34 Best Hotels in Tohoku, Japan

This more-than-300-year-old Japanese inn has an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere and offers soft thermal waters, very attentive staff, and in winter, the chance to see Zao's famous "ice monsters"—those fabulous frozen pillars sculpted by blizzards. The smell of sulfur wafts through the air as you approach the inn, the low-beamed interior of which has changed little in centuries. Each room is different, but the most luxurious are the suites in the annex, recently refurbished and each with a private bath; ask about rooms with Japanese-type decor but Western-style beds.

Perhaps the fanciest ryokan in town, the Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel has dark-wood floors, antique furnishings, glowing lanterns, and shoji screens that give the place a warm and welcoming vibe. The property is surrounded with black wooden fences, just like those of samurai houses. It's in a convenient location for shopping and sightseeing, and the nearby historic neighborhood is a great place to stroll, particularly in the evening after the tourists are gone. A Japanese breakfast—including locally grown vegetables and rice—is included in the standard rates.

The sleek lobby on the 26th floor leads to the modern lounge with huge wall-to-wall windows overlooking the city, mountains, and distant ocean; the guest rooms share these gorgeous views.

If you are looking for a casual ryokan experience as a stepping off point for skiing or hiking trips, this maze of interconnected hallways and varied rooms with English-speaking staff might be the place for you. While the food the ryokan serves is quite good, the location also allows for easy jaunts to local establishments nearby. It's also close to several of Zao's public onsen that are open to anyone, work on the honor system (drop your ¥200 into the wooden box), and are a good place to have a chat with locals. The ryokan does have private showers for those who aren't up for the chatting.