Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse in Shonai Onsen, Chubu

Overview

Welcome to Suiden Terrasse—a hotel that floats among the rice fields of Yamagata’s Shonai region. Here, in a landscape shaped by the seasons, you’ll find time to pause, reflect, and simply be. Whether the sky is clear or the rain falls gently on the paddies, you can enjoy calm and peaceful moments—what the Japanese call Seikouudoku (晴耕雨読), the art of living harmoniously, whether working or resting.

Designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, this one-of-a-kind retreat integrates seamlessly into its environment. Every walkway, guest room, and gathering space invites you to connect with the natural surroundings. Wood, light, and openness define the architecture, creating a tranquil atmosphere that changes with the time of day and the rhythm of the seasons.

Accommodation

Suiden Terrasse includes 119 rooms spread across three buildings, each named after the sacred peaks of Dewa Sanzan: Hagurosan, Gassan, and Yudonosan. Whether you travel solo, with a partner, or as a family, you’ll find a space that fits. Many rooms offer direct views of the rice fields, where you can watch the colors shift from bright green in summer to gold in autumn.

For 1–2 guests:

Double Room with Rice Field View (22㎡): King-size bed, terrace
Comfort Double Room (22㎡): King-size bed
Standard Double Room (22㎡): Double bed
Twin Room (22㎡): Two single beds
Moderate Twin Room (29㎡): Two wide single beds

For 2–4 guests:

SORAI Room (43㎡): Two semi-double beds + extra bed
Maisonette Room (43㎡ over two floors): Four beds across two levels
Hollywood Twin Room with Rice Field View (29㎡): Two semi-double beds + extra
Standard Hollywood Twin Room (29㎡): Two semi-double beds + extra

For 4–5 guests:

Connecting Rooms (44–51㎡): Two rooms joined by hallway, 4–5 beds
Suiden Suite (87㎡): Two rooms with five beds in total, ideal for groups

Every room includes air-conditioning, a mini fridge, an air purifier, a hot spring basket, and thoughtful amenities like room wear, drip coffee, and seasonal blankets.

Dining

Suiden Terrasse embraces a Farm to Table concept, serving fresh, local food from Shonai’s sea, mountains, and farms. The on-site restaurant Moon Terrasse overlooks Mount Gassan and serves meals from morning to night.

Breakfast (6:30–9:00): Japanese buffet featuring rice, vegetables, and fish from local sources
Lunch (11:30–14:00): Casual meals using regional produce
Cafe (14:00–17:00): Coffee, seasonal fruit drinks, and sweets (closed Mon–Thu)
Dinner (17:30–22:00): Regional dishes paired with sake from 18 local breweries

Prefer something more relaxed? Visit the Sake Bar from 9:00–11:00 p.m., where you can sip local drinks in your room wear. Or explore the Sake Lounge, open from 3:30 p.m. to midnight, where a prepaid card gives you access to a rotating selection of local sake and wine.

Onsen and Wellness

The spa at Suiden Terrasse includes natural hot springs, indoor and outdoor baths, a Finnish-style sauna, and a gym—all facing the rice fields.

Hot Springs

The hotel uses water from Tsuruoka Kitakyoden Kita Onsen, a sodium/calcium-rich spring known for improving circulation, skin conditions, and stress.

Amairo no Yu: Indoor and outdoor baths with hexagon-shaped sauna and views of the fields
Geppaku no Yu: Moonlit outdoor bath with paper tube benches and a cooling terrace
Tokiiro no Yu: Indoor bath with wooden hexagon ceiling and a soft-pink tile motif

Bath areas rotate daily between men and women. Each section features open-air spaces, cold baths, and washing areas.

Gym

Available 6:00 a.m. to midnight (closed 1:00–2:30 p.m. for cleaning), the gym offers basic equipment for full-body workouts. Only available to spa members and hotel guests age 16 and up.

Massage

From 6:00–11:00 p.m., book a head or body massage in your room. Advance reservations are recommended, and bookings must be made at least 30 minutes before your desired time.

Guests with Tattoos

You’re welcome to enjoy the baths, as the hotel does not list restrictions regarding tattoos. The spa spaces are designed to encourage comfort and relaxation for all guests.

Facilities

Library curated by Yoshitaka Haba, with over 2,000 books
Indoor children’s learning facility “Kids Dome SORAI”
Gift shop featuring local specialties and spa products
Self-service laundry
Vending machines and free parking

Check-in from 3:30 p.m. / Check-out by 10:00 a.m.

All rooms are non-smoking. A cleaning fee applies if this rule is broken.

Activities

Located in Tsuruoka, you can use Suiden Terrasse as your base to explore Yamagata’s countryside and culture. Visit nearby shrines, walk rice field trails, or hike the Dewa Sanzan peaks. Each season brings a new experience—lush green in summer, golden fields in fall, and a snowy stillness in winter.

You can also join workshops, attend seasonal events, or explore Shonai’s food scene through local markets and sake breweries. Whether you’re staying one night or several, the rhythm of rural life begins to shape your days.

Additional Features

Rooms with views of active rice paddies
Locally sourced meals and drinks available all day
Natural hot springs, sauna, and massage options
Book lounge, sake bar, and family facilities
Peaceful design by Shigeru Ban, with all-wood structures
Easy access to Shonai’s outdoor activities and seasonal festivals