Zao Onsen Sakaiya Mori no Hotel Wald Berg

♨️Free-flowing strong-acid sulfur spring from its own source, right beside the slopes

Yamagata · Zao Onsen Sakaiya Mori no Hotel Wald Berg

1

A lodge named for forest and mountain

• 🌲'Wald Berg' means forest and mountain in German; the owner, who studied forestry, built it on the forest he inherited from his father.
• 🏔️It presents itself as a highland retreat in harmony with Zao's seasons: snow monsters, fresh green, summer peaks and autumn colors.
• ♨️Zao Onsen, said by legend to have been discovered around 110 AD, has a 1,900-year history and is one of Japan's oldest hot spring areas.

2

Free-flowing water from its own source

• 💧The inn's own acidic, iron-bearing sulfur–aluminum sulfate chloride spring flows 100% straight from the source at 53.6°C.
• 🌳The open-air bath 'Kokaze' among the trees and the milky large bath 'Kimamayu' are open 24 hours (cleaning 10:00–11:30).
• 🛁A private bath with both open-air and indoor tubs can be booked for 45 minutes for a fee, 7:00–23:00 (last entry 22:00). The strong acid can blacken jewelry and glasses frames.

3

Mostly tatami rooms

• 🛏️Rooms are mainly 10-tatami (up to 5 guests) and 12-tatami (up to 6) Japanese rooms, all with windows onto Zao's nature.
• 🚿Every room has a bath and washlet toilet, with bath, toilet and washbasin separate. Rooms are non-smoking with free Wi-Fi.
• 🛋️Two Western rooms added in 2022 have Simmons semi-double beds and a slope for wheelchair access.

4

Yamagata kaiseki and Zao beef

• 🥩The signature 'Rindo' kaiseki features Zao beef and seasonal Yamagata produce; the 'Yamayuri' kaiseki showcases Yonezawa beef, one of Japan's top three wagyu.
• 🍲The most popular choice is the sukiyaki course with Zao beef, a rare brand raised at the foot of Mt. Zao.
• 🍚Breakfast is a Japanese set with local imoni stew and Yamagata 'dashi', served with Tsuyahime brand rice.

5

Facilities

• ☕Coffee is served in the 'Mori no Hiroba' lobby; the 'Mori no Mi' restaurant has large windows onto Zao's seasons and an automatic piano.
• 🎁The 'Yamamori' shop (7:30–21:00) sells Yamagata and Zao souvenirs and the inn's own products.
• 🔒Free valuables lockers by the large bath, a free PC corner and a smoking room; women can choose a colorful yukata to rent.

6

Winter Zao, right by the slopes

• ⛷️The Nakamori slope is next door: put on your skis at the drying room, cross the bridge and you're on the piste.
• 🧊January and February are the best months for Zao's famous snow monsters (rime-covered trees).
• 🎿The ski drying room is free for overnight guests.

7

Nearby sights

• 🌋The Okama crater lake is about 40 minutes by car via the Zao Echo Line (open late April to late October).
• 🚡The Zao Ropeway and Zao Chuo Ropeway are about 3 minutes by car, and the Zao Dai-Rotenburo open-air bath about 7 minutes.
• ⛩️Yamadera (Risshakuji), famed from Basho's 'Narrow Road to the Deep North', is about 40 minutes by car.

8

Getting there

• 🚌From JR Yamagata Station, take the bus bound for Zao Onsen to the last stop (about 40 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes.
• 📞Call on arrival at Zao Onsen Bus Terminal and the inn will pick you up.
• 🚗About 20 minutes from Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC and 25 minutes from Yamagata-Zao IC; free parking for 50 cars. Check-in 15:00 (last 19:00), check-out 10:00.

3

Mostly tatami rooms

• 🛏️Rooms are mainly 10-tatami (up to 5 guests) and 12-tatami (up to 6) Japanese rooms, all with windows onto Zao's nature.
• 🚿Every room has a bath and washlet toilet, with bath, toilet and washbasin separate. Rooms are non-smoking with free Wi-Fi.
• 🛋️Two Western rooms added in 2022 have Simmons semi-double beds and a slope for wheelchair access.

4

Yamagata kaiseki and Zao beef

• 🥩The signature 'Rindo' kaiseki features Zao beef and seasonal Yamagata produce; the 'Yamayuri' kaiseki showcases Yonezawa beef, one of Japan's top three wagyu.
• 🍲The most popular choice is the sukiyaki course with Zao beef, a rare brand raised at the foot of Mt. Zao.
• 🍚Breakfast is a Japanese set with local imoni stew and Yamagata 'dashi', served with Tsuyahime brand rice.

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A forest lodge where you can soak in free-flowing strong-acid sulfur water from its own source and ski straight onto the slopes. Note that the acidic water can discolor jewelry and glasses, and the bus terminal is about a 15-minute walk away, so arrange the pickup in advance.

#ZaoOnsen#YamagataRyokan#AcidicHotSpring#KakenagashiOnsen#SkiRyokan#SnowMonsters#ZaoBeef

* This introduction was compiled from information published by each property (official website and similar sources), so some details may differ from what you find on the day. It is AI-assisted and can contain errors — please check the official website and the details shown at booking before you reserve.

Check In/Check Out Policy · Check In: 15:00 · Check Out: 10:00 · Last Check In: 19:00

* These policies are the property's own text, in English; the cancellation policy shown at booking takes precedence.

From onsen etiquette to check-in — the things worth knowing first.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Zao Onsen Sakaiya Mori no Hotel Wald Berg?

Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.

Where is Zao Onsen Sakaiya Mori no Hotel Wald Berg located?

It is in Yamagata. Address: 889-1 Shimizuzaka Zaoonsen.

How much does one night cost?

Recent lowest observed rate starts from ₩200,880 per night for two adults. Rates vary by date and room type, so a live search is most accurate.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Free-cancellation deadlines vary by rate plan and are shown with each room. Cancelling before the deadline gives a full refund.