Open-air onsen bath with wooden deck and mountain views at Arimakan in Tōhoku, Yamagata
Tatami mats, low table and beds at Arimakan in Yamagata, Tōhoku, Japan
White cave-style baths with illuminated bamboo alcove at Arimakan, Yamagata
Tiled indoor onsen bath with wooden wall panels and entrance steps at Arimakan in Yamagata Tōhoku
Japanese tatami room with twin beds, low table, shoji screens and wooden ceiling at Arimakan, Yamagata
Spacious ryokan lounge with wooden floors, low benches and pendant lights at Arimakan in Yamagata
Street-level entrance with visible parking and accessible bays at Arimakan ryokan in Tōhoku, Yamagata
Tatami room with low table, chairs, beds and shoji screens at Arimakan in Yamagata, Tōhoku, Japan

Arimakan

8.9
This Ryokan has an overall rating of 8.9/10, based on 42 reviews. ? Our score combines two signals: 50% based on traveler sentiment and guest feedback found online, and 50% based on our internal on-site evaluation plus ratings from verified travelers on our platform, who must provide proof of stay.
? This ranking compares properties in the same region. It is based on the overall rating and the number of reviews, using a weighted score so properties with more review data are ranked more fairly.
Check-in from 3:00 PM
Hot Spring Town Old Town Mountain Setting Hot Spring Bath Open-Air Bath Private Onsen
Staff 9,0/10
Facilities 9,0/10
Cleanliness 9,0/10
Comfort 9,0/10
Value for money 8,0/10
Location 9,0/10

Ryokan highlights

A traditional Kaminoyama Onsen ryokan known for multiple baths, in-room dining, and easy station access.

Multiple Onsen BathsWell-known for varied hot spring baths, including large baths, semi-open baths, and sauna.
Private Family BathsThree private baths add flexible bathing for couples, families, and more personal stays.
In-Room MealsBreakfast and dinner are served in-room, a classic ryokan touch now increasingly rare.
Yamagata Beef MealsMeals highlight prime Yamagata beef and local ingredients at a relatively approachable price.
Walkable Station AccessAbout a 10-minute walk from JR Kaminoyama-Onsen Station for convenient arrival.
Room Type ChoiceFour room styles suit different budgets, from standard tatami rooms to suites.

Who is this ryokan best for?

Recommended stay1-2 nightsBath variety and in-room kaiseki are the main stay driver here: arrive mid-afternoon, use the baths before dinner, stay through breakfast, then walk the castle area or continue onward. Two nights work only if you want a slow onsen pace with a short local stroll or nearby rail outing.
Trip-planning verdict: Best as a 1-night or light 2-night stay in Kaminoyama Onsen for travelers who want multiple baths, in-room meals, and an easy rail stop rather than a major sightseeing base.

Know before booking

Limited local depthKaminoyama Onsen is pleasant but compact, so many travelers will run out of nearby sights after a short stay.
Not a sleek luxury stayThe appeal is bath variety, value, and traditional service, not cutting-edge design or ultra-luxury atmosphere.
Dining ties you to the innIn-room breakfast and dinner are a strength, but they also reduce incentive to plan evening restaurant hopping.

Food & drinks

This is Arimakan in Kaminoyama Onsen, a ryokan focused on in-room or private dining with Yamagata beef and simple local breakfast items.

Dining Room (on-site)
on-site

Breakfast and dinner are usually served in-room; larger groups may use a private dining room.

  • Yamagata beef sukiyakifoodSignature beef hot pot course.
  • Yamagata beef shabu-shabufoodBeef hot pot option.
  • Seafood hot potfoodAlternative dinner course.
  • Local seasonal dishesspecialtyYamagata-style ingredients and sides.
Breakfast (on-site)
on-site

Relaxed Japanese breakfast served to the room or private venue.

  • Yamagata beef teppanfoodMorning beef on ceramic plate.
  • Onsen eggfoodEgg cooked with the ryokan's spring water.
  • Nori kuragespecialtyPopular seaweed and jellyfish side.
  • Japanese set breakfastfoodRice, sides, and local accompaniments.
Yugyoan Mitsuhiro (nearby)
nearbynear the ryokan

Well-known nearby soba spot in Kaminoyama Onsen.

  • Handmade sobafoodClassic local buckwheat noodles.
  • Cold sobafoodRefreshing noodle option.
  • Hot sobafoodWarm broth-style noodles.
  • TeadrinkSimple drink with the meal.

Access, transport and nearby sights

This ryokan is in Kaminoyama Onsen and is most conveniently reached from JR Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, with Yamagata Airport as the most practical nearby airport for many travelers.

Distances are approximate and calculated from the ryokan coordinates. Travel times may vary depending on route, traffic and schedules.

Should you choose this ryokan?

A solid Kaminoyama Onsen ryokan for travelers who want in-room meals, multiple baths, and an easy traditional stay in Yamagata. It is more appealing for onsen-focused guests than for travelers seeking sleek design or ultra-convenient station access.

5 reasons to choose this ryokan best points
  • Great for bath-hoppingThis ryokan is especially suited to travelers who want variety in one stay, with multiple hot spring baths, open-air options, sauna access, and private bath choices.
  • Meals are served in your roomBoth dinner and breakfast are offered in-room, which makes the stay feel more traditional and private than many ryokan that now use shared dining spaces.
  • Strong Yamagata food focusThe property highlights prime Yamagata beef and local ingredients, so it is a good fit if regional cuisine is a key part of your trip.
  • Useful room range for different tripsArimakan offers several room styles, from standard Japanese rooms to Japanese-Western layouts and more upscale suites, which gives couples and families more flexibility than a one-style-only ryokan.
  • Practical base in Kaminoyama OnsenIt is in the Shinyu area of Kaminoyama Onsen with free parking and manageable access from Kaminoyama Onsen Station, making it convenient for a regional Yamagata stop without needing a remote countryside transfer.
5 reasons not to choose this ryokan watch-outs
  • Not the closest ryokan to the stationAccess is fairly easy, but it is still about a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station, which may feel inconvenient with luggage.
  • Style may feel traditional rather than polished-luxuryIf you want a highly contemporary, design-forward ryokan, Arimakan appears more classic and practical in character than ultra-premium boutique properties.
  • Extra charges can add upSome amenities such as reserved private baths are not simply included across the board, so the final cost may rise beyond the base room rate.
  • Best experience depends on liking Japanese-style serviceIn-room meal service and ryokan routines are part of the appeal, but travelers who prefer fully independent hotel-style flexibility may find the format less relaxed.
  • More onsen retreat than sightseeing hubThis is a stay built around bathing and dinner rather than around a dense walkable entertainment district, so guests wanting lots of nearby nightlife may find the area quiet.

Ranking around this ryokan in Yamagata

Showing 5 above and 5 below the current ryokan. The full ranking loads only when you click or hover over this block.

Current position: 21st out of 47 ryokans in Yamagata.

Rank Ryokan Rating Reviews
16th Kameya Hotel 9.0/10 207
17th Takasagoya Ryokan 9.0/10 196
18th Zao Shiki no Hotel 8.9/10 749
19th Tachibanaya 8.9/10 182
20th YuiLocalZao 9.6/10 5
21st Arimakan Current ryokan 8.9/10 42
22nd Yūsuitei Isagoya 8.8/10 639
23rd Ichiraku tendo spa & brewery 8.8/10 480
24th Oyado Morinone 8.8/10 255
25th Yura Onsen Yaotome 8.8/10 141
26th Matsukaneya Annex 8.8/10 35
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