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

#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.

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

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

Located on Takayu Street in the heart of Zao Onsen, this is Japan's first hot spring fashion shop. It is a select shop that carries hot spring goods from all over Japan, mainly from the Tohoku region. They have a wide selection of cute souvenirs for yourself, so be sure to stop by. ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ information Name of facility📍Zao Onsen Yutabiya Takayudo Address📍19 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture Access📍About 2 minutes walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal Opening hours📍9:30-12:00 13:00-17:30 9:30-12:00 14:00-19:00 Closed📍Tuesdays and Wednesdays (temporary closures may occur) ୨୧――――――――――――――――――୨୧ #Girls trip #Adult girls trip #Couples trip #Domestic travel #japan #Tohoku tourism #Zao Onsen #Takyudo #ZaoOnsen Yutabiya Takayudo

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 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.

#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.

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

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