Zao - Travel in Japan

Zao (蔵王) is a mountainous area straddling Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures in Japan, known for its beautiful natural scenery, hot springs, skiing, and hiking trails.

One of the main attractions of Zao is the Zao Onsen ski resort, which boasts abundant snowfall and long runs, in addition to its famous “snow monsters,” or “juhyo” in Japanese. These trees become covered in ice and snow during the winter months, creating a beautiful and surreal landscape.

Zao is also home to many hot springs, or “onsen,” where visitors can relax and soak in the warm mineral-rich waters. Kaminoyama Onsen and Togatta Onsen are popular hot spring resorts located in the Zao Onsen area.

Zao offers a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

During the summer months, Zao offers a variety of outdoor activities, including mountain biking, rafting, and horseback riding. One of the most scenic spots is the Okama Crater, a volcanic crater lake located near the summit of Mt. Zao.

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Attractions in Zao
Getting there

Attractions in Zao

Getting there

From Tokyo by Train and Bus

Take the Yamagata Shinkansen (Tsubasa) from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station (about 2 hours 30 minutes, around 11,500 yen)
From Yamagata Station, take a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1,200 yen)

Total travel time: About 3 hours 10 minutes
Shinkansen portion can be covered by JR Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass, or JR East South Hokkaido Pass

From Sendai by Train and Bus

Take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai Station to Yamagata Station (70-90 minutes, 1,170 yen)
From Yamagata Station, take a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1,200 yen)

Winter-only Direct Bus

Overnight bus available from Tokyo (Shinjuku Busta) to Zao Onsen
Travel time: About 8 hours
Fare: 4,500 to 8,000 yen (varies by date)
Seat reservation required

By Car

About 40 minutes from Yamagata Airport to Zao Onsen