Zao Onsen Ski Resort

You can reach Zao Onsen Ski Resort by taking the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Yamagata Station (approx. 2 hours 40 minutes), followed by a Yamako Bus ride for about 40 minutes. Highway buses are also available from Sendai. From Yamagata Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes by bus. By car, take the Tohoku Expressway to Yamagata-Zao IC and drive about 30 minutes via the Nishi-Zao Kogen Line.

You can download the English trail map (PDF) on the official Zao Onsen Ski Resort website. You can also check slope information on the WAmazing Snow Zao Onsen Ski Resort page.

Yes, rentals are available! At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, you can rent a full set of skis, snowboards, and wear at the base areas of each slope and shops in the hot spring town. We recommend booking online in advance to avoid crowds.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort has multiple ski schools, offering lessons through a multilingual ski school with English and Chinese-speaking instructors. They cater to everything from kids to general and private lessons. We recommend booking online in advance to avoid crowds.

Yes, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is highly recommended for families. There are kids snow play areas at Omori, Nakamori, and Uwanodai slopes where young children can safely enjoy sledding and making snowmen. It is perfect for children making their skiing debut.

At the base of Zao Onsen Ski Resort is the Zao Onsen town, an area with over 1,900 years of history. Enjoy three public baths (Kamiyu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu) and many foot baths. These strongly acidic sulfur hot springs are also known for their beautifying effects on the skin.

There are many accommodations around Zao Onsen Ski Resort, including ryokans, hotels, and pensions in the Zao Onsen town. Many of these lodgings feature hot springs and are within walking distance to the slopes.

At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, some hotels and pensions located in the upper part of the Zao Onsen town offer direct access to the slopes. Please check the slope access with each accommodation when making your reservation.

The best time to see the snow monsters at Zao Onsen Ski Resort is usually from late December to late February. You can view them near the Jizo Sancho Station via the Zao Ropeway. This world-rare natural phenomenon attracts many tourists.

At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, the Juhyo light-up is usually held on specific days (like weekends, holidays, and year-end/New Year) from late December to late February, generally from around 17:00 to 21:00 (last entry around 20:00). The illuminated snow monsters create a fantastic night view, though weather conditions may cause cancellations. Please check the official website for the latest calendar before your trip.

The best season to visit Zao Onsen Ski Resort is from late December to late February. January to February is especially ideal, as it coincides with the snow monsters (Juhyo) viewing season, allowing you to enjoy both all natural snow and the magical snow monsters.

At Zao Onsen Ski Resort, We recommend checking the schedule of the Yamagata Shinkansen and buses in advance. Since strong winds near the summit can suspend the ropeway, allowing extra time in your itinerary is wise. Checking the Juhyo light-up schedule and booking accommodations early is also suggested. Pre-booking lift tickets and rentals available online is convenient to avoid crowds.