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

#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! 🎉

#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

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

#2023TravelWish #OverseasTravel #Zao Tree Ice #Zao Hot Spring #Yamagata Prefecture #Japan Travel The Tibetan King Hot Spring is a very famous attraction in winter. The Tibetan King Tree must be counted. Shuhe has to walk to take a hug car to get there, it is 10 minutes away from the Zao Bus Terminal, not very far. The snow scenery in which year I went was really beautiful. For the first time, I appreciated that the whole mountain was covered with snow. It was spectacular. It costs 3500 yen for a round trip, but it's worth it. It was only minus 14 degrees Celsius when we reached the top. It was really cold, but it was great to take pictures and check in! I didn't go there to see the view of the sun trees at night. So in 2023, I also want to go to the hydro tree in Zango Hot Spring one more time.

Tibetan King Tree Ice Located in Tibet, Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan Tibet has hot springs for soaking and snow skiing In winter, you will also be able to see the amazing tree ice wonders A must-see in life a wonder to see at least once Trust me You will definitely see it However, looking at the tree ice has to talk about luck and fate The weather has to be cloudless to reach the top of the mountain to see such a magnificent spectacle If it's cloudy and snowy above it's a different story Sometimes low visibility can't see I will only see the one ten meters in front of you So if you plan to go at least two days of time staying in Tibet would be better Like when I went it was the first day of heavy snowstorm The next day was cloudless Lucky to see such beautiful tree ice Already planning to go to the northeast in early 2023 to see the tree ice again😍 #JapanTravel #Japan #ZangoshuIce

#OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #Japan Yamagata City "Zao Onsen" is located on the eastern edge of central Yamagata Prefecture. Zao Onsen has a history of 1900 years and is a well-known hot spring resort🤩🤩 Especially in winter, snowflakes are flying .. everywhere is a super beautiful photo photo 🤩🤩📸️ This street along the smoking creek on both sides of the beautiful tree ice scenery and hot springs and worshiping the god of hot springs "Tokugawa Onsen Shrine" is the only shrine on the hot spring street⛩️ ✅ There are 3 public baths in Hot Spring Street ✅ 3 footbaths and 5 hot spring facilities that can be used on the same day ✅ In addition to the guests, also allow other guests who are not staying to enjoy the Tibetan King Hot Spring as well address Zango Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture It takes about 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station and gets off at "Zao Onsen Bus Terminal"

#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 ~~~~

Tohoku (Sendai) in Japan is a very beautiful place. The only drawback is that when it snows, the Shinkansen stops running, and you will feel like who you are and where you are. Other than that, it is perfect. There are beef tongue, foxes, shrines, and the world wonder Zao Juhyo. It is definitely worth coming to Sendai. In addition, the edamame milkshake must be eaten when you are hungry🎉

I visited Ginzan Onsen in 2017, but I didn't stay in the hot spring area. This time I had the opportunity to stay in the hot spring area and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The eaves of the soup house of Yubaba were covered with heavy snow, and I was immersed in the emotion. The next day I got up early and went to Zao from Ginzan to ski. Last time I came I just skied randomly, but this time I hired a coach. It was so beautiful! Must go in this life

View along the way Yamagata Zao Onsen Not yet started traveling, but it's like traveling. February is already cold in Tokyo. What I like the most is traveling. I like traveling with this kind of view. I can tell you that I never get bored no matter how long I sit. I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata for about 3 hours. I bought bento + tea to eat. I sat looking at the glass and felt very happy. When I arrived in Yamagata, the atmosphere changed. There was more snow. The atmosphere changed from Tokyo to the opposite pole. Now I have to travel through the fluffy snow to my heart's content. My destination is Zao Onsen to see the Snow Monster. From Yamagata Station, I took a bus for 30 minutes (Platform 6) and arrived at Zao Onsen. Just the atmosphere of riding the bus is so cold. For those who love snow, coming during this time, the snow is falling heavily. This post is just to tease with the view along the way. It's so satisfying for those who love snow. #withmyshutter #yamagata #travel #NewYearNewTrip

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.

Today, we have free time in Yamagata, so we will go on a day trip to Zao Ropeway Snow monster. You can buy a ticket as a package at Yamagata Station, 1st floor. In front of the station, there is an office selling tickets for the round-trip bus, including the ropeway up and down, which is very convenient for traveling. This package also has a time to choose. What time is the return bus? Plan it. When you arrive, you will line up to take the ropeway up. On the way to see the snow monster, the view is very beautiful. The mountains and snow are very beautiful. When you reach the top, there will be two rest stops. You can take pictures with the view and beautiful snow with the freezing cold. 🌲❄️ The overall score is very beautiful. If you come to Tohoku, come to Yamagata. I recommend it. #tohoku ##yamagata ##japantravel ##japantohoku ##discoveryourownjapan

#2024 Travel Wishes In 2023, I traveled to Yamagata Prefecture, the scenery of ice and snow is really beautiful, especially the tree ice of Oro Onsen. I hope to go to Switzerland in 2024 to see the different snow-capped mountains Tibetan King Hot Spring ✨Yamagata Prefecture, Yamagata City, Zu-oh Rin Peak, the summit of Mount Zu-dake, near the foot of Zu-o-royama

