Zao Onsen
蔵王温泉
A historic hot spring with strongly acidic sulphur water on the slopes of Mount Zao, 19 km southeast of Yamagata city, beside one of the Tohoku region's largest ski areas; in winter, cable cars climb to see the frost-covered snow monsters.
Zao Onsen sits at the foot of Mount Zao, about 19 km southeast of Yamagata City at an altitude of about 900 metres. The spring dates back to around 1900 and is rare in Japan as a strongly acidic sulphur spring, known as the bath of beauties. The hot-spring street has three shared public baths, Kami-yu, Shimo-yu and Kawara-yu (about ¥200–300 each), as well as the Zao Onsen Great Outdoor Bath, which can hold hundreds of people (open April to November). In winter, this is one of the largest ski areas in the Tohoku region. Taking the Zao Ropeway up to the Jizō-dake summit station lets you see the famous snow monsters and night illuminations (the snow monster sites on the Miyagi side are covered under the Sendai destination). In summer, you can hike through the alpine plant zone or ride the cable car to admire the autumn foliage. It is about 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station, and staying one night in the hot-spring street is recommended.
Opening hours
All day; communal bath approx. 06:00–22:00
Nearby sights
- Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters)
- Nanokamachi Gotenzeki
- Bunshokan
- Kajo Park (Yamagata Castle Ruins)
- Kaminoyama Onsen & Castle
- Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
- Tendo Onsen & Shogi Town
- Kumano Taisha, Nanyo