Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on May 29, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (2)
How long does it take from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to the ryokan?
About 5 minutes on foot from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to our facility. About 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station; from Sendai Station, allow about 125 minutes using the Senzan Line and connecting bus (winter season: direct limousine buses also available from Sendai Station and Sendai Airport).
What is the driving route from the Sendai area?
From Sendai-Miyagi IC, take the Tohoku Expressway for about 20 minutes, transfer to the Yamagata Expressway at Murata JCT for about 40 minutes to Yamagata-Zao IC. From there, drive on the Nishi-Zao Kogen Line for about 30 minutes to reach our facility. Total travel time is approximately 90 minutes.
Reservations / Prices (1)
What benefits are there for booking through the official website?
Bookings through our official website come with our lowest price guarantee plus the following benefits: ① Save up to ¥6,600 per person on accommodation, ② ¥500 in facility vouchers per adult (one sheet), ③ choice of yukata, ④ complimentary shuttle from Yamagata Station (reservation required 3 days in advance), ⑤ free access to both sister facilities.
Inquiries (1)
What are the phone reception hours?
Phone reception (023-694-2112) is available from 9:00 to 20:00. Please contact us within these hours for shuttle reservations, changes, cancellations, or other inquiries.
Basic information (3)
How do I get there?
About 5 minutes on foot from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Free shuttle bus from Yamagata Station West Exit (reservation required 3 days in advance, 2 services daily). By car: about 90 minutes from Sendai area via Yamagata-Zao IC, about 240 minutes from Tokyo area via Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC. About 130 minutes from Sendai Airport by shuttle bus, about 85 minutes from Yamagata Airport. Free parking for 30 vehicles.
What is the address?
〒990-2301 46 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Is there parking?
Yes, parking is available. Please contact the facility for details.
Traveling with children (1)
Can children stay here?
In order to provide our guests with a quiet environment, we accept children from elementary school age and above. Children under elementary school age cannot stay with us. Thank you for your understanding.
Facilities and equipment (2)
Is there an elevator?
Our facility's naturally flowing strong acidic sulfur hot spring creates an environment where metal corrodes easily. Therefore, we do not have an elevator. Thank you for your understanding.
What is the atmosphere of the facility like?
This is a historic hot spring inn with over 1,000 years of history, featuring Taisho Roman style. All hallways inside are tatami-matted, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of walking barefoot. All guest rooms have a retro Taisho Modern atmosphere with nostalgic charm throughout.
Hot springs (2)
Can I use hot springs at other facilities?
Enjoy free hot spring hopping at all three Zao-no-Kaze Group facilities. Additionally, if you book through our official website, free bathing at two sister facilities is included as a bonus (facilities may be unavailable due to renovations or cleaning).
What is the hot spring water quality?
Our hot spring is a strong acidic sulfur spring with approximately 720 liters (4 koku) of source water flowing per minute—Zao's largest hot spring source. It is 100% source water in direct flow and is known for its effectiveness against skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, neuralgia, and rheumatism, earning it the name "the hot spring that makes you beautiful." Enjoy the luxurious bath experience with its dancing hot spring flowers and sulfurous scent.
Shuttle service (1)
Is there free shuttle service from Yamagata Station? Do I need to make a reservation?
We offer a free shuttle bus from Yamagata Station West Exit to Ōmiya Ryokan for all guests. Reservations are required at least 3 days in advance. Shuttle times are: outbound from Yamagata Station West Exit at 10:30 and 14:00; return from Zao Onsen at 9:30 and 13:00 (2 services daily). Please call 023-694-2112 to book.
Meals (1)
What kind of meals are provided?
We focus on local Yamagata ingredients with dishes centered on branded meats such as Yamagata beef and pork. Enjoy local flavors prepared with seasonal ingredients.
Parking (1)
Is there parking? Is there a charge?
We provide a complimentary parking lot for our facility with a capacity of 30 vehicles. Please feel free to use it when you visit by car.