Zao Onsen

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
  • Accommodation
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn
  • Winter

Yamagata’s pride, Zao Onsen, is one of Japan's most prominent ancient hot spring towns with a 1,900-year history. Known as the "Springs of Beauty" due to its highly acidic waters, it is also a premier mountain resort where visitors can enjoy world-famous "Snow Monsters" (frost-covered trees) and vast ski slopes in winter. The charming town, filled with rising steam, traditional inns, and public baths, continues to fascinate travelers from around the globe with its seasonal beauty, local cuisine, and restorative waters that heal the body and soul.

Zao Onsen
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蔵王温泉大露天風呂

蔵王温泉大露天風呂

Yamagata City Tourism Association

蔵王温泉（#エンジョイやまがた）

蔵王温泉（#エンジョイやまがた）

Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Onsen

Address
Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata
Website
https://zaomountainresort.com/
Operator
Zao Onsen Tourism Association

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Yamagata Zao is one of Japan's premier year-round resorts, where you can simultaneously enjoy dynamic nature and historic hot springs.The biggest winter highlight is the "Juhyo" (Snow Monsters), a rare natural masterpiece found in only a few places worldwide. The sight of conifers covered in snow and ice, transforming into giant monster-like figures, is breathtaking, and the nighttime illumination is truly mystical. It is also a famous ski resort; on courses stretching up to 10km, you can have the special experience of skiing right through the Snow Monsters.At the foot of the mountain lies Zao Onsen, a renowned hot spring...

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Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo of Mount Zao)

The Juhyo — or “Snow Monsters” — are a world-famous natural wonder created by the unique weather and vegetation of the Zao Mountain Range.These ice-covered trees, born from the power of nature, are a true treasure of Yamagata.Their breathtaking beauty attracts visitors from around the globe, eager to witness this phenomenon with their own eyes.Be sure to experience the magical transformation of the Juhyo as they change from day to night.

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