Scout loves
- Authentic ryokan experience
- Exceptional, delicious and exquisitely prepared food
- Mezzanine level rooms with their own private outdoor onsen
- Craft displays with unique Japanese ornaments
- Very warm and accommodating staff (although they are not always proficient in English)
- Massage room
Scout tips
- Children 12 and under are not allowed to stay
- Wi-fi internet access available in the lobby only
- Comfortable rooms but not all of them have great views
- No shuttle service to the ski lifts which is about an 8-minute walk
- Not for tall people – the ceilings are quite low
- Minimum 5 nights stay required.
-
Miyamaso Takamiya is a very authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
SCOUT REVIEW
Spend time inside this very traditional ryokan and you’ll soon be learning about its history and wishing its walls could talk! Miyamaso Takamiya Ryokan is located right in the heart of the village, perched on top of a hill and beside a shrine. It was first built in 1716 and has obviously undergone some changes over the years, but from the moment you set your sights on it, you know that this hotel will provide you with a very memorable, traditional ryokan experience.
For those not familiar with what Ryokan means, it is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo period (1600s to late 1800s). Do not be misled by the signs of aging, the creaky floors or the low ceilings, this is as genuine as you can get! It’s worth noting that Miyamaso is so authentic that tall people might have a hard time walking straight in this hotel.
Miyamaso Takamiya has 22 rooms including the standard but spacious combinations rooms with western beds on tatami mats. But Scout loves and highly recommends the mezzanine level rooms with western beds, a large living area and their own private outdoor hot tub (not natural hot springs). Because the maze of corridors and the extensions made over time, some of the rooms have better views than the others but all the rooms are beautifully furnished in traditional Japanese style.
Like most hotels in Zao Onsen Miyamaso has a variety of natural onsen to choose from, including outdoor onsens (Rotenburo) a foot bath, and a private onsen which you can rent for 2700 yen. The hotel also has a massage room.
Miyamaso has three Japanese restaurants, each one a little different (you can opt for a western or Japanese style breakfast). One of the key features of this hotel is its food. Every dish from its appetizers to its main courses is exquisitely prepared, beautifully presented and incredibly tasty!
There are so many things that you will love in Miyamaso Takamiya including the staff who are so sweet and helpful, even if they only speak little English. Anyone who yearns for a traditional ryokan style experience and mouth-watering Japanese cuisine will be at home in Miyamaso.
Who should stay here
Miyamaso Takamiya Hotel is ideal for couples who are prepared to spend a little more for a very high quality authentic Japanese hotel in Zao Onsen, who don’t mind a walk to the ski lifts, and are a big fan of exceptional, flavorful and authentic Japanese cuisine. Not recommended for tall people. If you struggle with stairs and difficult access to a hotel there would be better options.
Location
Miyamaso Takamiya Hotel is located right in the heart of Zao Onsen village, on top of a hill and beside a shrine. It is a short walk to other restaurants. It is about an 8-minute walk down or up the hill to the ski lifts. The hotel does not offer any shuttle service, nor is there a public shuttle service to the ski lifts so you will need to walk.
You can find Miyamaso Takamiya on this Zao Onsen Village Map.
- <10 min walk to lifts
About Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen ski resort is a Scout favorite and a lesser-known gem. It has a charming, traditional village, a great selection of hotels, natural onsen hot springs and a vast ski resort featuring its famed snow monsters. If you’re looking to get away from all the Westerners, experience something rich in culture combined with some great skiing, then Zao Onsen makes a great choice.
Read more about Zao Onsen and other hotels in the area.
Hotel Amenities
- Reception
- Restaurant
- Indoor and Outdoor onsen
- Convenience store selling snacks & drinks
- Drying room
- Arrival pick-up from station
Hotel Policies
Miyamaso is a typical Japanese hotel with onsen facilities. Please read our guides on staying in a Japanese Hotel and to Onsen Etiquette.
Property T&Cs:
- All guests may be required to give their full name, age, passport number, postal address, nationality and occupation on or prior to check-in, in compliance with Japanese Law.
- Property is non-smoking.
- Guests accept responsibility for damage to the property, fittings, furniture, keys and other chattels caused during their occupation, including any consequential losses incurred.
- Credit card details and authorization may be required to be provided upon prior check-in as a security deposit.
- Check-out is 10AM. Late check-outs may be possible on a request basis and a charge applies.
- Parking during winter months is severely restricted and must be requested and confirmed for each booking if required.
- Miyamaso does not accept children 12 years and under as guests.
Available: This selection is currently available for this price. Once you submit an inquiry our agents will confirm your booking via email and send you an invoice for a deposit. You will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking.
On Request: Our agents need to confirm availability of this room. Once you submit a request we will endeavour to get back to you by the next business day to confirm availability (some properties may take longer). If prices are listed they are the exact prices for your dates, room selection and room occupancy. Where prices are not listed we will confirm the price when we confirm availability. In either instance, you are not committed to your selection until after we confirm availability and price. Once you agree to that confirmation, you will be sent an invoice and will need to pay a 25% deposit within 7 days (unless otherwise specified) to secure the booking. If your requested room is not available, we will present alternative options.
Subscribe to the Scout newsletter - a regular roundup of news from the slopes and magazine articles.