2025 Zao onsen Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#outdooradventure Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its unique winter landscapes and rejuvenating hot springs. The area transforms into a snowy wonderland, with “snow monsters” formed by frozen trees becoming a major attraction for visitors. Skiers and snowboarders will love the wide, well-maintained slopes and diverse courses. After a day on the slopes, the mineral-rich hot springs offer a soothing retreat. In summer, Zao offers hiking trails through verdant forests and to volcanic craters. The year-round beauty and activities make Zao Onsen a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and relaxation.

#GlobalTravel After sharing the Zao Ice Trees with you last time In fact, Zao has another popular destination! It is the hot spring village of Zao ♨️ Zao is located on the border of Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture. Many tourists come down from the Juhyo ski resort. They will book a hot spring hotel for at least one night. Zao Onsen's mineral-rich waters help relieve fatigue After visiting the frost trees on Mt. I specially stopped by to visit this hot spring village. The air is filled with the unique sulfur smell of hot springs It was just at sunset The whole village is surrounded by sunset The atmosphere is very comfortable and chill🥹 It’s really beautiful! ! I can't help but imagine soaking in the hot springs What a picturesque scene it would be☺️☺️ I recommend you to come. #JapanTravel #Japan #Yamagata #ZaoOnsen #Zao

October to November of each year and February to March of the following year are suitable for traveling. As global warming becomes more and more serious, frost trees are becoming increasingly rare and may even disappear in the future, so be sure to come and check it out if you have the chance! Everyone will take the cable car on the mountain. Many people will choose to ski down the mountain, so you can see a lot of skiing experts along the way! It has a very alternative and lively atmosphere in winter! There is a Zao statue and a pendulum on the top of the peak where you can take photos, but don’t forget to keep warm when you go up the mountain to have fun!

❄️ [Yamagata, Zao Onsen & Rime Trees] A superb mountain trip where the mysteries of nature and hot springs await When it comes to winter in Yamagata, it's "Zao". The fantastic silver world created by the rare "rime trees" and the skin-melting strong acidity of "Zao Onsen" are full of charms that attract travelers again and again. It is an all-season resort where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in winter and trekking in summer. ⸻ 🗻Highlights and experiences When it comes to winter in Zao, it's the giant rime trees known as "snow monsters"! Zao Onsen is also famous as a skin-beautifying bath with a sulfur scent Take an aerial walk on the ropeway, and the view from the summit is spectacular In summer, trekking on Mount Zao and the emerald green "Okama" is a must-see! 🚉Access ・About 40 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station (to Zao Onsen) ・If you use a rental car, you can easily visit a wide area such as "Okama" 📅Recommended season ・January to February: Peak season for frost-covered trees (light-up also held) ・July to September: Summer highland resort perfect for mountain climbing and summer escape ♨️Travel tips ・Dress up warm! It's especially cold to view frost-covered trees, so gloves are a must ・The hot spring town also has a traditional public bath. It's also fun to interact with the locals ・The natural scenery seen from the "Zao Open-Air Bath" will be an unforgettable memory ⸻ #Yamagata Tourism #Yamagata Trip #Zao Onsen #Zao Frost-covered Trees #Frost-covered Trees Light-up #Okama #Breathtaking Trekking #Hot Spring Trip #Solo Trip #Couple Trip #Absolutely Free Trip #Domestic Trip ⸻

During the Chinese New Year, I suddenly decided to go abroad in early March. Everything was planned casually. I didn’t expect that I could still see frost trees in early March, and the cable car was not crowded. I am really grateful! This time, in addition to the Zao Ice Trees, I also bought the All Japan Pass (green car), so I also went to Hakodate, Ginzan Onsen, and got a sleeper train. It was really fun to ride in the green car! Although there were delays on both round-trip flights, a Shinkansen connection detachment incident on 3/6, and a personal accident on the Shinkansen on 3/10 (which also resulted in missing the sleeper train), at least I went and returned safely, and I was able to get a full refund on the sleeper train. I am very grateful for everything!

Snow Monster in Zao Onsen is really amazing. The main plan of this trip is to see Snow Monster or Snow Monster, which is famous and ranked in the world for the ski slopes with many Monsters. With the characteristics of snow that has rested and piled up on trees until it looks like a snow monster, it is a point of attraction for skiers from all over the world to come and see the beauty of Zao Onsen, Japan. Don't worry if tourists want to see it, here, general tourists can buy a ticket to take the cable car to go up to the top of the mountain to see Snow Monster. This makes this ski slope both skiers and general people can go up and take pictures up close with the Snow Monster. Anyone who wants to try to see it must come during the festival where you can see Snow Monster. February is the season when Snow Monster is very big because there is a lot of wind and snow. If anyone comes after this, you have to look at the weather forecast carefully because if it rains, Snow Monster will gradually become thinner and not as beautiful as this. For anyone who is going to come, I recommend booking a ticket to take the cable car in advance because when I came, the cable car was full and the queue was very long, 1-2 hours. It takes a lot of effort to climb up. For those who can ski or snowboard, you can avoid it and take other cable cars and climb up. Then enter the main line of Monster, guaranteed to get beautiful pictures that will make people jealous. For traveling to Zao Onsen You can come from both Tokyo and other areas in the city. Take the Shinkansen and get off at Yamagata Station. When you arrive at the station, go buy a bus ticket first. Then walk to wait for the bus at Platform 1. It takes 30 minutes by bus. #withmyshutter #snowmonster #zaoonsenskiresort #JapanTrip #japantravel #travelblogger #snowboard #snowmonster #bloggertravel #NewYearNewTrip

