Miyamaso Takamiya

Founded in 1716, Miyamaso Takamiya is a long-established ryokan where guests can experience the refined beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. Throughout the inn, the timeless aesthetics of Japan’s craftsmanship and design can be seen, reflecting its over 300-year history.

One of the greatest charms of this ryokan is its hot spring. As the owner of three private sources from Zao Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Yamagata, it offers pure, unblended natural spring water flowing directly from the source. Guests can fully immerse themselves in the authentic experience of Zao’s onsen at the riverside open-air bath or the artisan-crafted barrel-style open-air bath.

The ryokan offers eight types of guest rooms, ranging from traditional Japanese-style rooms that evoke a sense of travel and nostalgia to Japanese-style rooms equipped with beds, providing a variety of options to suit different preferences. For an even more luxurious stay, guests can choose the Rian Sansui, produced by world-renowned industrial designer Kiyoyuki Okuyama (known for designing Ferraris), or the Hinakura, a detached suite converted from a traditional storehouse-both equipped with private open-air baths fed directly from the hot spring source.

Dining at Miyamaso Takamiya celebrates the bounty of the mountains, with kaiseki cuisine highlighting local flavors and premium Zao beef. A must-try specialty is the ryokan’s signature Sukishabu-nabe, a hot pot dish that lets guests enjoy Zao beef two ways-sukiyaki and shabu-shabu-in a single meal, limited to only four groups per day.