What kind of onsen ryokan is Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso?
This is a luxury traditional mountain hut-style ryokan with a long history in Yamagata. If you want to get a traditional ryokan adventure, I would recommend it. Perhaps, if you are a hot spring lover, you should stay here. The spring quality is one of the best in JAPAN, very creamy, thick, and smooth. The water temperature tends to be high. The ambiance is very charming and quaint. Absolutely you can get much of an immersive traditional mountain life experience as you expect.
On the other hand, if you bring people with weak feet, I wouldn’t recommend it as there are many steps. The traditional building is very aged. This is like a maze. Also, most of the appliances, such as hairdryers, air conditioners, minibars, etc. break down after a year because of Zao Hot spring with strong sulfur content, so they only keep cheap ones. If this is your first time staying at ryokans, I wouldn’t recommend it. You may feel stressed a bit.
The property would be great for couples, families, solo travelers, or small groups. *A minimum age requirement of 13 applies.
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Is the location easy to access?
No, it would be a bit tricky. Take a Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Yamagata Station. It takes around 170min. Then take a Yamako Bus from Yamagata Station, and then get off at the last bus stop called Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. It takes 45min. Refer to the timetable. Then it takes 10min on foot from the bus stop to the property. Alternatively, a free shuttle service is available from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. You need to inform the staff in advance.
If this is your first visit to Zao Onsen, you may want to show the below Japanese sentence to a bus driver when you get on a bus.
蔵王温泉バスターミナルに着いたら、教えてください。
Kindly let me know when you reach “Zao Onsen Bus Terminal”
Then basically, there is no free shuttle bus from Sendai Station or Yamagata Station, but you may be able to request it. This is a special request, though. Staff tends to be flexible if they have time.
Then if you drive a car, you may want to inform the staff in advance as they can standby at the parking lot. The location is a bit away from the property.
*If you are still concerned about the above information, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time in the space below.
Rooms I would recommend?
If you are going to stay here, I would recommend a room in the annex called HINAKURA with an outdoor private hot spring. The annex is for big families, not for couples or small groups.
If you are a couple, I would recommend a suite room with a private open-air bath. This is not a hot spring but well-water is used. I guess it is not possible to install private onsen in each room because of the quality of the Zao hot spring water. The room tends to be cozy, functional, and user-friendly. You can see a peaceful view from the room.
On the other hand, others wouldn’t be special. Facilities tend to be worn out. The housekeeping was excellent, though. Then the property has no latest soundproofing. My ear sometimes caught some noise.
If you don’t want to sleep on Japanese-style mattresses on tatami mats, you should book a room with twin beds.
How about toiletries & in-room amenities?
All of the amenities are taken care of including minimum toiletries, yukatas, and a green tea set, etc. Complimentary water is available near the communal bathing areas. Room service is available for drinks only. There is no vending machine. There is no convenience store nearby. Free WiFi reception was good in our room.
How about In-house Facilities?
There are some indoor and outdoor communal hot springs. They are open for 24H. Also, there are two private family hot springs. They cost JPY2700 for 50min. They are open from 14:00-22:00. On top of that, you can use communal hot springs for free in the sister inns. There are 6 sister inns in Zao Onsen. Staff sends you to each venue if you request. The property would be a paradise for onsen freaks. *If you have tattoos, you may not be permitted to use the communal bathing areas. You should use the reserved private family ones instead.
How about meals?
The local kaiseki food for dinner and breakfast was good, but not so special. The portion tends to be average. If you love Wagyu beef, you may want to order at an additional charge. Basically, all meals are served in a dining area. If you want to have meals in your room, you may be able to request.
Please note that inform the staff when you book a room with meals if you have any food allergies. They probably wouldn’t be able to prepare alternative food if you request it on that day. Then, as far as I know, there wouldn’t be nice restaurants around there. The location is in a rural area. You may want to book a room with meals.
My impressions
Overall, all staff tends to be friendly warm, and informative. Overall this is cost-effective. If you love traditional mountain-style accommodations, it’s well worth staying.
The best season to stay here would be in the winter season. I was impressed by the majestic snowy landscape. Words cannot describe it. Also, the hot spring was very special after skiing. It will be a valuable experience to stay here.
JFYI, Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a 10min walk from the property. Have a nice trip! Welcome to receive any questions about the property from the below space. *You need to inform staff if you check in after 18:00. Check Availability and Pricing for the ryokan on Agoda
Info about Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
| Style | Traditional Mountain Hut Ryokan |
|---|---|
| Check-in and out times |
15:00/10:00 |
| Estimated Price | 40,000 JPY for 2 adults per room |
| Contact | |
| Internet Connection | Free WiFi at the ryokan |
| Facility Information | Wheelchairs are not available Pets are not allowed The free parking lot is available |
| Location | Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso’s MAP |
| Access | Free pick-up service from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal |
| Address and TEL | 54 Zaoonsen, Yamagata, 990-2301 Tel +81 023-694-9333 |
| Official Homepage | Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso’s HP |
*All information is as of the date that I posted on my blog.