When picturing Japan, most people must imagine glitzy metros or seaside towns. But one of the country’s cities, Yamagata, is more known as a premier ski spot. One of the top attractions here is Mount Zao, where visitors can see the magnificent Okama Crater Lake. During winters, the mountain is covered in snow and it converts to every ski lover’s paradise. Another attraction is the quaint onsens of Yamagata, with natural hot springs to keep you relax. When in Yamagata, immerse yourself in the local way of life and eschew hotels for a more traditional stay. Hosts may even recommend and guide you to the best attractions in the city. Continue scrolling to find out more about the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Yamagata, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 14, 2024.
1. Sangoro Onsen Lodge (from USD 466)
If you are traveling to Yamagata to explore the mountains, then this is one of the most conveniently located properties you can find. Zao Sky Cable Uenodai Station is just 650 m (2132 ft) from the property and can be easily covered on foot. Plus, free parking is available.
This lodge is an excellent option for a family holiday in the mountains. The property comes with an industrial-style kitchen and a big dining area. There is also an outdoor barbecue area and picnic tables to enjoy al fresco meals. However, you will have to carry your ingredients from the main town since the area only has one convenience store.
After a day of trekking or skiing, come and relax in your private onsens, separated for male and female guests. You can then retreat to your rooms with comfortable futons.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the house equipped with good facility and private hot springHost:
great hospitality and helpful hostthe owners are friendly and kind and they will stay again next timeRead more reviewsLocation:
the location also nice
Superhost
2. Casa De Yoshi (from USD 201)
This excellent homestay is ideal for families or large groups. Guests are accommodated with western-style beds and Japanese-style futons. There is even a small tent with a mattress and cushions set up that children will love to play and camp in for the night.
Moreover, the house has a kitchen with basic appliances and utensils. You can also stock food from either the convenience store or supermarket, which are just a two-minute walk away. If long-stay guests wish to prepare meals at home, however, they can head to the wt market to get fresh produce and ingredients.
Top guest reviews
Host:
he was very friendly and invitingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and the host communication is timely
Nearby Airbnb rentals
3. Gassan Pole Pole Farm
On the outskirts of Yamagata and close to the majestic Mount Gassan, this private cottage with 100 ha (247 ac) of yard space will make for the perfect family getaway. The summer months are perfect for hiking and enjoying a picnic, while in the winter, you can ski and make race for the slopes.
With multiple windows running around the perimeter of the property, the indoors are always well-lit and sunny during the day. Adults and children alike will surely find plenty of things to keep themselves entertained in the lodge.
Nishikawa-machi, Yamagata-ken, JapanAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the place has been recently renovated and is nicely furnished and very comfortableCleanliness:
the house itself was comfortable and clean but the lodge also has other things to dothis is a beautiful secluded retreat with modern clean and comfortable chaletsHost:
we really appreciate the hospitality of the hostsincredibly good host and placethe owners can provide you with everything you need to make your stay very relaxingamazing host noboru gave us the best local information that made our trip even more enjoyableRead more reviewsLocation:
if you’re looking for a perfect winter wonderland i can’t recommend this place enough
4. Scandinavian log house with a pool (from USD 201)
This private log cabin in the mountains is a great retreat to take a break from the city and just enjoy nature. There is an outdoor pool during the summer season, a tennis court, and a public bath that is open on select days throughout the year.
The warm living room extends onto the deck, creating a large indoor-outdoor living space. You can also have a pizza party, thanks to the furnace in the backyard. While there is a kitchen, you do have to bring ingredients on your drive up to the log house.
This property is away from the city and is best accessed with a private vehicle. Plus, guests staying for two nights or more will receive a generous 15% discount on their booking.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and as describedhouse was clean and comfortthe place was clean and beautifulcabin was beautifully decorated and very cleanit was very clean beautifully built quiet and in a beautiful neighborhoodHost:
the host was nice and friendlythe host is extremely responsive he has answered all our questions in a timely mannerpretty lodge and fantastic host highly recommendedgreat design nice feeling and family friendly environmentyuichi is very kind and always keep in touch with us to make sure everything is fineRead more reviewsLocation:
yuichi's place in the snowy woods of zaōmachi was perfect for a winter trip awayvery comfortable and cozy placespotless house in a great locationsituated in a very lovely and quiet area overlooking beautiful and serene forestbeautiful place to stay we really enjoyed it
5. Beautiful log cabin in the midst of nature (from USD 40)
This Airbnb host originally started to build a recording studio. However, while it’s still ongoing, he managed to complete the construction of this log cabin. The cabin is self-built by the host and his friends, making it a true labor of love. Large windows throughout the property flood the house with sunlight, thus emitting a warm and cozy feeling during the day.
