Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya Ryokan
Room Types
5
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya is a refined 24-room ryokan in Tendo Onsen, Yamagata, designed around a central Japanese courtyard garden visible from every part of the building. Eight rooms feature private open-air baths with natural hot spring water, while the entire property — including the large onsen baths — is laid with traditional tatami flooring. The ryokan celebrates Yamagata cuisine with kaiseki dinners starring Yamagata beef and local seasonal produce, all within the cultural heart of Japan's shogi (Japanese chess) capital.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
Ready to experience Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya Ryokan?
See Prices on AgodaRoom Types
Standard Japanese Room
Traditional Japanese room with two Simmons beds at a comfortable height, offering views of the central courtyard garden.
- Two Simmons beds
- 10 tatami mat space
- Access to public onsen baths
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Yukata robes and amenities
Japanese Room with Open-Air Bath
Spacious Japanese-style room with twin Simmons beds, a sunroom with daybed, and a private open-air onsen bath with natural hot spring water flowing from the source.
- Private open-air onsen bath with natural hot spring water
- Twin Simmons beds
- Sunroom with daybed
- 12.5 tatami mat space
- Garden view from the room
- Air conditioning
- Yukata robes and amenities
Traditional Japanese Room (12 Tatami)
A pure traditional Japanese room with futon bedding for guests who prefer the authentic Japanese sleeping experience.
- Traditional futon bedding
- 12 tatami mat space
- Access to public onsen baths
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Yukata robes and amenities
Universal Design Bedroom with Open-Air Bath
Accessible room featuring an open-air onsen bath with natural hot spring water, private dining area, and two queen-size Simmons beds in Hollywood twin style.
- Private open-air onsen bath with natural hot spring water
- Private dining area
- Two 160cm queen-size Simmons beds (Hollywood twin)
- Barrier-free/accessible design
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Yukata robes and amenities
Japanese-Western Room with Semi-Open-Air Onsen
Elegant room combining Japanese and Western elements with a semi-open-air onsen bath. The bath washing area features specially waterproofed tatami mats.
- Semi-open-air onsen bath with natural hot spring water
- Waterproofed tatami in bath area
- Simmons beds
- Japanese-Western hybrid design
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Yukata robes and amenities
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Sodium calcium sulfate hot spring
Private Baths
- In-room private open-air bath (8 rooms)
- In-room semi-open-air bath (select rooms)
Duration: Unlimited (private to room)
Indoor Baths
- Large tatami-floored public indoor bath (men)
- Large tatami-floored public indoor bath (women)
Outdoor Baths
- Private open-air baths in 8 guest rooms
- Wash and rinse thoroughly before entering the bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- The tatami flooring in the bath area is specially treated — please treat it with care
- Keep noise levels low in the public bath areas
- In-room baths are for registered guests only
Dining
Main dining room for breakfast and dinner
Private dining area available in select rooms (Universal Design Bedroom)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms and the famous Tendo Ningen Shogi (Human Chess) festival in April
- Fresh spring mountain vegetables in the kaiseki menu
- Pleasant temperatures for exploring Tendo and Yamagata
- The Human Chess festival draws large crowds in April
- Book well ahead for cherry blossom season
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Yamagata cherry harvest season (June-July) — the freshest cherries in Japan
- Lush green courtyard garden at its most vibrant
- Summer festivals in the Tohoku region
- Hot and humid summers in Yamagata
- Peak cherry season is very popular
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular autumn foliage at Yama-dera Temple and throughout Yamagata
- Autumn harvest flavors including mushrooms and new rice in kaiseki
- Comfortable onsen bathing temperatures
- Popular season for Yama-dera — expect crowds on weekends
- Book early for autumn foliage period
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Snow-covered courtyard garden creates a magical winter scene
- Warming onsen experience in the cold Tohoku winter
- Winter kaiseki with hearty Yamagata beef and nabe (hot pot) dishes
- Nearby Zao Onsen offers skiing and famous snow monsters (juhyo)
- Heavy snowfall in Yamagata — plan transport accordingly
- Cold temperatures require warm outdoor clothing
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The entire bathing area, including the large public onsens, has tatami flooring — an extremely rare feature that adds warmth and comfort underfoot
- Tendo Mokko furniture pieces displayed throughout the hallways are handcrafted by one of Yamagata's most celebrated woodworking companies
The waterproofed tatami mats in some bath washing areas represent an innovative fusion of tradition and practicality
Yama-dera Temple, one of Tohoku's most iconic mountaintop temples, is just a 15-minute drive away
Must-Try Experiences
- Soaking in the tatami-floored onsen baths — a uniquely luxurious bathing experience
- Dining on Yamagata beef kaiseki prepared with the finest seasonal local ingredients
Visiting the Eishundo shogi piece workshop to watch master craftsmen at work
Experience Tips
- Sit in the hallway Tendo Mokko chairs and contemplate the courtyard garden between meals and baths
- Visit the Eishundo workshop to watch shogi pieces being carved by hand — it is a fascinating cultural experience
Take a day trip to Yama-dera Temple (15-minute drive) for one of Tohoku's most spectacular mountain temple climbs
Try the public tatami-floored onsen — the warm tatami underfoot is unlike any other bathing experience
Ask the staff about seasonal fruit availability — Yamagata is Japan's fruit kingdom
Cultural Notes
- Tendo produces nearly all of Japan's shogi pieces, a tradition dating to the Edo period when samurai were encouraged to make them for financial recovery
- The tatami-floored onsen bathing area reflects the highest level of Japanese attention to guest comfort and tradition
The central courtyard garden design follows the Japanese architectural principle of bringing nature into every living space
Tendo Onsen's history began in 1911 when hot spring water spontaneously erupted from a rice field
Ready to experience it yourself?
Check Availability & Book on AgodaPractical Information
Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Free shuttle service from JR Tendo Station (reservation required)
- Walk from JR Tendo Station (approximately 15 minutes)
- Taxi from JR Tendo Station (approximately 5 minutes)
- From Sendai: JR Senzan Line to Tendo Station (approximately 50 minutes)
- From Yamagata Station: JR Ou Line to Tendo Station (approximately 20 minutes)
- Free private parking available on-site
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Request a room with a private open-air bath for the most complete experience
- Book the Universal Design Bedroom if you need accessible facilities or want a private dining area
- Reserve the shuttle service from Tendo Station when booking
- If visiting in April, combine your stay with the famous Tendo Ningen Shogi (Human Chess) festival
- Yamagata cherry season (June) is popular — book early for that period
Preparation Tips
- Reserve the free shuttle from Tendo Station when confirming your booking
- The JR Senzan Line from Sendai offers scenic mountain views en route to Tendo
- Pack lightly — yukata and all bath amenities are provided
- Bring comfortable walking shoes if planning to explore Tendo town and cultural sites
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
JR Tendo Station
History
Set in Tendo, the city responsible for producing nearly all of Japan's shogi (Japanese chess) pieces since the Edo period, Hohoemino Kuyufu Tsuruya embodies the cultural richness of Yamagata's Tohoku heritage. Tendo Onsen itself has a history dating back over 100 years, when a hot spring suddenly erupted from a rice field in 1911. The ryokan's name, which translates roughly to "Inn of Smiling Ingenuity," reflects its philosophy of thoughtful hospitality and creative comfort.
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