PREFECTURE / JAPAN

Explore Yamagata

Discover Yamagata through its ski areas, places to stay and nearby experiences.

Winter slopes at Zao Onsen Ski Resort.Yamagata Prefecture
JAPAN SNOW GUIDE

Zao Onsen Ski Resort

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

BEYOND THE MOUNTAIN

Connecting travel within the prefecture.

Find lodging, food, hot springs, and sightseeing in each area.

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DESTINATION

Travel guide around Zao Onsen Ski Resort

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

EXPLORE

Where to stay

A guest-room interior at Sailer Hütte.
STAY

Sailer Hütte

Choose a room by the Uwanodai slopes.

A guest-room interior at Zao Astraea Hotel.
STAY

Zao Astraea Hotel

A forest hotel for a day planned around the slopes.

The wood-built communal bath at Zao Kokusai Hotel.
STAY

Zao Kokusai Hotel

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

EXPLORE

Onsen

Zao Onsen Shimoyu public bath exterior
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.

Onsen Shinzaemon — bath
ONSEN

Shinzaemon no Yu

A bath that connects skiing and the hot spring town.

EXPLORE

Food and evenings

Cafe Alpina — venue photograph
FOOD

Café Alpina

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

Yunohana Chaya — venue photograph
FOOD

Yunohana Chaya

After your bath, enjoy Yamagata's Niku Soba.

EXPLORE

Places to explore

Zao Onsen ski resort in winterArea reference photograph; not the featured property
ATTRACTION

Zao Ropeway

Even those who don't ski can enjoy the scenery of snow monsters.