Zao Onsen, embraced by the great nature of Yamagata Prefecture, is a tourist destination where you can fully enjoy the charm of each season. Please spend a luxurious time being healed by the magnificent mountains and clear air, and savoring activities and specialty gourmet foods to your heart's content.
Zao Onsen, located at the foot of the Zao mountain range, is about a 1-hour drive from JR Yamagata Station. It is easily accessible from Tokyo using the Tohoku Shinkansen and Yamagata Airport. As soon as you step into the hot spring town, you will be surrounded by the panoramic landscape of the majestic mountains.
In the Zao area, you can enjoy a variety of activities according to the season. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are popular, and the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, boasting one of the best ski slopes in Japan, is recommended. In spring and summer, there are plenty of opportunities for mountain climbing, hiking, and in autumn, you can enjoy the stunning autumn foliage.
Zao Onsen is proud of its exquisite gourmet foods. In addition to local dishes such as soba noodles and simmered potatoes, there are also authentic restaurants offering French and Italian cuisine. Especially famous is the egg dish known as "Mendria". Also, don't miss the unique Zao specialty sweet, the "Ondoria Chocolate Cake".
The inns of Zao Onsen include both long-established traditional inns and new hotels. For example, "Febranche" is a popular inn with its location right in front of the ski slopes and friendly service. You should be able to enjoy the hot springs and gourmet cuisine at a relaxed pace.
Zao Onsen is truly like paradise, where the charm of nature and a treasure trove of gourmet foods coexist. Why not experience the unique beauty of each season - the blooming flowers of spring, the lush greens of summer, the vibrant colors of autumn, and the snowy landscapes of winter - with your own senses?