The city of Yonezawa, just two hours by train from Tokyo, is a great destination for anyone who loves samurai culture and beef!
This famous city has plenty to see and do, with great value accommodations and delicious restaurants.
In this article, I share where you should stay in Yonezawa, including the best areas and hotels for visitors to this historic Japanese city.
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About Yonezawa (米沢市)
Yonezawa City is in the southeast of Yamagata Prefecture, with part of the city bordering the Bandai-Asahi National Park.
This Yamagata city was the seat of the Uesugi clan, a samurai dynasty that ruled the region in the 17th century.
It is associated with renowned warriors like Kanetsugu Naoe, Masamune Date, and Youzan Uesugi.
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The ruins of their castle and the famous Kawanakajima battle reenactment, attract thousands of visitors to the city every year.
Though Yonezawa is smaller and less busy than other Japanese cities, it has a lot going on.
Apart from its packed calendar of festivals, the cuisine is outstanding, particularly because of Yonezawa’s premium Wagyu beef and delicious soba.
Take a look at this great tour to see what’s available in Yonezawa:
Where you should stay in Yonezawa: best areas and hotels for visitors
Yonezawa isn’t a massive city, so it’s easy to get around on foot.
Most of the accommodation is centrally located, so you can easily access the famous Yonezawa Castle ruins and historical sites related to the Uesugi samurai clan!
Here are my top picks.
1. YONEWAZA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU (米沢エクセルホテル東急), Yonezawa
The Yonezawa Excel Hotel is part of the respected Tokyu hotel chain which owns some of Japan’s best hotels.
Enjoy classic Japanese Hospitality in this 4-star hotel.
It is located just minutes from the Yonezwa mainline station and near Yamagata Airport, making it perfect for business trips and leisure.
About YONEZAWA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
| Address | 1 Chome-13-3 Central, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-0045, Japan |
| Location | Yonezawa, Yamagata |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $120 |
| Check-in | 5 pm |
| Check-out | 11 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair | Elevator access to all floors |
| Number of bedrooms | 62 guestrooms |
| Number of bathrooms | ensuite shower and bidet |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hair dryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | Yes |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (37 miles) |
| Nearest restaurant | Kongokaku – Yonezawa Beef Restaurant |
| Nearest park(s) | Matsukawa Park |
Enjoy 4-star accommodation in the heart of Yonezawa.
The hotel has clean and well-furnished guest rooms that all have an ensuite bidet and shower facilities. Guests have a choice of standard or deluxe single, double, and twin rooms.
The hotel participates in the Green Coin program and will donate to local environmental projects if you avoid using toothbrushes, razors, and shower caps to cut down on waste.
More photos on booking.com
The hotel serves breakfast with Japanese, American, and buffet options available.
Amenities provided include free Wi-Fi, complimentary slippers and toiletries, and luggage storage. The reception staff speak English and are available to assist you 24 hours per day.
What’s nearby YONEWAZA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU
- Matsugasaki Park
- Shirakaba Romance Lift (Skiing)
- Yonezawa Sakano restaurant
- Yonezawa Castle Ruins
2. Hotel Benex Yonezawa
The Hotel Benex is an ideal base for a weekend break if you’re traveling from Tokyo by train. It is just a short walk from Yonezawa Station.
The hotel is cost-effective with clean and comfortable accommodations and helpful reception staff.
Its location is ideal for accessing all the highlights of Yonezawa, like its skiing, castle ruins, and shrine.
About Hotel Benex Yonezawa
| Address | 3 Chome-2-16 Montomachi, Yonezawa, Yamagata 992-0039, Japan |
| Location | Central Yonezawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $99 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 11 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair | Elevator available |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Washing machine | Laundry service available |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free and private |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (37 miles) |
| Nearest takeaway | Pizza Ktarou |
| Nearest park(s) | Matsugasaki Park |
Guest rooms at the Hotel Benex are ensuite, air-conditioned rooms.
