Scout loves
- Very helpful staff
- Proximity of the hotel to the bus stop, ski slopes and other dining options
- Selection of private onsens
- Exceptional Japanese cuisine
- The small gift shop and vending machines in the lobby area
Scout tips
- Minimal English spoken by the staff but the manager is fluent in English
- A free shuttle is provided to the two ropeway ski lifts in the morning and afternoon however you can just take a walk to the base of the Nakamori slope
- Valley and mountain views from the rooms
- Features a drying room
- Internet access is available
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Tsuruya is an authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
SCOUT REVIEW
Tsuruya is a Japanese style hotel that is friendly, charming and mainly caters to Japanese tourists. They do say that if you want to immerse yourself in a country’s culture, you must stay or eat in places where the locals usually congregate, and hotel Tsuruya is that kind of a place. Although not a lot of English is spoken the helpful and friendly staff will make you feel welcome. From the moment someone rushes to help you with your bag and find you some slippers, to when they fondly farewell you goodbye to the bus station across the road, they will go out of their way to meet your needs. Just be ready with your translation apps, Japanese-English dictionaries, or get used to lots of hand gestures.
The hotel has 41 guest rooms most of which are traditional Japanese style rooms with no western beds. The rooms can accommodate from 2 to 5 people and are equipped with a small toilet and capsule showers. All of the rooms have tatami mat areas. There are a couple of rooms with small separate area with twin beds. Scout opted to sleep in the futon that was surprisingly relaxing and comfortable (although we did our usual trick of requesting an additional futon to double the mattress and western pillows instead of the traditional rice pillows). All of the rooms have big windows (though sadly they have a kind of netting in the windows) and guests who are in the higher floor will enjoy a great view of the valley and the mountains.
The hotel has a restaurant which provides an exceptional Japanese cuisine experience. Guests on a deluxe plan can choose to dine in the restaurant or in their room. The breakfast is a humongous spread of Japanese dishes, however if you opt for a western style breakfast, you have to request for it the night before. You can choose from a variety of dishes including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu or traditional kaiseki courses.
One of the key features of Tsuruya Hotel is the fantastic onsens which are really soothing after a day in the ski slopes. The hotel has a communal indoor and outdoor onsen, the water of which is sourced from the springs that abound the area. The water has a high sulfuric acid content which is great for your skin. The onsen has a strong sulfuric smell which permeates in the entire floor but this only means you get a very invigorating bath rich with minerals. There are four private onsens where you can enjoy luxurious hot bath privately. This may cost an additional charge or for free depending on the plan you opt for.
A perfect location, wonderful rooms, great location, satisfying meals and soothing baths is what you will have when you stay in Tsuruya Hotel.
Who should stay here
Tsuruya hotel is great for families or couples wanting a wonderful high quality Japanese experience yet not immensely luxurious
Location
Tsuruya hotel is in the heart of the Zao Onsen village, and directly opposite the bus station and tourism office. A 5-minute walk from the Zaochuo ropeway.
You can find Tsuruya hotel on this Zao Onsen Village Map.
- Hotel shuttle provided
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.
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.
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