The room size, staff service and food was spectacular. It was as competitive as the service I experienced in Kamikochi.

Though people use to go to the onsen outside the inn, the shower room could be in better condition.

The place is so cute, especially the staff. Keep in mind that you are in more rural parts of Japan so alot of people do not speak English but they tried so hard and explained everything even though I only understood like half of what they said, the staff was so lovely. Even though the structure itself is old (with squeaky floors included) the ryokan is really charming and it feels really warm. They give you so much quality food and I was left pretty stuffed at the end

The onsen was a bit disappointing and kept draining while I was in it (maybe due to the time I was there) so for someone who goes to a place for the onsen like I do, maybe try the outside public onsen (owner also sells discounted ticket). Facilities is a bit old but as mentioned part of the charm but some may not like it

We were welcomed by friendly staff upon check in. They only speak simple English but that’s not a big issue as we have translation apps nowadays. 4 of us stayed 2 rooms, and the room were big, biggest we can get during our trip in Japan. As this is a local operated ryokan, the rooms are not identical. They served dinner and breakfast and it’s really good. You get to eat Yamagata beef and sashimi.

The downside is you have to carry your luggage up a very steep and narrow staircase. There is bathroom and toilet is outside and shared but I think this is expected in most of the local ryokan. At least one of our room has a basin, that’s more convenient.

The hotel is equipped with everything you would want in a ski town (i.e., dry room, well-heated housing and cozy rooms). I had the best sleep in a long time after a day of snowboarding and a hot spring (bonus: the bath house is located only a few steps away). But the best of all, the hospitality of the the entire owner family was exceptional and made the stay so special. I felt so welcomed and at home, - reminded me of when I used to visit my grandparents as a child.

Absolutely none!

This Ryokan is family-owned and everybody is super friendly! We arrived one hour before checkin time and it was pouring outside, so they already let us into the room! We really appreciate this and it gave us the opportunity to warm up a bit before we explored the Onsen in town. Dinner was amazing too!

Nothing really! The bathroom (no onsen) at the Ryokan is quite old and it was cold in the changing room. I think some people might mind it, but it was ok for us. :)

Nice room with Kotatsu and Tatami mats. Friendly staff, and close to the main street and natural hotspring. The hotel bath is not the onsen water, which is fine, because the onsen water is a bit acidic in this area. So I recommend showering first at the hotel, then enjoy the natural bath, then return to the hotel bath.

I wish I could have stayed longer but it was hard to find availability because it's so popular.

The breakfast and dinner is traditional Japanese and is excellent and value for money. The dinner was especially sumptuous and was more than expected. It had a small onsen and for the more adventurous you can also use on of the 3 public onsen that was only steps away from the front door. It's exceptionally close to the ski lift - easily walkable even with gear.

For what we had paid and the location I would say it was as per expectation, so there isn't anything that wasn't to my liking.

A friend and I stayed there during one week-end. It was a very good experience. The room is quite large and very clean. The highlight of this stay was for sure the dinner. The food was delicious, made with high quality products and with a large selection of different dishes. The owners were very nice with us. If you want to have an experience in a traditionnal family owned ryokan, I highly recommend to stay there :) It is exactly the kind of place that I hope will still exist in some years!

A welcoming family run business that showed wonderful hospitality. The food was outstanding, and do yourself a favour and ensure you have booked for a dinner. It was the best food we ate in Zao by far. Great location in the centre of town, close to public onsens. Would happily come back again.

Family friendly (we were family of 6, 8 yo, 14 yo , 18 yo and 3 adults), the hosts/owner was very accommodating, kind and helpful. Room was clean, traditional tatami room, also kept clean every morning. The dinner and breakfast is a must have if you want to experience traditional, delicious, home cooked Japanese meal (locally sourced). Few mins walk from all the 3 public onsens which is very convenient, you get to try them for free too (the ryokan provides the coupons for you). The inhouse public onsen is also a great option, a few steps from the rooms. For those who ski/snowboard, it is also a few minute walk from the Ski resort (ski ticketing/renting area). You can buy lift tickets from the ryokan at a discounted rate as well They also assisted is in shipping (Takuhaibin) our 5 luggage of ski gears to our next destination.

I wish we stayed longer :)