Zao Onsen is one of the largest and oldest hot spring resorts in the northeastern region of Japan. It is surrounded by the famous Zao tree ice, ski resorts, etc. 🎎 Winter limited open experience, it is recommended to stay overnight and feel the healing and relaxation of the snow forest hot spring - 1⃣Zao Hot Spring Zao Four Seasons Hotel This elegant hot spring hotel is built on the shore of a tranquil forest lake. You can enjoy the milky white natural hot springs while overlooking the majestic mountains. There is also a large public bath with a sauna and an open-air bath. 🛏Guest rooms: 32 rooms ♨Hot spring: [108 steps from the hotel]: Sulfur hot spring 108 steps from the hotel | Large bath: slightly alkaline mineral spring 🍣Cooking: Taste Yamagata beef, cooked in shabu-shabu/hot pot/ceramic grill, etc., with different flavors 📍Address: 1272 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture ※ Guests aged 6 and above are welcome . 2⃣Zao Hot Spring Zao International Hotel Set amidst lush greenery, the building features a modern mountain lodge design and offers relaxing Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms with twin beds and suites with a living room and bedroom. 🛏Guest rooms: 51 rooms ♨ Hot Spring: Hachiemon-no-Yu: A wooden natural hot spring bath full of Japanese style, with a beautiful view of nature 🍣Cooking: A variety of carefully selected dishes, especially the Yamagata steak, which melts in your mouth and tastes even better with local sake 📍Address: 933 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture ※ Guests aged 3 and above are welcome . 3⃣Zao Spring Oomiya Ryokan This nostalgic old hot spring hotel is said to have a history of 1,000 years. The wooden building is covered with tatami floors. Relax in a modern Japanese-style room full of the atmosphere of the Taisho era 🛏Guest rooms: 32 rooms ♨Hot spring: Tamago bath: The bathtub is made of pure wood, soft to the touch, and the large glass windows on both sides bring a comfortable and open feeling Hot spring baths: Enjoy the scent of wood in a natural hot spring that is said to beautify your skin 🍣Cooking: Carefully prepare seasonal delicacies with rich flavors. The content, quantity and container will change according to the season. 📍Address: Zao Onsen 46, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture ※ Guests aged 6 and above are welcome

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

📍Location: At the end of the hotel lobby. 🏠Environment: Enjoy it in a Japanese-style tatami environment, with black wooden seats, spacious and comfortable. 🤵🏻Service: The staff will put away the shoes and add dishes on time, which is good. 🍽️Breakfast: Dishes are provided in a buffet style, including salads🥗, cooked food🍚, local specialties🍢, etc. 🥢Tama Konaniyaku 🍢Konjac balls are a specialty of Yamagata Prefecture. They are braised in a sauce made from squid broth and soy sauce. At first glance, they look like dessert, but when you bite into them, you will find hot and soft konjac. The taste is salty and sweet, and the texture is chewy. It is delicious, and I personally like it. 🥢Boiled potatoes🥔 Autumn in Yamagata is the season for boiled potatoes! It will be cooked with mixed mushrooms 🍄. The potatoes have a very soft and sticky texture, not like ordinary potatoes at all. Instead, it feels like eating chestnuts 🌰, which is good, filling and healthy. 🥢Except for the salmon 🐟 which was marinated too salty, the other salads 🥬, onsen eggs 🥚, and curry beef 🐮 were all delicious. I ate at least two bowls of curry rice 🍚. 🧃The best thing is the local fruit juice, which is fresh and healthy. Meitoya Sou 📍Zou Onsen 48, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan #Sign up for a hotel tester #discoveringjapan #exploringjapan #日本扎王 #外游 #日本旅行

Breakfast and dinner are served in the same restaurant. 🍽️Breakfast: Breakfast is not as rich as dinner, but it includes 🥗appetizers, bacon🥓, rice🍚, etc. There is a self-service area at the door, providing bread, coffee☕️, milk🥛, juice🧃, yogurt and desserts, with unlimited refills. 🥢The appetizers are 🥔potato salad🥗, 🥚hot spring egg, Yamagata meatballs, etc., which are of high quality☺️; 🥢The main dish is 🥓bacon cooked with sprouts. 🥓The bacon is not too salty and tastes good, but nothing special😅. 🍰Desserts include ☕️coffee jelly🍮 and matcha puffs, which are quite delicious. The desserts are better than the main dishes😉. Zao Onsen Oomiya Ryokan 📍990-2301 Yamagata, Zao Onsen, Zaoonsen 46, Japan #Zao Onsen Hotel♨️ #Japanese Kaiseki Cuisine #Kaiseki Cuisine #Yonezawa Beef #Yamagata Beef #Japan Travel #gotripJapan #japantravel #japantrip #japanhotel #uenohotel #日本藏王 #日本藏王Accommodation #日本Accommodation #日本AccommodationRecommendation #日本AccommodationSharing #日本旅游资讯 #日本藏王县 #exploringjapan #discoveringjapan #Sign up for hotel test sleeper

This time I traveled independently. I took a bus from Sendai directly to the Zao Onsen area, and then walked slowly for 10 minutes to the cable car entrance. There were a lot of people along the way, but I finally reached the top of the mountain and saw the frost trees. I was so happy. I recommend everyone to take a look.

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.

Tibetan King Mountain Tree Ice 🧊❄️27.02.2023 <26/3 morning flight from Haneda Airport -> Tokyo -> Yamagata Station -> Zao Onsen Bus Terminal -> Board the Zao Cable Car Foothill Station -> Zao Cable Car Jizo Summit Station #Once in a lifetime is good, rarely good weather , is the best time to view Tibetan king tree ice, every year Tibetan king to the end of February, the evening will have night tree ice enjoyment, in order to see the day and night changes, keep waiting ~ waiting for sunset to get dark, frozen into ice, temporarily life's coldest trip, but worth seeing #This time I was lucky, the first day I came to see the perfect Tibetan King Tree Ice😄😆 ## Tibetan King Tree Ice, definitely worth appreciating