Choose from:
- Single rooms
- Semi-double rooms
- Double rooms
- Twin rooms
More photos on booking.com
These light and airy rooms are equipped with a TV, desk, hairdryer, and fridge.
There is hotel-wide Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and a laundry service that is ideal for a longer stay.
What’s nearby Hotel Benex Yonezawa
- Uesugi Shrine
- Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
- Matsukawa Riverside
- Miyasaka Archaeological Museum
3. Select Inn Yonezawa
The Select Inn Yonezawa provides cheap, basic accommodation which is ideal if you are looking for a step up from a hostel.
The competitive prices of this Yonezawa budget hotel will leave you with plenty of cash for a delicious Yonezawa steak!
Select Inn is very close to the JR Yonezawa Train Station and all the major attractions and sites of Yonezawa.
Staff are professional and hospitable and work hard to assure your comfort during your stay.
About Select Inn Yonezawa
| Address | 992-0045 Yamagata, Yonezawa, Chuo 1-7-21, Japan |
| Location | Central Yonezawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $40 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair | Elevator available |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Washing machine | Laundry service available |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free and private |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (37 miles) |
| Nearest museum | Toko Sake Museum |
| Nearest park(s) | Matsugasaki Park |
This budget hotel offers the following low-priced room types:
- Single room
- Double room
- Economy Twin Room
More photos on booking.com
All rooms have ensuite bidet/shower facilities, a fridge, a kettle, and a flat-screen TV. Other amenities include Wi-Fi, a coin-operated laundry, and PCs that guests can use in the hotel lobby.
Select Inn’s breakfast buffet is extremely popular. It features traditional Yamagata food and decent coffee. You’ll find it served in the lobby daily.
There is someone at the desk in reception 24 hours per day.
What’s nearby Select Inn Yonezawa
- Uesugi – Jinja Shrine
- Miyasaka Archaeological Museum
- Yonezawa Uesugi Museum
- 福留軒 ramen restaurant
4. Hotel Route-Inn Yonezawa Ekihigashi
Hotel Route-Inn Yonezawa Ekihigashi is a modern Yonezawa hotel offering decent accommodation at a great price.
It is one of the best-located Yonezawa hotels for accessing the Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort.
This Yonezawa hotel ticks all the boxes for guests with free Wi-Fi, free parking, a free breakfast, and even laptops for hire from the front desk.
In addition, you can enjoy a spa experience in the on-site onsen!
About Hotel Route-Inn Yonezawa Ekihigashi
| Address | 992-0039 Yamagata, Yonezawa, Montomachi 3-2-16, Japan |
| Location | Yonezawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $78 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair | Elevator available |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Washing machine | No |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free and private |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (37 miles) |
| Nearest skiing | Grandeco Snow Resort |
The hotel provides single and twin smoking or non-smoking rooms. Every room is air-conditioned, with ensuite bathroom facilities, a desk, and a TV.
More photos on booking.com
Green tea teabags supplied with the fridge and kettle are a thoughtful touch. Wi-Fi covers the entire building and you can grab fresh coffee at the hotel reception 24 hours per day.
Hotel Route-Inn Yonezawa Ekihigashi also serves a complimentary breakfast buffet every day. You can choose from Japanese and western dishes. Later on, light meals and drinks are served between 6 and 10 pm.
What’s nearby Hotel Route-Inn Yonezawa Ekihigashi
- 珈琲専門 飄 coffee shop
- Aeon Town 24-hour shopping center
- Christ Kyodaidan Yonezawa Church (Evangelical)
- RustyNail nail salon
5. HOTEL BB fast Yonezawa
HOTEL BB fast Yonezawa is a centrally located Best Western hotel that is just a few minutes walk from Yonezawa Station.
Malls and cafes are all within walking distance, so you can opt to stay local for part of your stay.
