2-Star Hotels in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

My room, shared restrooms, & bath were extremely clean! The home is full of character & clearly well-taken care of. Right by Yamagata Station & perfect place to shop. Bunch of parks as well, Kajo Park in particular has the Yamagata Castle Ruins. I spent a day going to Ginzan Onsen, further away compared to Zao. Definitely beautiful view but make sure you are aware of the bus & train schedules, because they come by roughly once an hour. The hostess is as nice as the reviews say she is! A little awkward at first, but she'd chat with me & patient when I tried speaking in Japanese. Very cheery personality! There was an avalanche risk warning, but she reassured me I'll be safe going to Ginzan Onsen. She'd come out to greet or see me off each day. Overall, very pleasant! Amenities were great! She provided basic necessities without extra charge (toothbrush/paste, towels) AND a yukata!! The futon was already set out for me when I arrived. Each night, when I returned, the bath was ready so I could go straight to showering & soaking. Lastly the amazing breakfast like the other reviews have stated. So cheap for how much food she gives you! Great variety, the rice smelled amazing, & a little different each meal. You come down at the agreed time, sit at a table with the TV on, & eat the meal in peace. Overall, the best place I stayed at in Japan & will definitely book again when visiting Yamagata! You really get to live the traditional Japanese-lifestyle!

I cannot attest too much overall to the quality of this hotel, as mine was a fleeing evening visit followed by an early morning departure but I will describe as best I can. It is a fair way away from the station, about fifteen minutes walk, neither hilly nor strenuous, but quite close to several local bus routes including one terminating at Dewa Sanzen. There’s a small cinema a short walk away, though no immediate convenience shops-there are, however, as in most hotels, drink and food vending machines available in the lobby. A free breakfast is served from 7:00 and looked delicious, though I did not get to partake as I had an early business appointment. For those travelling lightly, there are coin operated washing and drying machine facilities. The nearby park in the spring is redolent with the aroma of flowers and the area is known for its European style buildings with the museum being particularly worth visiting. The staff were attentive and very accommodating, and while the building itself is older it is maintained well and clean. For older travellers, do be mindful that the entrance doors are non-automated and may prove a little heavy so request help if need be.

Absolutely lovely place. At first I thought I'd be uncomfortable with how spaceous the room was (I'm a very jumpy solo traveller), but the room was just so comfy with an excellent view. The heater was a bit hot, but there was an electric fan too, so all was great. The hotel allows you to have a free 50 minute private bath each night, and the private baths are amazing, able to accommodate up to five persons and with windows to let in the light and stuff. Excellent onsen water -- very acidic and very hot. Takes some time getting used to the heat, but once you do it's a heavenly experience. There are also public baths (free of charge) that you could enjoy throughout the night and into early morning (they're closed for cleaning only during 9-12 in the morning), one indoor and one outdoor, both connected to one another. The outdoor one is a bit small, but it's so refreshing to be able to flee from the stifling indoor onsen to enjoy the crisp winter air while soaking up in the heat.

Overall a practical hotel close to the slopes, room was simple but fine. Free shuttle provided which proved very convenient. Breakfast was good with different options both Japanese and western styles. Staff was helpful especially the Japanese personnel and the young lady in the breakfast room however there was one Indian-like man who was not really hospitable, never smiling and never talking (no hello, nothing at all) staring at you which made me uncomfortable.

Excellent authentic ryokan experience. Twenty minutes drive away from Zao ski area. The room was spacious and clean with comfortable bedding that kept us warm throughout the nights. Breakfast was perfect. Onsen is minimal and not big but the water quality is excellent. Our skin was moisturized throughout our trip without the need for body lotion! The hosts helped us with restaurant reservations, led us the way, and even drove to get sushi dinner for us on New Year’s Eve when we were out of options on food. And when we needed help with our car rental, they were again helping us deal with the problem. Though they do not speak much English, their kindness broke all language barriers. Their hospitality and warm service minds are beyond words. We recommend this property to anyone seeking a home away from home. Thank you again!

Loved this place!! The host was so lovely and held conversation with us even with our broken Japanese haha, gave us maps / guides for the Dewa Sanzan and even asked us about our itinerary for the next day (as we were going to climb the other 2 mountains, he made sure we knew the bus timings). It was such a nice traditional ryokan, with comfy tatami, public ofuro (hot steaming bath that felt great after climbing Hagurosan), yukata, and even tea powder and biscuits set out in the room :”) Our room had a wash basin and sofa chairs as well, but not sure if that's for all rooms. We paid 660yen each for breakfast taken away (2 big onigiri balls!) but couldn't have dinner added on (so make sure you check beforehand, because most places in the town close by 5pm). Overall 100% recommend staying here! Loved our stay, thank you :)

The location is excellent, just a 2-3 minute walk to the left from the Yamagata JR station exit. It's very close to the No. 1 bus stop for Zao, and Kasumi Park is within 1 kilometer, within walking distance. The rooms are clean and spacious, and although a bit old, they are well maintained! Note that the check-in counter is on the 3rd floor, so please pay attention when you go there to avoid getting lost like I did.

I will stay here again next time I have a chance to go skiing in Zao. The service was very good. We stayed four nights in a row and the dinners were different for four days. It’s no problem to take a bath, dry your snowshoes, or do laundry. There happens to be a Malaysian girl who can speak Chinese (smiling every day) Great stay experience

Very good location to stay one night or 2 if you plan to visit Zao Onsen. Staffs are very friendly, service is very good too. The only setback is that there is no towel available and if you want towel, you need to buy from the reception staff. Also pls take note that each room need to pay 1000yen per night for heating charges. Other than above 2 setbacks, rest are good

The hotel front desk service was very professional. The parking attendant even asked my name first and then led me to the front desk to check in. The room has a large window with a view of the Sea of ​​Japan. The wind was strong at the seaside that day, but the room was not disturbed by the whistling sound all the time. The women's hot spring has two areas, one is made of stone and the other is made of wood. There is also an outdoor area. Because I have tattoos, I avoid the crowds when taking a bath. The space feels very comfortable. The breakfast the next day was pretty standard, the usual traditional Japanese breakfast, but there was also coffee to drink. A very satisfying experience, hope to visit again.