Yamagata The Takinami
Modern Japanese-Nordic ryokan. Think Arne Jacobsen Swan chairs lined up in a centuries-old wooden lobby, Tendo Mokko designer furniture in the rooms, and Zao-stone rock baths outside. Calm, minimal, and deeply rooted in local craft and cuisine.
Ask for the counter seats in restaurant ukitomam rather than the private dining room if you want to watch the kitchen — the open kitchen counter has a completely different energy
Why It Matters
Michelin Key Hotel Selection 2025 (the main property and its 3-room sister auberge Osteria Sincerità both received the designation in the same announcement). The property threads a genuinely rare needle: authentic old architecture, Nordic design sensibility, and cooking that regularly draws Michelin-starred guest chefs for collaborative events.
Behind a striking thatched-roof gate, Yamagata The Takinami occupies a 350-year-old relocated magariya farmhouse — once the manor of an Uesugi clan village headman — completely reinvented in 2017 under the creative direction of lifestyle magazine editor Toru Iwase. All 19 rooms sit in renovated storehouses and old folk buildings, and every single one has a private open-air bath fed directly by Akayu Onsen's 930-year-old sulfur-tinged source. The kitchen runs on obsessive local sourcing: organic vegetables from the Okitama Basin, Yonezawa beef, handmade buckwheat soba, and a wine list anchored by Yamagata's own growing vineyard scene.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
KURA (Standard — rooms 03–07)
Five individual rooms within renovated kura storehouses, each with striking adze-beam (手斧梁) ceiling architecture. Maisonette layout: ground floor has living area, shower, and veranda with Zao stone open-air rock bath; second floor is the tatami sleeping area. The triangular ceiling structure retains strong traces of its storehouse past. Rooms are 41–43m².
2 semi-double beds · 42 sqmKURA01
The biggest room on the property — a sprawling 129m² suite converted from three connected traditional storehouses. The entrance still has its original iron sliding door. Two living areas, two tatami bedrooms, a private garden, and an open-air Zao stone rock bath. Sleeps up to 6. The ranma (transom carvings) and chigaidana (staggered shelves) from the original kura structure are all intact alongside contemporary designer furniture.
4 semi-double beds · 129 sqm
KURA02
A completely detached, fully standalone unit converted from an original rice storehouse. At 58m², it's smaller than KURA01 but fully private — no shared walls with the main building. Two semi-double beds, private open-air bath with natural hot spring water. The most secluded option on the property.
2 semi-double beds · 58 sqmSAKURA (rooms 01–06)
Six rooms looking out over the hotel garden. In spring they're directly opposite cherry blossom trees — hence the name. Exposed beams on the ceiling show the handiwork of the previous generation who relocated and reconstructed the building. Upper-floor rooms (2F) have hinoki (Japanese cypress) open-air baths; ground-floor rooms have Zao stone baths. Rooms are 41–43m².
2 semi-double beds · 43 sqm
YAMAGATA (rooms 01–06)
Six rooms that function as a showcase for Yamagata craftsmanship — all furniture is by Tendo Mokko, a celebrated furniture maker based in the prefecture. Floor-to-ceiling windows make these rooms feel spacious and light-filled. Open-air bath with natural hot spring water. At 43m² with the large glazing, they're recommended for yoga, stretching, or workation stays.
2 semi-double beds · 43 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A 40-minute restorative yoga session in lounge 'Shoya' before dinner, designed to ease travel fatigue and deepen the onsen experience. Open to all levels, including complete beginners. Held on select dates throughout the year.
A post-breakfast guided tour of the Okitama region led by the former inn president, Mr. Sudo. Destinations vary by season — a typical route visits Jubunichiyama mountain (former gold/silver mining site, panoramic views) with stories about local cherry orchards, hot spring town history, and regional culture. Optional commemorative photo at scenic spots.
Seasonal guest-exclusive invitations to participate in rice planting (spring) and rice harvesting (autumn) at a local farm growing Yumegokochi rice — the same variety served at the restaurant.
An early morning excursion (from approximately 6:00 AM) to Jubunichiyama viewpoint for views of the valley's sea of clouds. Occasionally organized as part of special event stays.
A pre-dinner demonstration of handmade Juwari (100% buckwheat) soba — the classic Yamagata style. Usually hosted by a sake sommelier or staff member who also presents the property's history and local culture.
A guided seasonal walk to Eboshiyama Park during cherry blossom season. Eboshiyama is one of Japan's top-100 hanami (blossom viewing) sites.
An evening outing in summer to watch fireflies in the surrounding countryside. One of several seasonal activities organized for guests.
Tandem paragliding lessons from Jubunichiyama hill, about a 5-minute drive from the hotel. Panoramic views over the Okitama valley. Advance reservation required.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Globally certified organic cosmetic brand using ingredients like brown rice and black soybeans. Provided in all rooms including KURA.
The main lobby lounge in the 350-year-old relocated farmhouse. Free coffee, tea, and soft drinks all day. After 21:00, self-service bar with complimentary whiskey and spirits.
All 19 rooms have a private rotenburo (open-air bath) fed directly from the Akayu Onsen source with no dilution or recirculation. Spring type: sulfur-containing sodium-calcium chloride. Water is nearly colorless with floating yunohana (sulfur mineral particles).
Shared grand bath open 15:00–10:00 next morning. Women's side: indoor bath + outdoor open-air bath in front of a kura storehouse view. Men's side: open-air bath only. All 100% natural hot spring water from source.
A drinking hot spring station right inside the thatched gate at the entrance. Smooth-tasting and reportedly beneficial for gastrointestinal ailments. Free for guests and visitors.
Near the lobby. Stocks Okitama local food products, Yoneori komon (traditional textiles), handcrafted goods, and snacks. Prices range from ~¥500 for bean snacks to ~¥2,970 for textile accessories.
Pre-bookable shuttle runs twice at check-in (14:30 and 15:30 from the station) and twice at check-out (10:00 and 10:50 from the hotel). Must be reserved in advance.
BUILD YOUR YAMAGATA THE TAKINAMI PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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