Toyoko Inn Yamagata Station West

Breakfast was complimentary, and although the selection wasn't huge, everything available tasted better than breakfast at some other hotels we stayed at on this trip. Please pass my compliments to the kitchen staff. The hotel is very close to Yamagata Station, with a 24-hour Aeon right across the street. Rooms are standard business hotel rooms; laundry, vending machines, and locker-style luggage storage are on the ground floor. There’s only one lift, so you might wait a little.

It’s close to the train station and within easy reach of the city center and lots of restaurants, yet surprisingly quiet. Modern building and facilities, a varied breakfast, and really helpful staff.

The room views were beautiful, and the rooms felt quite large by Japanese standards. The bed was a little hard, though. Breakfast was a really good free buffet, served from 6:30 to 9:00 am, with lunch boxes you can fill and take along. That timing works well if you're heading to nearby towns or ski resorts. The hotel is also close to JR Station, the mall, castle ruins, and a supermarket right across the street. I enjoyed my stay.

The staff were helpful, and breakfast was free and pretty good, including local food like Tamakon. From the window there’s a lovely view of snow-covered mountains. It’s about a five-minute walk from Yamagata station. Booking on the official website is the cheapest option.