Zao Kokusai Hotel

The location was absolutely breathtaking, we visited in autumn but I'm already planning my next visit for winter! The staff were so lovely and accommodating, not everyone spoke perfect english but they make a genuine effort to make us feel welcome none the less. I loved the onsen, we used the private and public facilities and found them so relaxing. We ate in the restaurant every morning and once for dinner, the food was so well done and we loved getting a taste of the local cuisine. Seriously 10/10 its not the cheapest stay but it is worth the price.

The location is beautiful and the staff was incredibly kind, patient and accommodating. They were able to help us set up a private onsen experience, ensured we had everything we needed, and were very helpful. Limited English options for speaking but most things had English translations for guests who are new to Japanese or struggle with Kanji.

The beautiful onsens and excellent service staff. We want to thank Tinnu San ( from Bangladesh) at the reception of Kokusai hotel for his excellent service and English, and for bringing us dinner to the room when we could not find food in Zao Onsen town. Thank you so much!

We really like the food. Especially the dinner. Since our group doesn't eat beef, at the time of check-in, we asked the hotel staff if they could amend the menu for us. They were able to do that and we had our dinner with a set of grilled seafood which was very delicious and beyond our expectations.

The hotel offers great onsen facilities. Public baths: 1 indoor pool and 2 outdoor pools as well as 3 private facilities. The rooms are spacious and the staff is extremely polite and helpful. They offer a free shuttle bus service to and from Yamagata station which has to be reserved 3 days in advance. Wonderful dinner which was included in our room rate and very good and copious breakfast.