Zao Kokusai Hotel

The hotel offers excellent dining options, including a buffet-style breakfast with a nice balance between Japanese and Western elements, and high-quality kaiseki-style dinners.

The onsen facilities are beautiful and very peaceful, offering a variety of options including public baths, private facilities, and outdoor pools. However, some guests mentioned that the private onsen ambiance did not meet their expectations.

The staff at Zao Kokusai Hotel are described as exceptionally friendly, attentive, and accommodating. However, some guests noted language barriers and occasional confusion with dinner arrangements.

The hotel offers spacious rooms with a mixture of Western and Japanese style, including normal beds and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Additionally, the rooms feature a tranquil view of the woods and are equipped with a variety of amenities such as slippers, tatami flooring, and a private bathroom.

The high season at the hotel is in March, offering an excellent opportunity to enjoy the outdoor onsen and skiing facilities. Additionally, the hotel provides a free shuttle bus service to and from Yamagata Station, which is extremely convenient for guests.

Several guests mentioned that the views from the rooms were spectacular. Opting for a room with a balcony facing the fountain comes highly recommended.

Guests advised that booking a room rate including dinner and breakfast is the best choice, as paying for meals separately can be expensive.

Guests appreciated the private onsen available in some rooms, providing a more exclusive and relaxing experience.

Some guests suggested using reusable cups instead of paper cups at the lobby to reduce waste.

If your plan doesn't include dinner, it's advisable to inquire about open restaurants in the area, as some guests found it challenging to find dining options without prior information.

It's recommended to communicate directly with the hotel for shuttle services to avoid any mix-up with schedules.

Guests suggested asking staff to allow time for setting up the futon before unlocking the door, providing a more convenient and private experience.

If interested in using a private onsen, it's advisable to communicate directly with the hotel to ensure the experience meets expectations.

While most staff are friendly and accommodating, it's helpful to be prepared for limited English-speaking staff, especially for travelers new to Japanese.

Budget extra time for exchanging vouchers for electronic ski passes, as it may take longer than expected.