The hotel is close enough to all the major sites of Yonezawa including the castle and shrine.
Staff at the reception will be happy to help you with maps and directions.
If you extend your stay you also have a business center, coin-operated laundry, and granite hot spring bath to try.
About HOTEL BB fast Yonezawa
| Address | 992-0023 Yamagata, Yonezawa, Shimohanazawa 2-5-22, Japan |
| Location | Yonezawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $50 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Wheelchair | Elevator available |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Washing machine | Laundry service available |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free and private |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (37 miles) |
| Nearest museum | Yoneori Osharekan Yonezawa Textile Museum |
| Nearest park(s) | Matsugasaki Park |
This Best Western hotel offers comfortable air-conditioned single, double, and semi-double rooms that are equipped with ensuite bathroom facilities, a TV, a kettle, and a refrigerator.
Check-in times are flexible and the concierge is always on hand. The hotel has free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities, making it ideal for a longer stay.
More photos on booking.com
It offers good quality bed and breakfast accommodation including a traditional rice-based breakfast and fresh bread.
Guests consider the BB fast Yonezawa to be great value for money, especially as the hotel has its own onsen. However, the onsen is only available for use by men…
What’s nearby HOTEL BB fast Yonezawa
- Matsugasaki Shrine
- Uesugi Hakushakutei
- eat Pia steakhouse
- Yoshitei steakhouse
- Good steakhouse
- Yoneori Osharekan Yonezawa Textile Museum
6. Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso
Yonezawa and the wider Yamagata area are renowned for their natural beauty, so if you want to escape city living, Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso is a perfect choice.
Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso is a traditional Japanese inn known as a ryokan.
It offers an authentic Japanese retreat experience, complete with plenty of access to nature. Take the shuttle service from the city center to be transported to this idyllic and authentically Japanese setting.
This high-quality accommodation includes gardens, free bike hire, massages, lounges, and a luxurious outdoor hot spring bath (onsen).
Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso gets you up close to the Yamagata mountains with many units providing balconies with mountain views.
About Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso
| Address | 992-0023 Yamagata, Yonezawa, Shimohanazawa 2-5-22, Japan |
| Location | Yonezawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Book today | booking.com |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $339 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 11 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Washing machine | No |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes – free and private |
| Nearest airport | Yamagata Airport (41 miles) |
| Nearest park(s) | Totoro’s Forest |
Ryokans like Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso are different from a conventional guesthouse or hotel.
With a ryokan stay, the hotel is the destination. Much like a spa break, hard-working Japanese head to these beautiful properties to relax in hot-spring baths, hike, cycle, and stock up on opulent multi-course meals.
More photos on booking.com
When you stay at Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso, you’ll be provided with a yukata, a light summer robe that you can throw on as you explore the accommodation and grounds.
You’ll be staying in traditional Japanese Tatami rooms with low beds and classic woven-straw flooring.
Guests praise the sumptuous breakfasts and meals at Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso which features premium Yonezawa Wagyu beef. Karaoke is fun too!
What’s nearby Biyu Bishokuno Hanareyado Kajikaso
- Mount Bandai
- Shirakaba Lift for skiing
- Omoriyama Forest Park
- Totoro’s Forest
Where you should stay in Yonezawa FAQs
Is visiting Yonezawa worth it?
Does Yonezawa have festivals?
– Matsugasaki Park Illumination and cherry blossoms (mid-April – early May)
– Yonezawa Uesugi Festival (late April)
– Cherry picking (July)
– Onogawa Onsen Firefly Festival (July)
– Noryo Water Fireworks Festival (August)
Which is the best restaurant in Yonezawa?
In Conclusion
Yonezawa is a great destination for a city break that brings you closer to the real Japan.
If you’re a non-Japanese visitor, this city makes a great destination for enjoying a slower pace and escaping the three-big cities.
If you’re a beef eater, I suggest you haven’t eaten beef until you’ve tasted Yonezawa beef!
