Scout loves
- Lovely outdoor onsen
- Spacious combination rooms
- Friendly and accommodating staff although they speak little English
- Welcome tea
- Comfortable lounge area
- Very traditional Japanese style experience
Scout tips
- Free wi-fi on the 1st floor only
- Restaurant has little rooms where you, your family or friends can enjoy a private meal
- It has a cute gift shop
- Room views are either facing the town or the mountains
- A bit of a walk to the ski lifts. No shuttle is offered.
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Wakamatsuya is an authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
SCOUT REVIEW
Wakamatsuya Hotel located right in the heart of the Zao Onsen village is a great choice if you want to enjoy a very traditional Japanese style experience. The moment you step into the hotel, you know you are in for a Japanese treat. You will be welcomed by staff who are very accommodating despite their lack of English. It is a hotel that has a few modern touches but has a luxurious ambiance.
Wakamatsuya has 27 spacious rooms, most of which are Japanese style rooms with tatami mats. The larger Japanese rooms can accommodate 5 to 6 people. You can also enjoy the combination rooms which have twin beds on a platform and tatami mats. The hotel has two Western style rooms where, unusually for a Japanese hotel, the beds are actually pushed together making it perfect for couples looking for a romantic escape. All the rooms have capsule showers with a few modern comforts. The rooms have either great views of the town or the mountains.
One of the best features of this hotel is its beautiful onsens. The water of the onsens comes from natural sulfuric springs that abounds the area. You can also enjoy your baths in one of its private onsens which you can avail for an additional cost. Another option for romantic couples!
The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Japanese food in separate little dining rooms. They also have a special menu for kids. If you want to have a relaxing drink, dessert, coffee or tea, you can do so at its lounge area which is open from 7 am to 11 pm.
Who should stay here
Those who want to enjoy an authentic Japanese style experience and who do not mind using hand gestures to communicate.
Location
The hotel is right in the heart of the village. It is a bit of a walk to the ski lifts however the staff a are more than happy to bring you to the ski lifts. They can also pick you up and bring you to the bus station.
You can find hotel Wakamatsuya 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.
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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