded luxury ryokan.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Mountain-view bathsThe large bath area is known for views toward the Zao mountain range, which gives the onsen a much stronger sense of place than a standard city hotel bath.
  • Own-source hot springThe property uses its own on-site hot spring source, so the bathing experience is a core part of the stay rather than a minor extra.
  • Relaxed ofuro café atmosphereBesides the ryokan side, the attached ofuro café adds lounges, books, coffee and casual spaces that make it easier to spend a full afternoon on property.
  • Good base for Yamagata and ZaoIt is in Yamagata City near Zao Station and road access is straightforward, making it practical for combining hot springs with sightseeing, skiing areas or regional touring.
  • Solid local food focusMeals emphasize seasonal Yamagata ingredients, including local vegetables and Yamagata beef in some plans, which gives the dining experience a clear regional identity.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not a deeply secluded ryokanThe setting is convenient rather than remote, so it does not deliver the same hidden-mountain atmosphere as a more isolated onsen inn.
  • Shared spaces can feel busyBecause the ofuro café and baths also attract day visitors, public areas may feel livelier and less exclusive than travelers expect from a classic ryokan stay.
  • Some amenities lean casualThe property mixes ryokan lodging with a modern bath-café concept, so the experience can feel more informal than a traditional high-end Japanese inn.
  • Access still works best by car or taxiIt is reachable from Yamagata and Zao, but the last stretch is easier by car, taxi or bus rather than as a simple walk from a major station.
  • Best rooms may matter a lotRoom categories vary from standard options to more appealing bath-equipped rooms, so the stay quality can depend heavily on which room type you book.

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: 32nd out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
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 Current ryokan 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
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