I went to Japan at the end of December. It was snowing. It was so beautiful.

Nestled high in Honshu’s Yamagata Prefecture, Zao Onsen is the hidden gem with everything you never knew you wanted. Not to mention world-class skiing, Alpine lodges with a distinctly Japanese twist, hiking trails suitable for all levels and the even a colour-changing volcanic lakes, only a few hours from Tokyo. All centred around the some of Japan’s most powerful natural onsen offering indoor, outdoor, night bathing and private pools for the ultimate relaxation. #japan #skiing #onsen #hiking #naturalwonders

One of the best places that I have been, Don’t miss out if you are a ⛷️🏂❄️lover The world is just too big to explore,

This gondola ride connects Zao Onsen Station to Torikabuto Station in 7 minutes and 30 seconds. You can head straight to the summit while taking in views of Zao Onsen town and the Yamagata Basin. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Facility name📍Zao Chuo Ropeway Address📍940-1 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access📍About 6 minutes walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal Opening hours📍 8:30-17:00 8:30-16:00 8:15-17:00 Closed📍 ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Girls trip #Adult girls trip #Couple trip #Domestic travel #Japan #Zao Onsen#Zao Chuo Ropeway #Tohoku tourism

This shop is located on Takayu Street in the center of Zao Onsen and sells local sake and wine. It has a wide selection of products, so it is highly recommended for choosing souvenirs. If you come at the right time, they also sell limited edition wines. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Zao Onsen Ito Yosaburo Shoten Address📍32 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access📍3 minutes walk from Zao Bus Terminal 30 seconds walk from Shimoyu Public Bath Opening hours📍10:00-17:00 Closed📍Wednesday ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Girls trip #Adult girls trip #Couple trip #Domestic travel #japan #Tohoku tourism #Yamagata tourism #Zao Onsen #Zao tourism

This shop opened in 2023 in a corner of Zao Onsen Town. Zao's first pudding specialty shop, "Zao Yukemuri Pudding," will be sold only on weekends. They also sell other drinks that are perfect for after touring the outdoor baths. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍TAKAYU Onsen Parlor Address📍14 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access📍5 minutes from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal 1 minute walk from Kamiyu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu public baths Opening hours📍10:00-12:00/13:00-17:00 *Last drink order 17:15 Closed📍Wednesdays and Thursdays ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Girls trip #Adult girls trip #Couples trip #Domestic travel #japan #Tohoku tourism #Zao Onsen #TAKAYU Onsen Parlor

You can fully experience the snow country life that is difficult to experience in low-latitude countries in Zao. Using the JR Pass for the five-day Tohoku trip, it takes about an hour to get from Sendai to Yamagata, and then take a bus for another hour to reach Zao. The bus and cable car are sold as a package, so it takes about two hours to queue up at the cable car station to go up the mountain. Going to Zao requires the right time, place and people. The day before I went there, the service was suspended and I couldn’t go up! But this is the essence of traveling, and making corrections at any time is the fun of self-guided travel!

This is a nature wonders only can be seen in the winter times with the strong cold winds to form the layers of icicles on the tee branches. Each formation has its distinct features that looks like a monster from a distance. You will really admire the snow mountains scenery with so many 'monsters' surrounding you. It will be a nice background with the sun light shining behind when you are taking the photos. In addition, it is also a famous skiing resort with the powdery snows blanketing the whole mountain slope. You will not be disappointing when you stay at the skiing resort with a nice Onsen among a fantastic snow view right in front of the hot open air onsen. It is a best place to soak into the onsen after a long day of walk. There are a lot of onsen hotels or ryokans at Zao Onsen, but you are required to book 6 months earlier if you want to stay at the good locations. It is pretty easy to access from Tokyo to Yamagata by the Yamagata Shinkansen. then, you just arrange the hotel pickup to fetch you from Yamagata Station.

