Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso

“Excellent food and comfortable environment”

We stayed at the Takamiya ryokan Miyamaso in Zao during the last week of March when the ski season was winding down so it was uncrowded and quiet. The staff, including the manageress, were very helpful throughout our stay. At the time we stayed, a fluent English speaker on staff greatly eased commu… lisää

We stayed at the Takamiya ryokan Miyamaso in Zao during the last week of March when the ski season was winding down so it was uncrowded and quiet. The staff, including the manageress, were very helpful throughout our stay. At the time we stayed, a fluent English speaker on staff greatly eased communication for me as my Japanese ability is very weak. My wife had a ski accident which required various arrangements and the staff were very accommodating and helpful in this regard. The historic building is old but well-maintained and has a pleasant atmosphere, although the many stairs and winding hallways are not for individuals with mobility issues (this is noted on the facility website). The onsen met expectations; although they are not particularly large this was not issue for us as there were few guests at the time we stayed. Our “Japanese-Western room” was spacious and comfortable and had a great view. The included meals (breakfast and dinner) were of very high standard. We had asked ahead about providing vegetarian meals for myself, which they said they could do (uncommon in Japan). After a little miscommunication about the contents of the evening meal was cleared up, the preparation and presentation of the vegetarian meals was really excellent. The non-vegetarian meals were also wonderfully prepared and presented. The food was indeed a highlight of our stay.

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“Disappointing!”

Access to this onsen is a little difficult. While only a 5 minute walk from the bus station, there are steep steps to the entrance. Although the website states that the onsen was founded in 1716 and is very historic, there is little evidence of that history except in the foyer and adjoining lounge… lisää

Access to this onsen is a little difficult. While only a 5 minute walk from the bus station, there are steep steps to the entrance. Although the website states that the onsen was founded in 1716 and is very historic, there is little evidence of that history except in the foyer and adjoining lounge area, which are quite pleasant and finished in warm timbers and have an antique feeling. The rest of the onsen is modern, but navigating is a challenge as there are many passages and stairways, all of which were underheated and drafty. Even the dining room where we ate our meals was chilly, with rugs provided for warmth! The food was excellent and the staff friendly and obliging. our room was adequate but nothing special and the baths were good, although the publicity picture of the outdoor bath is very misleading - it shows a view of trees whereas the reality is a close view of unsightly concrete reinforcing of the adjoining hillside. We were somewhat disappointed with our stay here, having expected to experience a more historic character and traditional experience.

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“Not bad but not the best”

An old traditional ryokan. We had to climb long steep steps to get to the entrance. Staff helpfully carried our bags all the way. Our room was on the top floor but no view offered. Spacious and clean but a bit dim and dated. Food served at communal dining hall met expectation, not much privac… lisää

An old traditional ryokan. We had to climb long steep steps to get to the entrance. Staff helpfully carried our bags all the way. Our room was on the top floor but no view offered. Spacious and clean but a bit dim and dated. Food served at communal dining hall met expectation, not much privacy though. Four public bath offered to guests of both gender. We only tried the set of two closest to our room. An interesting way to present the onsen at three levels in one of them. A stopover at Zao Onsen out of necessity - neither the previous ryokan at Kaminoyama nor the next ryokan at Akayu could offer an extra night. Not the best overall, and relatively expensive. We made good use of their free drinks offer at Yamagata Sake Museum ran by the same group in the vicinity which could be a make-up for its blemishes.

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