Zao Onsen is a hot spring town nestled at the foot of the Zao mountain range. In this tranquil area, quietly stands a traditional inn that exudes the deeply flavorful atmosphere of a bygone era. Its name is Itoya. Unnoticed by passersby, it has the ambiance of a hidden retreat that will immediately captivate anyone who steps inside.
Itoya is an established inn that has been in operation since the Edo period. However, when you step through the entrance, you will find a space that exudes modern luxury. The pure Japanese-style guest rooms maintain the appearance of the founding era, while showcasing the owner's love for high-end audio equipment, a symbol of the owner's refined taste. It is a world of timeless aesthetic sense that mesmerizes all who behold it.
The bathing experience at Itoya, embraced by the Zao mountain range, is truly unique. From the cypress indoor baths to the open-air baths reminiscent of rocky caves, each hot spring exudes a different charm that will soothe both body and mind. Furthermore, the sound of the mountain stream occasionally heard enhances the bathing experience to an extraordinary level.
Itoya's cuisine offers exquisite flavors using the abundant ingredients of Yamagata. From appetizers made with locally harvested seasonal mountain vegetables to hot pot dishes featuring fresh Zao beef, each dish is a carefully crafted masterpiece. And for breakfast, the luxurious