Homestays in Yamagata

We particularly love its antique Japanese taste. The inside bedroom and restrooms are super clean. The location is super good. Easy to travel within the village. You may feel the setting of the entrance passage looks like a movie setting. It will give you special memories years later when you look back now.

Extremely cute place run by the sweetest Taiwanese couple. They speak multiple languages - Japanese, Chinese and English. They were also super helpful with providing us with all of the necessary information, ensuring that we were well taken care of for breakfast (amazing with proper coffee) and transport. The place was so warm and cozy with heated floors in the rooms which is a great plus for us who don’t do well with the cold.

Friendly owner, comfortable place to stay. They provide any help or assistant if needed.

A delightful stay! We were very welcomed at the home stay. We had an amazing time and even tried a Japanese dinner. Thank you!

the owners are very helpful and friendly. they served us really good breakfast. we felt like home. we will definitely go back during summer.

Everything very clean. Very large room for single or 2 persons, can probably fit a whole family. Keiko was super nice and helpful and had great suggestions for restaurants. There’s just a lot of attention to every detail overall. The toilets even had the highest quality toilet paper I’ve ever seen in Japan😀 The price in summer/off season was very fair. There is no AC but it should unusually not be needed. Even when it was 37 degree in Tokyo it was only 25 in Zao onsen.

Everything about this place is warm and welcoming. The family that run it are the sweetest and do everything they can to make you feel at home. Full of recommendations for where to go and what to do in ZAO. The cutest little kid Yui chan and rooms are nice and simple. Cannot recommend any higher. Also great place to talk to other nice people and hang out.

I stayed at Zao Onsen for 3 nights during my solo travels in Japan in early 2025. The walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Matsuo House was about 5 minutes and allowed me to get a feel for the small onsen town: from the quaint shops and restaurants, to the scent of sulfur from the hot springs, and the ski resort towering over you from almost every angle. I immediately fell in love with it. Matsuo House was the perfect accommodation to complement such a magical destination. The hosts and their charming young daughter were more than happy to converse with and assist their guests, speaking in several languages. All guest rooms were on the second floor, lined with tatami mats and large windows that offered views of the snowy streets outside. The futon provided was warm and comfortable, perfect for a good night's rest after skiing. Upon check-in, one of the hosts provides two maps and helps you learn the layout of the town, offering tips and tricks to ensure the best possible experience. They provide onsen passes and discounts, recommendations and discounts for local ski rental shops, and essential information on what to do and where to go. The ski resort is about a 10-15 minute walk from Matsuo House, and you can find at least 10 onsens within a 15-minute walk. The town's only 24-hour convenience store (combini) is also less than a 10-minute walk away. If you're seeking a getaway from the crowds and wish to experience Japan's countryside beauty, visit Zao Onsen and stay at Matsuo House to truly immerse yourself in the culture and natural splendor. I can't wait to come back!

The host hospitality was superb.