ABOUT Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen is a gorgeous traditional Japanese village located in the north of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Zao is an onsen resort, meaning there are natural hot springs running through the village, including public bathhouses and in-house onsens. The ski resort is large, with a selection of runs for all abilities however the on-piste terrain is predominately for beginners to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. One of the unique attractions of Zao is the famous “Snow Monsters” that form on the trees during the winter, they’re a must see! Zao can be easily accessed on the Shinkansen from Tokyo and then a bus to the resort. The town also features a variety of restaurants to settle your appetite after a day on the slopes, however nightlife is limited like a lot of traditional resorts. For more information on Zao Onsen click here.
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Zao Onsen Accommodation
Zao Onsen offers beautiful and traditional Japanese accommodation options. Check out our top recommendations here. -
Zao Onsen
things to do
If you want to take a rest day while in Zao Onsen here are some ideas to keep you busy. -
How to get to
Zao Onsen
You have a few different options for getting to Zao Onsen from Tokyo and other cities. Check out which option is best for you. -
Zao Onsen Trail Maps
Find out what the resort of Zao Onsen has to offer with our resort guide and trail map.
Featured Zao Onsen Articles
2022-2023 Japanese Snow Season Outlook – January Update : A Few Speed Bumps Then Snowy Business as Usual
Beautiful turn in beautiful snow by @kassun1048 last week in Niseko. Photo: Adam Kroenert /Oyuki Japan Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper The Japanese snow season is in full swing after a few very fruitful weeks. La Nina is on its w [...]
Grasshopper’s Weekly Japan Forecast, Dec 15 – Continuous Storm Cycles as Japan the Sleeping Giant Wakes
Stefan Boers hooking into the Hokkaido powder earlier this week. Photo: @austinpowder Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper Valid Thursday 15thDecember to Thursday 22ndDecember Kon’nichiwa my fine, fellow powder pundits, and welcome [...]
2022-2023 Japanese Snow Season Outlook – December Update
James Winfield, Niseko, December 31, 2021. Indications are snowfalls will ramp up in late December, so we may celebrate New Year’s Eve in a similar fashion this year.Photo: Sea and Summit Photography / @nisekojapan Mountainwat [...]
World Snow Wrap, Dec 3rd – Finally, Fresh Snow in Europe and Japan, Dumping in the US and Canada
Megan Dingham living the dream in Alta on Tuesday after 43cms of light powder. Photo: Rocko Menzyk Mountainwatch | Reggae Elliss The northern hemisphere winter is starting to settle in and there have been some good snowfalls acr [...]
2022-2023 Japanese Snow Season Outlook – November Update
The signs are looking favourable for good early season snow in Honshu resorts like Shiga Kogan. Photo: Classic Resorts Japan Mountainwatch | Grasshopper Japan, a giant in the world of snow, currently lies sleeping under just a li [...]
2022-2023 Japanese Snow Season Outlook
Third Time’s A Charm! Evelina Nilsson deep in some Hakuba powder and another La Nina this season is likely to produce days like these. Photo: Zoya Lynch Mountainwatch | The Grasshopper As the Australian snow season draws to a [...]
