Zao Onsen Tsuruya Hotel

Gokan no Yu® Tsuruya is a ryokan located right by the “Zao Onsen Bus Terminal,” reached by taking a 40-minute bus ride from JR Yamagata Station. Its 100% free-flowing hot spring water from a private source—without circulation, added water, or heating—is extremely popular across all age groups. The hot spring is a sulfur spring available for bathing 24 hours a day, consisting of separate men’s and women’s large baths, an open-air bath, and four private reservable baths. The four private baths are normally paid, but guests can use one private bath for free once per night of stay. The private baths each have a distinct character: the “Cave Bath,” mysterious and popular with children; “Hokuto no Nebuyu,” with a reclining section and large windows for relaxing with the view; “Kinokaori no Yu,” made of hinoki with an open feel and sweeping seasonal views of Zao; and the barrier-free “Megumi no Yu” with no steps. After warming up in the hot springs, dinner lets each person choose a main dish from Yamagata’s beef specialties—teppanyaki, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, or steak—each said to be excellent in both taste and portion size, with many repeat guests returning for it.