During the day, you can head out for a walk in the woods, and maybe even forage your own edible mushrooms. At night, you can cuddle up by the fireplace and drink hot chocolate with your loved ones. Moreover, in the wintertime, the area is covered with snow, so you can make snowmen and go sledding.
Top guest reviews
Host:
the owner is super nice and kindhe was so kind and open to usvery kind and huge effort to introduce us to the areahe was very generous and kindharry is an amazing host who goes above and beyond to take care of his guestsRead more reviewsLocation:
located in a beautiful scenic locationwe wish to visit this great place to have an enjoyable time once againa great place to relaxyou will definitely need a car to get to toshiharu's placethis place is really good especially spending time with family or friends
6. Independent suite in a family home (from USD 28)
For a fun family vacation, this private suite is an excellent choice at a great price. Kids will have a fun time in the garden, which includes a treehouse, hammock, and even a little bridge. For a small fee, guests can also use the outdoor pizza oven.
There is no WiFi access at the property, but you will not miss being online when there is so much nature to explore nearby, The property is right by the river where you can head to for morning strolls.
7. Japanese-style room in a guesthouse (from USD 44)
This guesthouse welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the famous onsens and ski facilities of the area. Guests have use of the private, Japanese-style tatami room and shared access to the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. The host also offers complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day. Early check-in and late check-out are possible depending on availability, but if not, guests can avail of the luggage storage facility in the meantime,
The area surrounding Mount Zao is famed for its onsens, and they are a must-visit when you are staying at this property. There are several onsens with natural hot springs that are just a five-minute walk from the house. During the summer, you can also go on a short 20-minute trek to Lake Shiginoyachi and Lake Sakazuki to spend the day outdoors.
Top guest reviews
Host:
hosts are very nice people so we felt like homeRead more reviewsLocation:
spacious room in a nice house very close to the slopes highly recommend
8. Completely renovated traditional farmhouse (from USD 117)
Originally built 170 years ago, this traditional Japanese farmhouse has since been refurbished to welcome modern travelers. Surrounded by farmland, this property is on the outskirts of Shibata and allows guests to enjoy the picturesque Japanese countryside. With large windows gracing the property, guests can also enjoy the outdoors from all corners of the house.
There is a kitchen where staff can prepare meals for you at an additional charge. If you wish to cook, you can bring your own supplies. And despite being a rural property guests enjoy high-speed internet access, electronic toilet, and indoor heating.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the house was very clean and we loved its rustic charmRead more reviewsHost:
the host was helpful and friendlythe staff is more than kind super communications a great pickupservice and they forwarded a forgotten jacket
9. Minimalist forest house with mountain view (from USD 129)
Spend some time in nature to reconnect with family and return completely rejuvenated. This two-story log cabin comes with a fun hammock flying chair for kids and can be installed both indoors and outdoors.
The cabin is spread across two floors, with the common areas on the lower level and the bedroom upstairs. There are two single beds, and an additional three futons can be provided for a maximum of five guests. There is air-conditioning on both levels for the summertime and a fireplace for the winter months. The bathroom is fed with water from a natural spring and the stone bath can be used for a relaxing soak.
10. Secluded cottage in the woods (from USD 111)
This property, built using local cedar wood, is a great escape in the woods. There is an outdoor barbecue pit and even a separate outdoor kitchen to enjoy a delicious al fresco meal under the stars. The Japanese-style bedroom has mattresses as well as sleeping bags. In the summer months, explore the woods and the creek flowing through. Meanwhile, in the winter months, the entire area turns into a winter wonderland.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the place is very cleanthe place was sparkling clean and surrounded by beautiful natureHost:
an excellent place to bbq outdoors with friends very hospitable and helpful hostRead more reviewsLocation:
i really love the location
Yamagata is the perfect year-round getaway
The mountains are always a good idea as it is pleasant in the summer and thrilling in the winter. Combine that with private rentals and you are bound to have the time of your life. Book a stay at one of these best Airbnb vacation rentals in Yamagata, Japan, for a fantastic holiday.
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