Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Closed for Season

Famous for Snow Monsters and Hot Springs

880m
Vertical Drop
26
Slopes
41
Lifts
9.0km
Longest Run
❄️ Premium Powder Snow 🌙 Night Skiing & Boarding 🏂 Terrain Park 🏔️ Full Resort

About This Resort

Famous for 'juhyo' (snow monsters) - frost-covered trees creating otherworldly winter landscape. Historic onsen resort town at the base with strong sulfur hot springs. One of Japan's oldest resorts.

Location

Prefecture: Yamagata

Address: Yamagata, Japan

Postal Code: 990-2301

Spoken Languages: Japanese

Season Information

Season: December 07, 2025 - May 06, 2026

Closed for Season

Note: Season dates are predictions and may change. Early and late season (November/December and April/May) may have limited snow coverage. Please check current conditions before planning your trip.

Access

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the snow monsters (juhyo) at Zao?

Juhyo are trees completely encased in snow and ice, creating bizarre monster-like shapes. They form when moisture from the Sea of Japan freezes on trees. Best viewing is late January to February. Take the ropeway to Jizo Sancho for the best views.

How do I get to Zao Onsen from Tokyo?

Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (about 2.5 hours), then a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes). Some hotels offer shuttle services from the station.

Does Zao have night skiing?

Yes! Zao operates one of Japan's largest night skiing areas — Uwanodai and the Zao Sky Cable section are floodlit from late December through early March (typically 17:00–21:00), and a special 'Juhyo Night Cruiser' tour lets you ride the ropeway up to see illuminated snow monsters after dark. Perfect for maximising ski time before heading back to the onsen for the evening.

What are Zao's sulfur onsen baths like?

Zao Onsen has been a working bath town since the year 110 AD according to local tradition, and its waters are strongly acidic, sulfur-rich and milky-white — distinctive enough that locals call them 'beauty-making waters' (hime-no-yu). Three public day-bathhouses (Kawarayu, Shimoyu, Kamiyu) in the village are open from morning until evening for a few hundred yen, and most ryokan have their own indoor and rotenburo baths. Rinse off before re-entering hotel baths — the strong sulfur water can stain swimwear and metal jewellery.

How much does a Zao Onsen lift ticket cost?

Adult one-day all-mountain passes (covering all 41 lifts) are roughly ¥6,500–7,500 in peak season, with cheaper half-day, afternoon and night-skiing tickets. Multi-day passes are noticeably cheaper per day if you're staying in the village. Ropeway sightseeing tickets are sold separately for non-skiers who want to ride up to see the snow monsters.

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