Hotel berhampiran Stesen Zaō, Yamagata

The room was comfy, excellent service. I checked out in a rush this morning, front desk told me I have left something behind in my room. I responded, being sure I hadn't, until an elderly man I saw earlier from housekeeping came running down the stairs and handed me my travel charger and cables. A big thank you so much and sending me to the bus terminal in time. I love the view of the wintry slope from my room window especially.

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.

The hotel is good for skiing in and out, To walk in and out needs some stamina as it’s located on higher ground, but there is a free shuttle service till 5:30pm. The onsen is the best as it has both indoor and outdoor onsen. It’s so good to have the onsen in the snow.

The room was beautiful, with tatami, yukata, tabi, and a little bag with towels to take with you when you go to their proper outdoor onsen that's right across the street. The onsen has good amenities, has 2 baths one indoor that's around 42 - 45 degrees, and outdoor one that's usually cooler around 38 - 42. The best thing about that onsen is that there usually not many people there, often I was there alone. The breakfast was great too, there were at least around 20 - 30 different dishes/foods to choose from. The hotel also sells discounted ski passes, and has it's own ski/snowboard rental service for lower price than most of the rental services nearby (the snowboard was of great quality, the shoes not so much). When we checked out, the hotel arranged a van to take us to the bus terminal as well. Overall, one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at in Japan. 👌🏻

I love Bernese Mountain, and I’m lucky enough to stay here and play with Haruda San (I hope I spell her name correctly). The breakfast and dinners are sumptuous and of good portion. Staffs are attentive and swift to provide shuttle bus services. All rooms with no shower facilities, meaning you have to go to public bath area to take shower. For rooms located at west annex, it’s a bit of walk and you need to pass through a short outdoor alleyway. I would recommend to try onsen at No. 1 and 2 site as they are close to public bath area. If you try onsen at other sites, which is at west annex, you need to go to another side of the hotel to take shower before and after the onsen as they don’t provide shower facility during winter.

Excellent location short walk from Yamagata station. A better location might be located on the east side of Yamagata station as there are more food and beverage and convenience stores available. Dated property but cozy and functional. A man made onsen within the property doesn’t hurt. We also had a rental car and overnight parking was ¥600. Complimentary breakfast however you must account for time and occupancy, we did not have time to enjoy it due to the lines. Service was top notch. Hotel was helpful with directions and translation. A senior lady went the extra mile to assist with contacting next hotel and even considered train timings as well as advising us to stay in Yamagata and not go early as there was nothing available in the next onsen town.

Not as clean as I've come to expect of japanese properties. For some reason, the cleaning lady/man left some black rubber debris on the floor which looked sus and I ended up cleaning after them 😑 The onsen is small and old, but tolerable due to its sufficient heat. Breakfast is good but it ends up taking up precise (and critical) time because breakfast starts at 730, and by the time I got to the ropeway station (at 810) the queue is already super long and I waited three hours before boarding the cable car. Only one staff (mixed race?) speaks English and he doesn't look particularly friendly like other Japanese staff, but I suppose he's helpful enough to Western standards.

It’s quite a big hotel, 3 buildings are connected and there are many rooms. The rooms are a bit outdated but still maintained well. Service was good and flexible. Transportation to the village is quite necessary when the roads are covered by snow, especially with luggage. They have free shuttle bus which is great. Best parts: 1. Dinner semi-buffet has unlimited alcoholic beverages including local sake, draft beer and wines. 2. Ski & board rental shop is right outside of the hotel. Although hotel only accept cash for the lift ticket, you can rent the gear (rental shop accepts credit card) and ski down the hill (20sec) to the cable ticket counter to buy ticket, pay by credit card. The location has lifts 5,6 and cable 4

This hotel is located right next to the ropeway to see the Snow Monsters, which is very convenient. You can easily walk to line up for tickets early in the morning. Another advantage is that the hotel provides some covered parking spaces, so you don’t have to clear snow off your car in the morning. Initially, I accidentally booked a room without dinner included. I tried emailing the hotel to request adding dinner, but unfortunately, I did not receive any response. The room has a private hot bath, but you need to fill it yourself with hot water. The room size is relatively small, and the condition feels quite old. Overall, compared to the very high room price, I don’t think it offers great value for money.

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!