Scout loves
- Chigusa-san, the lady who runs the hotel who speaks fluent English and loves Australia
- The history of the hotel having been first built more than 300 years ago
- Central location
- Maze of rooms in an old Ryokan style fashion
- Perfect for travelers who are on a budget
Scout tips
- Some rooms don’t have any sort of bathroom
- Free laundry facilities
- Wi-fi internet connection in the entire hotel
- Can feel a little bit tired but very clean and well-kept. Yoshidaya is an authentic Japanese experience which may pose challenges to some travellers. Read our story about Staying in a Japanese hotel.
- Discounted tickets to the ski lifts available in the hotel
- Pre-arrange the shuttle or just walk from the bus terminal
- The onsen is small and simple
SCOUT REVIEW
Yoshidaya is a traditional Ryokan that is perfect for guests looking for great value, basic accommodation and friendly Japanese hospitality. This Ryokan has been in existence for more than 300 years and is evidenced by the rickety floor, low ceilings and a maze of corridors and stairs. Throughout the years, buildings and rooms have been added. If you are interested to learn more about the hotel and the village, you can have a friendly chat with Chigusa-san the lady who runs the hotel; a perfect and friendly host, and who loves traveling to Australia.
Yoshidaya Ryokan has 26 well-maintained and spacious traditional Japanese style rooms ranging from basic rooms with tatami mats and no toilets or showers, to larger rooms featuring living areas with toilets and showers. Some of the larger rooms have better views.
The hotel has a small natural onsen area. It has two public baths, one for men and the other for women. Both the baths are natural onsens with water coming from natural acidic sulfur springs that are said to have medicinal value especially for those suffering from some aches and pains, and is also good for the skin. The hotel has a laid-back restaurant area which serves breakfast and dinner. You can have a western style breakfast including cereal and toast. The hotel has a small kitchenette area where guests can prepare their own meals. It is furnished with a fridge, microwave and stove top.
Yoshidaya might not be a luxurious or a flashy hotel but it is very budget friendly and clean hotel with a very gracious host and a great location.
Who should stay here
Yoshidaya Ryokan hotel is great for those on a budget and who want comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Zao Onsen village.
Location
Yoshidaya Ryokan hotel is located in Zao Onsen’s more traditional main street. It is about a 7-10-minute walk up the hill to the ski lifts. Very close to a variety of restaurants and a few bars.
- <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 for Breakfast & Dinner
- Western options at breakfast
- Free laundry facilities
- Free wifi throughout hotel
- Shared bathroom facilities
- Onsen
- Small lounge area
- Shared kitchen facilities
Hotel Policies
Arrival Details: Yoshiyada Ryokan offers a pick up service from the local bus station. If you would like Scout to arrange this for you we will need to know your arrival details at least 1 week prior to arrival. The hotel is approximately a 4 minute walk from the bus stop.
Yoshidaya Ryokan 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.
- Cots (cribs) and highchairs can be requested at time of booking and are subject to availability and an extra charge.
- 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.
- Children are at a reduced price. Please contact Scout for an updated quote based on the ages of those travelling.
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.