Designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy, Tsuruoka boasts a myriad of gourmet cuisines and local ingredients brought about by its geographical diversity and rich cultural tradition. It overlooks the vast Sea of Japan and is nestled in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu island. Unspoiled by tourism, Yamagata prefecture’s second-largest city is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, extensive plains, and soaring mountains. Tsuruoka is also a beacon of spirituality, serving as home to the famed Dewa Sanzan or the Three Mountains of Dewa which comprises Mt Haguro, Mt Gassan, and Mt Yudono. Other must-see attractions in this rural city are Kamo Aquarium, known as “The Dream House of Jellies,” and Tsuruoka Park for cherry blossom viewing.
Planning to visit this gastronomic haven soon? For a comfortable holiday, browse through this list of the best hotels in Tsuruoka, 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 October 30, 2025.
1. Kyukamura Shonai-Haguro (from USD 101)
Whether you want to stay in a homey Japanese-style accommodation with tatami flooring or a Western-style twin room, this hotel is perfect for you. Its relaxing rooms with scenic views offer amenities such as a tea set and yukata for a more soothing experience. You’ll also find an in-house restaurant facing Mt Haguro ski resort and campsite. After enjoying four-season dishes, you can grab a matcha ice cream in the coffee shop.
Kyukamura Shonai-Haguro’s main draw is its hot spring where you can melt your worries away. It comes with an after-bath corner, the ideal spot to relax and read books. A massage nook is also available on the second floor of the property.
Kyukamura Shonai-Haguro
Address: Haguroyama-8 Haguromachi Touge
14.45 km (9.0 mi) from Tsurugaokajoshikouentsuruoka Park
2. Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Ekimae (from USD 79)
If you want to stay within a short driving distance of Kamo Aquarium, Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Ekimae is the place to be. After exploring the area’s attractions, you can take a refreshing dip in the spacious public bath or simply lounge in your cozy rooms while surfing the internet and watching TV. Skincare products and bath essentials are available in the hotel’s comfort rooms.
At Restaurant Hanachaya, guests can relish a Japanese and Western breakfast buffet free of charge. For a rejuvenating time, in-room massages are provided upon request.
Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Ekimae
Address: Suehiro-cho 1-17
1.54 km (1.0 mi) from Tsurugaokajoshikouentsuruoka Park
3. Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Inter (from USD 51)
Fancy having a blissful soak in an artificial hot spring during your downtime? Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Inter offers this pampering facility for its guests. Aside from the public bath, the property also features an on-site restaurant that serves izakaya menus, including sashimi and a la carte food. Start your day right with a complimentary buffet breakfast.
Some of the in-room amenities are a fridge, flat-screen TV, and nightwear, ensuring a restful and comfy stay for guests. Free Wi-Fi is at your disposal, so you can keep in touch with your loved ones back home.
Hotel Route-Inn Tsuruoka Inter
Address: Otsukamachi 12-26
1.64 km (1.1 mi) from Tsurugaokajoshikouentsuruoka Park
4. Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse (from USD 175)
Set amidst rice paddies and surrounding mountains, Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse is an idyllic hideaway for guests visiting Tsuruoka. Spoil yourself in the spa that features a Finnish sauna and a natural hot spring for a restorative experience. You can burn some calories in the well-equipped fitness gym. Plus, full-body massages can be enjoyed from the comfort of your room.
Guests can check out the wide selection of books in the library or savor farm-to-table meals in the restaurant overlooking Mt Gassan. A buffet-style Japanese breakfast is also available to fuel you up in the morning. Cap off the day with a local beer or sparkling wine at the sake bar.
Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse
Address: Kitakyoden Shimotorinosu 23-1
2.04 km (1.3 mi) from Tsurugaokajoshikouentsuruoka Park
5. APA Hotel Yamagata Tsuruoka Ekimae (from USD 65)
Breakfast is available for an additional cost, but there are breakfast options at the nearby New Days at the train station. Lots of restaurants around the hotel area.
Good value for money, but compared to other APA hotels, it's way too expensive for what you get.
Amazing location right across the street from the train station and bus terminal. Gastronomy center and supermarket within walking distance.
Conveniently located near Tsuruoka station with easy access to trains and buses. Staff are accommodating and efficient.
Located just a one-minute stroll from Tsuruoka Station on the JR Uetsu Line, APA Hotel Yamagata Tsuruoka Ekimae has an excellent location near the train. As an added convenience, this 3-star hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi access and coin-operated washing machines for your laundry. The comfortable rooms also include anti-bacterial sprays to avoid viruses and germs.
Japanese- and Western-style buffet is served at Morning Farm restaurant for a surcharge. If you want some refreshments, there are vending machines on the hotel’s fourth and fifth floors. Need to reheat your food? A microwave is provided on the first floor.
APA Hotel Yamagata Tsuruoka Ekimae
Address: Suehirocho 5-20
1.53 km (1.0 mi) from Tsurugaokajoshikouentsuruoka Park
Enjoy a food trip in this UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Deep spirituality and rich gastronomic delights characterize the beautiful city of Tsuruoka in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu island. If you’re visiting Yamagata prefecture’s second-largest city soon, book one of the above-listed hotels to enjoy a pleasant holiday with your loved ones.
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