ZAO / WINTER JOURNAL

Café Alpina

A meal break by the window on the day of skiing at Uwanodai. Sailer Hütte cafe/restaurant.

Cafe Alpina — venue photograph
Cafe Alpina — venue photograph
Image creditカフェ・アルピナ / official website · Rights not verified Source ↗

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01 / TRAVEL NOTES

Dine with a view on your day at Uwanodai

Café Alpina is a classic restaurant in the Sailer Hütte. You can eat while looking out at the ski slopes, and the official website offers information on Japanese and Western cuisine. This is a great place to take a break while looking at the snow outside the window on the day you ski at Uwanodai.

At Zao's large ski resort, you'll want to choose restaurants based on where you're skiing. If you're meeting your family or non-skiing companions for lessons at Uwanodai, share the Sailer Hütte building as a meeting place. If you are coming from the Yokokura side, please include a trip for lunch in your schedule.

02 / TRAVEL NOTES

Room bookings and restaurant enquiries are separate

Accommodation reservations on the official website are for Sailer Hütte rooms. If you are only visiting the cafe, please contact the facility to inquire about opening hours on the day of your trip, day use, and seating according to the number of people. If you would like to accommodate your child's meals or allergies, do not assume that it is possible based on the posted information alone; consult with us in advance.

The location is Zao Onsen Uwanodai 758. In winter, check which entrances are from the slopes and from the road side, and tell your companions who don't slip the directions from the road side to make it easier to merge. Please check the information on the day of your visit for opening hours and menu offerings.

  • Decide whether to ski at Uwanodai or visit from the hot spring town.
  • Please check with the facility regarding day use, seat reservations, and children's meals.
  • Share the building and entrance details with companions who are not skiing.
03 / TRAVEL NOTES

Plan the slopes and the stay together

Winter slopes at Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
Winter slopes at Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
Image creditRaita Futo from Tokyo, Japan · CC BY 2.0 Source ↗

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01 / RESORT

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Ride up towards the winter trees, then return to the hot-spring town for the evening.

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Exterior view of Zao Onsen public bath Shimoyu. Photographed in 2013.
Exterior view of Zao Onsen public bath Shimoyu. Photographed in 2013.
Image creditpakku · CC BY 3.0 Source ↗

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02 / ONSEN

Shimoyu Public Bath

Take a short bath at the public bath on Takayu Street. Shimoyu is a place you can stop by even in Zao in winter.

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The wood-built communal bath at Zao Kokusai Hotel.
The wood-built communal bath at Zao Kokusai Hotel.
Image credit蔵王国際ホテル 公式サイト · Rights not verified Source ↗

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03 / STAY

Zao Kokusai Hotel

Cross to Yokokura in the morning, then come back for hot springs and dinner.

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YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

A good trip starts with the right base.

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Facts checked: 3 October 2026 · Check current opening, rates and transport with the operator before booking.

Sources

www.zao.co.jp · 10 October 2026