[2025 Yamagata Attraction] Travel Guide for Zao Onsen (Updated Mar)

#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.

Zao Onsen in winter is simply amazing! 😍 Stepping into Zao Onsen is like entering a dreamy ice and snow kingdom. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, the scenery is breathtaking. ❄️ The hot spring pool is steaming, and the warm water envelops your whole body, making you forget the cold instantly. Close your eyes and feel the soothing water flow, and all your fatigue will disappear. 💆 Here, you can soak in the hot spring while enjoying the beautiful snow scenery, as if time has stopped. Occasionally, you can see a few cute little animals frolicking in the snow, adding a touch of vitality. 🐾 Zao Onsen is the warmest haven in winter. Come here and enjoy an unforgettable winter trip! 🎉

The cabin hidden in Zao, Tohoku, Japan. When I went there in 2020, there was very little snow in the warm winter. It suddenly snowed heavily that day and it was super dreamy. Before going up the mountain, you must first take a cable car up the mountain. After contacting the administrator of the cabin, he will drive a crawler truck. He came to pick us up. It was a ski chalet that only skiers would live in, but it was also open to the general public. Although we didn’t know how to ski, we loved the mountains and chalets. As soon as we saw this chalet, we loved it and decided to stay there. Late at night, our family is really the only one who is a tourist! The interior of the wooden house is very unique, and I really like its interior design. When it snows outdoors, the Sangoro Lodge also provides free snowboards and snow tubs to play in. I still miss Sangoro’s hut! Sangoro cabin 990-0017 Fudokami National Forest 28, Kamitarizawa, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture #parent-childfriendly place#suburban good place #Japan #ski #zao

#Japan Attractions To talk about the most beautiful attractions in Japan It must be "Tibetan King Tree Ice". It is located in Zao, Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan Around December to February each year (depending on the amount of weather and snow each year) Take the cable car up the mountain at the Tibetan King Onsen You can see But it's all about fate and luck It takes good weather and clear and cloudless days to see such a spectacular sight of trees and ice When looking down from the top of the mountain Really read and sigh lamenting their insignificance With the view of the sunset is really no regrets Sincerely super recommend this place to everyone The season of snow monsters starts in December and will "give" the tallest from the end of February to mid-March Snow monsters will also appear uphill Take the Foothill Line Cable Car from the Tibeto Cable Car Foothill Station You will be able to access Shubing Plateau Station and Jizo Summit Station Whether you come for skiing or not you can enjoy the sight of the snow monster However, non-skiers are advised to employ a private guide

#OverseasTravel Japan's Yamagata Prefecture Tibetan King Tree Ice, and you can soak in hot springs, have beautiful scenery, you can ski, and delicious Yamagata beef, I want to go again ~~~~

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

Hot spring time! This 8-day Japan tour will take you to the hot spring town, a great place to relax! Check out this super useful guide! -------- Route suggestions: Day 1: Arrive in Sendai and check in to your hotel. You can then explore the city at your leisure. We recommend visiting Sendai Castle or Sendai Asaichi Market. Day 2: Zao Fox Village - get up close and personal with foxes; Sendai Daikannon - admire the solemnity of religious architecture; Osaki Hachimangu Shrine - visit an ancient shrine; Ginzan Onsen - enjoy a relaxing hot spring trip. Day 3: Tashirojima - visit the unique cat island culture; Jodogahama Beach - enjoy the beautiful sea view; Ryusendo Cave - explore the magical karst cave landscape. Day 4: Aomori Gyosai Center - enjoy delicious seafood rice bowls; Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse - learn about Japanese traditional festival culture; Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM - buy local specialty products; Port of Aomori - experience the busy and beautiful harbor. Day 5: Oirase Gorge - walk along the clear stream and enjoy the tranquility of nature; Lake Towada - admire the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Day 6: Lake Tazawa - enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility of nature; Dakigaeri Gorge - explore the mysteries of the gorge and enjoy hiking. Day 7: Zao Snow Monster Festival - experience the unique charm of the snow festival; Zao Onsen - relax in the hot spring and end your wonderful trip. Day 8: Leave Sendai and end your pleasant trip to Japan. We look forward to seeing you again! -------- Travel tips: 💵Exchange rate: The currency in Japan is the Japanese yen. The exchange rate fluctuates, so we recommend exchanging cash at the bank in advance. ✈️Airport transportation: Narita and Haneda airports both have direct transportation to the city center, so you don't have to worry about transportation. 🕒Time difference: Japan is 1 hour ahead of China, so adjust your time accordingly. 📱Internet: Consider renting a mobile Wi-Fi device or buying a local SIM card to stay connected. 🔌Power plug: Japan uses two flat parallel plugs, so remember to bring an adapter. -------- Discover the beautiful scenery and delicious food of Japan. With this guide, you can enjoy a wonderful trip!

What you must do in Japan in winter is to soak in hot springs. This time, I went to Yamagata, Japan, where you can see snow❄️ to feel the charm of winter. 🧑‍🏫How to play hot springs: You can choose a hotel with an open-air hot spring. Of course, you can also soak in it even if you don’t stay in the hotel. The cost-effectiveness is also very high! You can also soak in hot springs if you have tattoos, don’t be afraid haha 🫵Tips: A 50-minute reservation costs 1,000 yen per person, which is very cheap! 👲Restaurant name: Zao Onsen Zenshichi-no-Yu Oohira Hotel 🧭Location: 990-2301 Zaao Onsen 825, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

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.

Snow fights and endless fun in Japan's winter! #freehotelstay

A snowboarders and skiers’ haven, Zao Onsen in Yamagata is famous for “snow monsters” as the trees turn into huge monster-like shapes during deep winter. We initially planned to snowboard here but couldn’t as I was still healing from my knee injury. So, we decided to take the ropeway to the top for the night illumination, buuuuut it was -10C, we were underdressed, and the strong gusts of wind were unbearable. There are many hot springs around the town, and without a doubt, we submerged ourselves in one of the delightful outdoor onsens. Urrrrgh! I’ll definitely come back ❄️❤️ #japan #japan #visitjapan #visitjapan #zao #zao #yamagata #freehotelstay

The Zao Onsen Residence has a very beautiful shape. The hot springs of Zao Onsen are charming. Walking on the streets, listening to the gurgling sound of water, and looking at the smoking streams paired with the snow scene is intoxicating. #Zao Hot Spring The traditional stove at Otochaya is warm and cozy.