Lodge Matsupokkuri

Akiko and her family run a lovely place and were very accommodating. I’d recommend it.

We stayed at Zangzan Onsen for one night in the off-season and had a great time. It was cozy and relaxing, and the owners were warm and friendly. Both dinner and breakfast were tasty and clearly prepared with care. Looking forward to coming back in winter.

After long days skiing at Zao, the in-house onsen was wonderful. Our rooms were comfortable, and the shared bathrooms were clean and easy to use. There aren’t many restaurants nearby, so we relied on the ryokan’s meals, which were excellent. The breakfast and dinner package kept us energized all day, and staying here was one of the best parts of our 2024 Japan trip. No regrets at all.

2-6/1/25, 4 stars This small family-run ryokan is homey and has the welcoming feel you’d hope for. It’s within walking distance of the Zao Onsen bus terminal. Amenities are a bit limited, but the excellent kaiseki more than helps it live up to its “cuisine hotel” name. I’d recommend it if you’re on a budget. A few drawbacks: it’s a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the ski slopes, the rooms are small and cramped with poor soundproofing, and there’s a steady petrol smell from the heaters downstairs, though it doesn’t reach upstairs. The tatami-bed pillows are flat, hard, and shallow, and I couldn’t sleep on my side. The indoor onsen is tiny, fitting at most four or five people.