Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso is nestled in the center of Zao Onsen, a hot spring area located on Mount Zaō. While the ryokan has a history of 300 years, the area of Zao Onsen dates back 1900 years when Prince Yamato Takeru fled to the top of Mt. Ryuzan after being ambushed by an enemy arrow. He discovered hot spring water from the rocks and soaked himself in the water, healing his wounds. This site would then become the Zao Onsen, which we know today.

The ryokan would be found later in 1716 during the Edo period. Despite hardships like fires and economic austerity, the surrounding village developed with support from Hotta Masatora, a local feudal lord, and his adopted son, Masaaki. The latter years of the Edo period saw constant visitors to the area, and the property appeared and travel pamphlet called Azuma Ko Akindo Kagami (Azuma Ko Merchants' Guide), being recognized for its trustworthy hospitality. 

Over the years, the ryokan would welcome famous visitors to its, including Prince Mikasa in 1941, Prince Takamatsu in 1950, and the Crown Prince, who would later be the Emperor of Japan. Today, guests can relive the ryokan's history at the museum to learn its 300-year history of trust, tradition, and hospitality. 

Design and Architecture

Although the ryokan has a colorful 300-year history, its interiors capture the beauty of modern Japanese minimalist aesthetics. Each suite has touches of Japanese style, from the tatami flooring and shoji sliding door to earth-tone colors that complement the Zen atmosphere. Meanwhile, modern touches can be found in the Western-style rooms and sleek chairs and tables. Rooms in the ryokan also offer mountain views, adding to the serene environment.

There are different room types in the ryokan, each with its own charm. The detached villa, Hinakura, is the only room with an open-air bath with natural hot spring water, while the Rian Sansui Maisonette was designed by Yamagata-born interior designer Ken Okuyama and has a Japanese-style room on the first floor. A Japanese-style room is also available, featuring a Simmons semi-double bed for maximum comfort.

From kaiseki cuisine to hot pot, Takamiya Ryokam Miyamaso ensures its guests are served with the finest dishes from the region. The Hana no kaiseki cuisine features traditional recipes using ingredients from Yamagata, with the Zao beef steak being highly recommended. The ryokan also offers a suki-shabu hot pot that combines two favorite Japanese dishes: sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, and other dishes that showcase the beauty and diversity of Yamagata ingredients.

You can also pair your dinner with sake or wine, as the ryokan offers a wide variety of sake and wine made using traditional techniques.

Reservations for dinner are available between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, while the dining area closes at 9:00 pm with last orders taken at 8:30 pm.

Guests can also start their day with a healthy breakfast course made from local dishes from the region. Likewise, breakfast is available between 7:30 am and 8:30 am, and the dining area closes at 9:00 am.  

Onsen

Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso has plenty of hot spring baths to soothe your senses and relax your muscles. The Choju no yu and Seseragi no yu are open 24 hours and can be accessed for free, while guests who prefer privacy can use the Kibitaga yu and Yama no megumi yu for an added fee. But regardless if you prefer the public or private bath, the ryokan prides itself in the health benefits of its baths.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Guests can visit the Warabe no Sato and take a tour of the museum, housing thousands of preserved items over the years. The museum include five buildings, including an Imperial Residence, showing an example of historic Japanese architecture, a Meiji-era rice storehouse displaying calligraphy, furniture, and artifacts, and a late Edo-period home from Miyagi Prefecture that was build without the use of nails. Other museum highlights include a Miyabi storehouse with relics, weapons, and heirlooms, and a main house of a wealthy merchant in Nagasaki.

With its location at the heart of Zao Onsen, guests can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities near the ryokan. You can hit the slopes in winter at ski resorts like Zao Onsen Ski Resort. For guests who prefer a bit of sightseeing, the area is also famous for its juhyo, which are frost-covered trees caused by heavy winter storms that give these trees a monster-like look. Also known as "snow monsters," you can view these winter creations via cable car or a snow vehicle. The ryokan's location also makes it an ideal base for exploring the mountains, with peak hiking conditions available from May to mid-October. Guests can take a hiking tour to Okama Crater or Mount Zao.