Yamagata
Season ended · next season typically starts December
Zao Onsen
The largest snow resort in the Tohoku region, famous for its "snow monsters." Big terrain, easy family slopes, and a thousand-year-old hot spring town.
Based on local data and reviews
About the Resort
Zao Onsen is in Yamagata Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. It is one of the largest ski resorts in the region. The resort sits next to a hot spring town that is said to be over 1,000 years old.
Zao Onsen is best known for its "snow monsters" (juhyo in Japanese). These are trees that get fully covered in snow and ice in mid-winter. They form on the upper mountain and are famous around the world. The American news site CNN has listed Zao as one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
The resort has 24 courses and 29 lifts, including ropeways and gondolas. The terrain is varied. The course mix is 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced. The longest run is the Juhyogen (Snow Monster) course at about 8 km, which passes through the snow monster field. The steepest slope, Yokokura no Kabe, reaches about 38 degrees and is for advanced skiers only.
Official website: Zao Onsen Mountain & Snow Resort
Location & Access
By Car
Roads near Zao have snow in winter; snow tires required. If you are not used to snow driving, the train and bus are safer.
Parking
7,000 spaces. Free on weekdays. 1,000 yen on weekends, holidays, and New Year period.
By Train
Tokyo Station -> Yamagata Station (~2.5 hrs, Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa) -> local bus to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (~40 min, ~1,000 yen one way, about hourly).
Yamagata, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
24
Courses
29
Lifts
incl. 3 gondolas
8km
Longest run
Beginner40%
Intermediate40%
Advanced20%
Grooming80% groomed · 20% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkNot Available
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult7,500 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild3,800 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior6,700 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : N/A
Snowboard Lesson : N/A
Why You'll Love Zao Onsen
The snow monsters
A winter sight you can see from the slopes
Zao is one of the few places in the world with snow monsters. Cold wind and snow cover the trees on the upper mountain until they look like white statues. You can ski past them or ride the ropeway to see them up close. At night during the festival season, they are lit up. This is the main reason many visitors choose Zao.
A large, varied mountain with easy family slopes
Wide beginner runs and a dedicated kids snow park
Zao has 24 courses, and 40% are rated for beginners. There is a kids snow play area called Jukky Snow Park, with gentle slopes for small children. Families can spend most of their time on the easier lower and central slopes, while stronger skiers explore the bigger terrain above.
A real hot spring town at the base
Soak in a famous onsen after skiing
Zao Onsen is a true hot spring town, not just a resort base. The water is a strong acidic sulfur spring and is said to be over 1,000 years old. There are public bath houses and free foot baths in the town. After skiing, a hot bath is an easy way to end the day, and there are local foods such as tama-konnyaku to try.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station -> Yamagata Station (~2.5 hrs, Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa) -> local bus to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (~40 min, ~1,000 yen one way, about hourly).
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: From 3,000 yen/day • Snowboard set: From 3,500 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Latest News from Zao Onsen
No news available at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Zao Onsen
Yes. About 40% of the courses are for beginners, and there is a kids snow park for small children. The lower and central slopes are the easiest places to start.
Some ski schools at Zao offer foreign-language lessons, and the resort runs an official permit system for them. English support is more limited than at large international resorts, so it is best to book ahead and confirm English directly with the school.
They are trees on the upper mountain that get fully covered in snow and ice in mid-winter. They form best in the coldest months, usually from late January to February. Warm or rainy days can change how they look.
Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (about 2.5 hours), then a local bus to Zao Onsen (about 40 minutes). This is the easiest route with children and luggage.
Yes. Zao Onsen is a hot spring town with public baths and free foot baths. You can ride the ropeway to see the snow monsters without skiing, and there are local foods and shops in the town.
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.