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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.
Featured Accommodations
Adventures & Attractions
Our recommended resort highlights.
Ginzan Onsen
If one onsen is not enough for you, you can take your pick from the many at Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉 ‘Silver Mountain Hot Spring’) The almost 100-year-old ho
Zao Public Onsen
Zao Onsen, traditional Japanese hot springs with 1900 years of history. Zao Onsen is the source of strong acidic sulfur springs, said to help with r
Snow Monsters
Many Japanese flock to Zao Onsen during winter, not to ski or snowboard, but to see the rime encrusted snow monsters (Juhyo). Zao is one of t
Yamagata City
As capital of the prefecture and home to Yamagata’s largest metropolitan population, Yamagata City has no shortage of activities, cuisine, nightlife, a
Yamagata Castle
The ruins of Yamagata Castle and its grounds are an expansive public park and a lasting reminder of the powerful Momogami feudal lords that once ruled
Yamadera Temple
Yamadera Temple (Hojuzan Risshaku Temple) is located just outside of Yamagata City. This location is easily accessible via car o
Zao Onsen Restaurants Bars
Zao Onsen has numerous restaurants and izakayas for evening dining, but the majority of visitors to Zao have dinner at their accommodation. Some of the
Recent News & Events
- How to Reach Zao Onsen
- Resorts & City Guide
By Air
International travellers will generally arrive at Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports and make their way to Zao via the excellent train network using the JR East Pass.
By Train
Zao onsen can be reached by Shinkansen and then a local bus from Yamagata Station, the JR East 5 day Tohoku Pass will get you to and from the airports to Tokyo and then onto Yamagata which is great value, the last part of the journey is on a local bus (not included in JR Pass) and will take you Zao in about 30 mins, total travel time is a little over 3 hours from Tokyo.
By Car
Renting a car at Yamagata Station and driving to Zao onsen will take approx. 30 mins.
By Bus
There is a regular bus service to Zao Onsen from Yamagata Station, the bus takes approx. 30 mins.
By Private Transfer
We can arrange a private taxi or van to take you and your ski gear from Yamagata Station to Zzao Onsen, the transfer will take approx. 30 mins.
Below are some PDF tourist maps to help you navigate and enjoy your time at Zao Onsen.
