Aizu Kitakata Atsushioonsen Yamagataya

“Ryokan off the beaten path”

Yamagataya is certainly off the beaten path for foreign travelers however an ideal stay if visiting Kitakata or the Aizu region; or weekend retreat from the nearby ski resorts. The ryokan is a seven generation family business and this is reflected by the exceptional level of customer service and … more

Yamagataya is certainly off the beaten path for foreign travelers however an ideal stay if visiting Kitakata or the Aizu region; or weekend retreat from the nearby ski resorts. The ryokan is a seven generation family business and this is reflected by the exceptional level of customer service and attention to detail. All staff are friendly, professional and went out of their way to ensure our stay was nothing short of perfect. A special mention to our English speaking host Emerson Kit Reyes. The Japanese style rooms are certainly large by Japanese standards and include all the necessities required for a retreat. The quality hotel robes (yukata) provide comfort and add to the authentic atmosphere. The quality service continues with dinner; a multi-course kaiseki style dinner with locally sourced organic ingredients served in your room. Similarly, Breakfast is kaiseki style however served in the main banquet hall. Yamagataya features two public baths (onsens) which switch so guests can enjoy both baths during a stay. A major feature is the in-house charcoal baden (sauna). Would readily return to Yamagataya next time in the Aizu region.

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“Traditional Ryokan a little off the beaten path”

Stayed in May 2014 for 1 night. The highlight was the traditional level of service with the maid taking you and your luggage to the room. The rooms themselves are clean and well appointed but not overly luxurious. It's kind of in that middle ground - too old to be a sleek modern ryokan but too you… more

Stayed in May 2014 for 1 night. The highlight was the traditional level of service with the maid taking you and your luggage to the room. The rooms themselves are clean and well appointed but not overly luxurious. It's kind of in that middle ground - too old to be a sleek modern ryokan but too young to really have rustic charm from a byegone era. Although not tatty perhaps some re-furbishing would help lift the ryokan. The size of the room (Japanese style room) was huge. A full "bedroom" as well as a "dining" room. So when it came time to put out the futon, there was no need to clear the table away. There was a large bathroom which overlooked local farm areas with mountains in the distance. I got a little lazy and just had a bath in the room rather than try the onsen in the complex. Other guests I saw later made positive remark about it though. Service continues with dinner (multicourse kaiseki style with local ingredients) served in your room. Breakfast is in a common breakfast room but with designated seating and your own food. In passing the evening before I mentioned in passing to the maid that I didn't like the Japanese staple of Natto. For breakfast the Natto that everyone else had was replaced with local pickled vegetables. I drove there and it seems like it is a little out of the way. It didn't seem like there was much of interest within walking difference. But who goes to an onsen to walk around? Definitely recommended for the large rooms, delicious food and attentive service.

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