Zao Onsen Kinosato

We recently had a wonderful stay at this hotel and highly recommend it for anyone visiting Zao. The modern rooms were stylish and comfortable, providing a relaxing retreat. The dining experience was a highlight, with delicious options for both dinner and breakfast that exceeded our expectations. The friendly service made us feel welcome and well taken care of. Overall, this hotel is a fantastic choice for a memorable getaway.

Nice quiet hotel with spacious rooms with tatami flooring. Bathroom has a bathtub and a large dressing room with amenities. There is also a massage chair for extra comfort to use after a day of skiing. Ropeway is few minutes walk from the station. Highlight was the in-house onsen. There is an indoor and also outdoor onsen (outside past the carpark) which both are very relaxing and clean. They don’t have enough towels in the door for shower and onsen so you may need to request at front desk. Also, there are limited places for dinner in Zao Onsen area, so if you prefer to eat at the hotel restaurant, book at front desk in advance as well. Hotel has a great initiative, offering ¥500/¥1000 coupons to use at the hotel souvenir shop if you choose not to have rooms cleaned for the day. You put a sign outside your door in the morning and it gets recorded for your room. We got some nice cookie souvenirs with the voucher. There is shuttle service to and from yamagata station, so make sure you enquire and book in advance as there are limited seats. Just bear in mind the staff don’t speak english so email or use google translate. Overall very happy with the accomodation.

This hotel truly exceeded all expectations! The location is perfect, with the ski lift just a 5 minute walk away. After a long, exhilarating day of snowboarding, stepping into the cozy lobby feels like a warm embrace. The hotel offers complimentary hot and cold beverages, ice lollies, along with small treats like nuts and chocolates—a thoughtful touch that makes all the difference. Our room was spacious and comfortable, easily accommodating 3 people. The tatami flooring added a traditional charm, and the ONSEN was a perfect way to unwind after a chilly day on the slopes. We stayed for 3 nights and 4 days with breakfast and dinner included. Breakfast featured a delightful mix of Japanese dishes alongside a small selection of continental options. But the true highlight was the incredible Winter Zaosan Kaisen dinner, expertly crafted by Chef Shinobu Hasebe. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of exquisite flavors, complemented by unlimited servings of fragrant Yamagata Prefecture rice and comforting soup. The hospitality at Yama no Ute was exceptional—every staff member was friendly, attentive, and made us feel truly welcome. Their dedication and warmth added to the magic of our stay. We are so grateful for this unforgettable experience and can’t wait to return!