Nihon no Yado Koyo, a hot spring ryokan in Kaminoyama Onsen operated by Ryokan Koyo Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture; President: Taichi Sato), is renewing its long-loved "Hana no Yakata" guest rooms, with the refreshed rooms welcoming guests from September 14, 2026 (Monday). Built around the theme of a "hideaway of brilliance and quiet elegance," the renewal creates refined spaces shaped by Yamagata's rich nature, local character, and artisan craftsmanship.
Purpose and Background
Guided by the idea that "the memory of one trip becomes the joy of a lifetime," Nihon no Yado Koyo has continually worked to add value to its offerings so guests can experience the appeal of Yamagata through their stay.
This time, the long-loved "Hana no Yakata" rooms take on a new look. Carrying forward the warm hospitality passed down since the inn's founding, and with a wish to hand Yamagata's traditional craftsmanship to the next generation, the renewal pursues a fusion of traditional beauty and modern luxury. A new chapter for the timeless "Hana no Yakata" begins here.
Renewal Concept: "Hanagasumi" and the Beauty of Brilliance
From the moment guests step inside, the room design lets them feel Kaminoyama's four seasons and the brilliance of cherry blossoms and safflowers throughout the space. A subtle, evocative mood — created by delicate plays of light and shadow and soft, graceful textures, reminiscent of "hanagasumi" (a haze of cherry blossoms) — invites guests into an extraordinary sense of relaxation.
New Guest Rooms (Available for Stays From September 14, 2026)
Spaces that reflect the scenery of the four seasons are now fully integrated with modern comforts, including top-tier Simmons beds. At Hana no Yakata, tradition is carried forward alongside a new pursuit of comfort, offering guests an even more fulfilling stay than before.
Japanese-Western Room With Open-Air Bath (Guaranteed Zao View): 8 Rooms / 60 sqm / Up to 5 Guests
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
A room with an open-air bath, all to yourself, with Yamagata's finest scenery.
These special rooms guarantee a view toward the Zao mountain range, with the majestic scenery unfolding beyond large windows and an open-air bath fed by naturally flowing hot spring water.
While honoring Japanese sensibilities, the space is furnished with quality furniture and Simmons beds for a relaxing, indulgent atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an undisturbed, special time while taking in the changing scenery through the seasons.
Book the Japanese-Western Room With Open-Air Bath (Zao Side)
Japanese-Western Room With Open-Air Bath (Hayama Side): 4 Rooms / 60 sqm / Up to 5 Guests
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
A space that wraps the heart, like a haze of cherry blossoms.
These special rooms with an open-air bath bring traditional beauty and modern luxury together in harmony.
Vivid, richly appointed Japanese interiors are paired with quality furniture and Simmons beds for a calm, refined atmosphere. As a peaceful mood settles in, far from everyday noise, guests can enjoy relaxing moments alongside naturally flowing hot spring water.
About the room's view: This room faces the "Hayama side" (the mountain to the rear), opposite the Zao range. While there is no open view, the room is close to the quiet of the mountains. It is recommended for guests who want to feel nature nearby and unwind at a slower pace.
Book the Japanese-Western Room With Open-Air Bath (Hayama Side)
Japanese-Western Room (Hayama Side): 4 Rooms / 28 sqm / Up to 2 Guests
Photo is for illustrative purposes.
The warmth of Japanese style, with modern comfort.
This Japanese-Western room lets guests feel the warmth of tatami while relaxing comfortably on a bed.
The space incorporates Yamagata's traditional craftsmanship and quality furniture, offering a refined stay where Japanese character and modern comfort come together.
About the room's view: This room faces the "Hayama side" (the mountain to the rear), opposite the Zao range. While there is no open view, the room is close to the quiet of the mountains. It is recommended for guests who want to feel nature nearby and unwind at a slower pace.
Book the Japanese-Western Room (Hayama Side)
Yamagata Craftsmanship and Carefully Chosen Details
The spaces are brought to life by the handiwork of Yamagata's skilled artisans.
- Wood and kumiko, lacquer and cast iron: Kumiko latticework in the asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern brings soft light into the room, while the weight of Yamagata cast ironwork and the deep luster of lacquer serve as accents throughout the refined space.
- Carefully chosen textures: A custom carpet called "Hanaikada" (flower raft), inspired by cherry blossom petals drifting on water, and custom-fired ceramic tile room signs with a cherry blossom motif, each crafted individually by hand. The key fobs are made from "shitan" (rosewood), a fine wood prized for its rich, beautiful grain.
Comfortable Amenities and Facilities
Every room is equipped with a hair dryer from the popular beauty brand ReFa. A trial shower head has also been introduced, offering guests a pleasant beauty and wellness experience in their room, alongside the Kaminoyama hot spring water, known as one of Japan's three great beauty hot springs.
Comment From the General Manager of Nihon no Yado Koyo
"Architecture is alive. The new 'Hana no Yakata' brings together the warm hospitality passed down since our founding with traditional craftsmanship that reflects Yamagata's nature and local character. With the sweeping view of the Zao mountain range from the large windows, Yamagata craftsmanship woven throughout the space, and the gentle water of one of Japan's three great beauty hot springs, it has become a place where guests can enjoy Japanese comfort with all five senses. As a 'hideaway of brilliance and quiet elegance' for marking special occasions, we hope you'll enjoy your stay to the fullest." — Shinichi Kato, General Manager of Nihon no Yado Koyo
Looking Ahead
Nihon no Yado Koyo will continue to deliver stay experiences that update the conventions of a hot spring ryokan, offering special moments guided by the idea that "the memory of one trip becomes the joy of a lifetime."
About Nihon no Yado Koyo
Nihon no Yado Koyo is a long-established ryokan in Kaminoyama Onsen, Yamagata, set on a green, elevated site with a full view of the Zao mountain range and 127 guest rooms. The inn welcomes guests with heartfelt hospitality that values Japan's traditional seasonal calendar and the seasonal character of Yamagata's rural landscape. Its cuisine is prepared by chefs deeply familiar with Yamagata's ingredients, showcasing some of the region's finest flavors.
Facility name: Nihon no Yado Koyo
Address: 5-20 Hayama, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture
Official website: https://www.koyoga.com/
About the Koyo Group
In addition to four ryokan and a glamping facility across Yamagata Prefecture, the Koyo Group operates "Yamagata Pudding," the prefecture's first pudding specialty shop. In December 2022, it opened "Ofuro Cafe Yusa," the Tohoku region's first day-use hot spring bathing facility, along with "MOGY," a fruit ice cream specialty shop and sister brand to Yamagata Pudding, as part of its ongoing efforts to build Yamagata's appeal and share it more widely. These varied initiatives were recognized with the 2023 Grand Prix (top award) at the Japan Tourism of the Year Awards.
To further create and strengthen tourism value, the group took over the long-established Japanese confectionery and food business Meiyu Co., Ltd. in 2025. The aim is to carry forward Meiyu's regional flavors and techniques, built over more than 120 years, and combine the strengths of both companies to further develop tourism value through Yamagata's food culture.
