Takamiya Ryokan Ｍiyamaso

Miyamaso Takamiya is a hot-spring ryokan located about 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station (get off at “Zao Onsen Bus Terminal”), then about a 10-minute walk. For guests arriving by train, a convenient shuttle service to/from the bus stop is available with advance reservation. Takamiya is one of Zao Onsen’s most famous long-established inns, with a history of over 300 years. The lounge just inside features antique-style furnishings, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Because it sits on higher ground in the hillside alleys of the hot-spring town, it was named “Takamiya,” and from the inn you can look out over Zao’s beautiful nature and the townscape. The guest rooms all have different moods and layouts—no two rooms are exactly the same—and many guests say that after staying once, they want to try every room. In particular, the detached annex “Hinakura” is a fully renovated traditional storehouse (kura) converted into a single luxurious lodging; it is the only room in Zao Onsen that comes with a private open-air bath featuring 100% free-flowing hot-spring water. Takamiya’s baths are fed by its own source and are completely free-flowing; the water is a milky white sulfur spring with a gentle sulfur aroma. There are nine separate tubs for men and women, and the excellent water quality is ideal even for therapeutic bathing (toji).