Zao Onsen is one of the most famous and traditional skiing & snowboarding resorts in Japan as well as a popular all year traditional onsen hot spring resort village.  Located in Yamagata Prefecture, about 30-40 minutes from Yamagata City by car, the Zao Onsen snow resort is known for excellent powder conditions, a wide range of courses covering a large area and the famous Juhyo “Ice Monsters” (see below).

The resort has 15 different slopes and 12 courses, and offers a wide variety for most levels of riders – from beginners to experts, children to seniors.   The slopes are serviced by network of including 3 Rope Ways, 1 gondola and 35 other lifts with the longest course offering 10km of downhill riding.

Zao Onsen also offers other resort attractions including a fun Family Snow Park, snowboard park and tube riding.

The resort also has easy to understand signs in English, Korean and Chinese as well as Japanese and the friendly people in the small village are always very welcoming to guests from overseas.

One of the natural wonders at Zao Onsen can be found at the top of the mountain during the coldest months, usually from December to February. Super cold snow, combined with seasonal winds, encapsulate the mountain’s trees forming unique shapes locally known as “Juhyo” also known as “Ice Monsters”. This spectacle can be also fully appreciated during the night illuminations at the top of the mountain during the high seasons.

Zao Onsen is one of the most famous sulfurous hot springs in Japan. The hot natural volcanic waters will relax and refresh your body and mind. There are three public bathhouses, three open-air hot springs (“Onsen”) facilities., At each hotel you will also find fully fitted hot springs (“Onsen”).
“Dai Roten Buro” is one of the Open-Air Bath built into a beautiful mountain ravine. Note: “Dai Roten Buro”is only open from Spring to Fall due to snow.