Nice hotel with great amenities like free Wi-Fi, on-site onsen, and lovely staff who were helpful during my first stay when they assisted me with printing. I’m coming back for Christmas!

The Zao Kokusai Hotel is a fantastic place with accessible facilities that really made my stay enjoyable. The Japanese-style room was spacious and comfortable, with a cozy corner perfect for relaxing. The onsen was an amazing addition, especially after a day on the slopes, and the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.

The pathways could use better lighting at night.

The decor exudes traditional Japanese elegance, inviting seating areas beautifully complement the spacious, accessible layout, allowing for easy movement. It felt like reliving the tranquility of an ancient ryokan, which enriched my stay significantly.

Pathways need better lighting at night.

The Zao Kokusai Hotel's decor beautifully reflects traditional Japanese elegance, with wooden accents and inviting seating areas that are perfect for seniors. The facilities are accessible and well-maintained, making it easy for me to move around comfortably during my stay.

The pathways could use better lighting at night.

i noticed the pathways could use more light. the onsen facilities were incredible, especially the indoor area. breakfast had such a variety with both western and japanese dishes. the staff were super friendly and assisted us with all our needs!

The onsen offered a wonderful retreat after long ski days, and the breakfast spread was a delightful blend of local and Western cuisine, making each morning special.

Amazing onsen facilities were a highlight.

I faced multiple issues during my stay. The transportation shuttle was incredibly confusing. I had emailed ahead for a pick-up but when I arrived, there were no clear instructions on where to wait. When I inquired about drop-off to the station, I was informed that I needed to reserve three days in advance, which left me frustrated and stranded.

The hotel sits beautifully on a hillside with charming views of the woods. I loved the Japanese-style room. Spacious and comfortable, it made me feel relaxed. The decor exudes traditional Japanese elegance, with wooden accents adding a warm touch. The onsen experience was incredible, especially the outdoor rotemburo, which was refreshing after a long day on the slopes. I appreciated the daily snacks and drinks in the lobby—they were a nice treat. However, the pathways around the property could use better lighting at night. It was somewhat difficult to navigate after dark. Also, the staff struggled with English. while they made an effort with translation devices, complex discussions were challenging. I enjoyed the food selection, but it could improve, especially desserts, which were quite basic. Bringing your towel from the room to the onsen felt a bit inconvenient too. The shuttle service to Yamagata station was excellent, but had to be booked ahead, which I found a bit rigid. Still, the staff's kindness made up for these minor issues. I left feeling I had a taste of authentic Japanese hospitality.

I had a fantastic experience with the beautiful onsens and the spacious room offering comfy Japanese-style decor. The dinner served in our room was delightful, truly a highlight of our stay.

Perfect for a quiet retreat

The onsen was sublime! After a grueling day on the slopes, slipping into the hot springs felt heavenly, especially watching the snowflakes dancing around me. Just perfect. The dinner featuring Yonezawa beef? Absolutely lovely, felt like I was indulging in a gourmet dream!

Sure, it was pricey, but the experience made it worth it.

Had a great time with friends! The hotel is a 5-minute walk to the ropeway and has beautiful onsen facilities. The breakfast was amazing, offering both Western and Japanese dishes. The spacious room was a perfect place to relax after our adventures.

We found dining options a bit limited unless you chose full board, making dinner a challenge after exploring.

Relaxing onsen vibes!

I really enjoyed my stay! The onsen was super relaxing and not too crowded after dinner. Our room felt spacious and had some nice snacks waiting for us. Loved that the breakfast was on point! Only thing is, it’s a bit of a walk to the slopes, but the area was really nice.