Zao Onsen

Overview

At over 1900 years old Zao is one of the oldest established onsen villages in Japan and in terms of onsen villages go it’s our no 1 recommendation, it really is A #1, nothing like waking up in the morning to the pungent smell of sulphur, it’s great for your skin and the best recovery onsen you will have in your life.

Zao Onsen is located on Mt Zao which is north of Tokyo, located close to Yamagata city, Zao is easily accessible via Shinkansen from Tokyo, from Yamagata station the bus trip to Zao is approx 30 minutes so you can be in resort in under 3 hours from Tokyo station, the Zao Onsen village at the base of the ski area provides a unique cultural experience with a traditional shopping street that winds through the village past centuries old Ryokans, Souvenir shops, Izzakayas and sake shops.

As well as being famous for its Onsen and traditional village, Zao is also famous for its Juhyo “Snow Monsters” that appear on the upper slopes of the resort every winter. The Juhyo are lit up at night during winter so an evening trip on the rope way to enjoy this spectacular sight is a must.

The resort is one of the largest in the region with three ropeways, a gondola and dozens of lifts, it’s perfect for families, beginners and intermediate skiers with long runs, the biggest is 9 km starting from the top of the ropeway and riding around through the snow monsters to the bottom of the village.  Advanced skiers might find things not as exciting as there is limited off piste ski areas and steeps.

Accommodation is traditional mainly in Ryokans with Futon bedding and that’s what we recommend to experience the culture and to immerse yourself in this wonderful village atmosphere, most properties are very close to the resort or ski in ski out, as the resorts dots down into the village in parts, so no matter where you stay the resorts lifts are close by.  Zao Onsen is well suited to couples without kids and groups that want to enjoy the culture and enjoy their skiing.