In the snowy scenery of Japan's winter, I stayed in a room with a mountain view and could see a large area of ​​white snow outside. As I stepped into the lobby, I was greeted by a warm fireplace and traditional Japanese decorations. In the spacious and comfortable guest room, I bathed in the hot spring water, feeling the hot bath nourishing my body and mind. Outside was a snowy scene, and I took a refreshing bath in the open-air hot spring, enjoying the warmth in the cold. In the evening, while tasting delicious local cuisine, I was surrounded by the elegant traditional Japanese culture. This stay experience allowed me to feel the warmth, tranquility and unique Japanese hot spring culture in winter.

#freehotelstay catching the bizzare snow monster that forms during the snowy season at Zao onsen ski area. You have to take the cable car up to see this extraordinary scene.

#2024 travel wishes to go to more Japan #to Japan #Yamagata Prefecture #Tibetan King Tree Ice Planned my first trip of 2024 using trip.com. I took my family to Tokyo during the New Year holiday, and wanted to go somewhere farther to feel something special, plus my family had never seen snow, so I chose the Tibetan King Tree Ice in Yamagata Prefecture. Booked a hot spring inn named Yushe Cre from trip.com, one stay, two meals. The hotel's dinner and breakfast were quite good, the hot springs were great, but the room was not air-conditioned and very stuffy. Also booked Tohoku JR pass, but after arriving in Tokyo to redeem tickets, the heart from Tokyo to Zao Onsen Shinkansen full, the result to be two hours late to have a car, can not go to the original want to go to the fox village, to the left Yamagata and paid ¥ 8000 taxi into the inn. Coinciding with the long weekend in Japan, I waited in line for two hours to reach the summit. The photo is not very captured, people feel very cold and in a vast expanse of white. It is recommended to bring enough clothes as you need to wait in line outdoors while waiting for the bus down the hill. Also note that Zango and Zango Onsen are two different stations, be careful not to get them wrong.

#Sign up for hotel test sleeper Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, Mt. Zao and frost trees Recommended must-see attractions in winter Zao Onsen is good for the skin and has a beautifying effect

Trip Tohoku in love❤️ Zao onsen,Sendai,Morioka,Aomori 🎉🎉🎉

I wanted to eat yakiniku, but for some reason all the shops were closed. 📍Location: Near the cable car station, about five minutes away. 🏠Environment: The entrance is quite small, but the interior is spacious and bright, with a bar and a large table for four to eight people. There are large windows on all four sides. Under the sunshine, the light is sufficient and bright, and it is a very comfortable and simple environment. 🤵🏻Service: Order was placed manually. It was past lunch time but still required queuing. After you are seated, you will be served a glass of fresh lemon juice. The lady boss greeted us very politely, but the wait for the food was a bit long! But it was worth it because every dish was delicious. 🍽️Lunch: Dozens of set meals are available, including soup, rice and salad. The entire menu is priced at 1,300 yen, and the drink set is 1,500 yen. 🥢Tofu set meal🍱 ¥1300 The plating is exquisite, with tofu hamburger as the main course, accompanied by a bowl of rice🍚, topped with sakura shrimp and sesame seeds, vegetable🥬soup, pickles and fruits🍎. The fresh vegetables can be tasted without any processing🤤, very delicious👍! 🥢Nowadays wild vegetables ゴロゴロカレー🍛 ¥1300 There are two types of curry to choose from: regular and green curry🥘. We ordered green curry because we love spicy food, and the spiciness of the green chilies and the sweetness of the coconut milk were well balanced. This was the most well-seasoned curry we had in Japan. 😚In fact, as long as the ingredients are fresh, simple dishes can be delicious😋! 🔖October 19, 2023 Shiba Mama no O store 📍Japan〒990-2301 Yamagata, Zaoonsen, Kawazen 939-3 #日本韩城市景点 #日本料理 #日本美食 #日本美食推荐 #japan #japantrip #japanesefood #日本旅行 #日本菜 #日本自由行 #foodie #foodlover #foodporn #instafood #hkfoodie #foodgasm #foodbeast #foodstagram #igfood #foodism #foodpic #Zao Onsen #日本Zao Onsen

For Taiwan, where snow rarely falls The snow scenery in Zao is amazing Even if it's just a deserted street It also makes people feel very beautiful After taking the cable car up the mountain, the world is white The scenery at the foot of the mountain is another feeling

Never too much snow to play with at the Zao Onsen little town

#Japan Attractions The origins of Zao Onsen date back to before 1900 The spring is a highly acidic sulfur spring. Promotes blood circulation Epidermal sterilization and skin strengthening effects It can also enhance the beauty of the skin This revitalizes the skin and blood vessels And sterilization, skin beautification effect Zao Onsen is known as the "hot spring for shaping beauties". In addition, Zao Onsen's hot spring town has three public baths, three foot baths, and five day-trip hot spring facilities. In addition to the guests Other guests who are not staying at the hotel can also enjoy Zao Onsen. There are white turbid hot springs and hot springs gushing out from under your feet, which is rare in Japan.