5.0-Rated Hotels Near ＺＡＯたいらぐら

Shirakawa Onsen Hakuryu-no-Yu is a top choice, located just a 7-minute walk from Zao Taigura. Its traditional Japanese-style rooms feature private outdoor baths overlooking lush forested hillsides. Guests enjoy daily kaiseki cuisine and complimentary shuttle service to nearby temples and autumn foliage trails. The quiet ambiance and authentic craftsmanship make it perfect for cultural immersion. Book via the HopeGoo app for exclusive seasonal rates.

Yamafu An, a renovated old farmstead just a 5-minute walk east of Zao Taigura, offers rustic-chic accommodations with exposed wooden beams and tatami floors. Each room features a view window facing the temple’s ancient maple tree and misty valley. The hosts provide guided walks along historic trails and hands-on matcha-making workshops. Easily accessible via shuttle from Jōyama Station (10 minutes), this inn delivers authentic rural experience. Reserve through HopeGoo for early-bird perks.

Unzenkaku stands out with its east-facing rooms that capture the golden sunrise over Zao Taigura’s stone lanterns each morning. The floor-to-ceiling glass balconies offer panoramic views of the awakening valley, while soundproofing ensures peaceful mornings. Guests enjoy breakfast featuring local rice and mountain vegetable porridge, plus a curated guidebook to temple history and hidden trails. Just a 12-minute shuttle ride from Jōyama Station, it’s ideal for nature lovers. Book via HopeGoo for bundled breakfast packages.

Jōyama Shiki Onsen Resort is ideal for families, offering spacious family suites, indoor onsen pools, playrooms, and children’s craft workshops. Located just an 8-minute walk from Zao Taigura, the property features a miniature bamboo trail and prayer water wheel where kids can write wishes and toss coins. Bilingual guided tours help families explore temple heritage. Free shuttle service is available from Jōyama Station. Reserve via HopeGoo for exclusive family package deals.

Stay at Unzenkaku and begin with sunrise meditation in your room. Visit Zao Taigura mid-morning for a Zen session and manuscript copying workshop led by the head monk. In the afternoon, explore the Yamagata Old Folk House Museum, savor steamed bento boxes and handcrafted plum wine. Return to the inn for a private onsen soak and dinner featuring farm-fresh ingredients delivered daily. All activities are walkable or reachable by short shuttle—no hassle. Book the full package via HopeGoo for curated access and exclusive welcome gifts.

Mori no Aji, tucked into the forest just a 10-minute walk from Zao Taigura, specializes in seasonal mountain ingredients. Their signature "Five Senses Mountain Feast" includes wild fern tempura, truffle-roasted venison, and hand-picked wild berry jam. Limited to four tables per evening, the chef personally shares stories behind each ingredient. After dinner, guests join a garden tea ceremony using traditionally roasted matcha. Reserve via HopeGoo for guaranteed seating and exclusive tasting notes.