Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring resorts, perched high in the Zao Mountains. The water here is highly acidic and sulfurous, giving it a milky color and making it well-suited for skin care. In winter, the area transforms into a massive ski resort famous for a unique natural phenomenon: the 'Juhyo' or Snow Monsters, where trees are encased in frost and snow to form bizarre shapes. In summer and autumn, Zao is a hiker's paradise. The highlight is the Okama Crater Lake, whose waters change color depending on the sunlight, often called the 'Five Color Pond'. The Zao Ropeway provides spectacular panoramic views year-round. In the onsen village streets, you'll find numerous public baths and small shops selling 'Zao Tami' (local rice crackers). Access is via a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station. The best time to see the Snow Monsters is February, while autumn (October) is handy for the brilliantly colored mountain forests. Due to its high elevation, it remains pleasantly cool even in the peak of summer.

Nearby cities

Tokyo

The capital of Japan and the largest metropolitan area in the world.

Yokohama

Japan's second-largest city and the main port south of Tokyo.

Osaka

Japan's third-largest city, known as the country's culinary capital.

Nagoya

Industrial heartland of central Japan and home of the Toyota group.

Sapporo

The largest city on Hokkaido, famous for beer, ramen and a snow festival.

Fukuoka

The largest city on Kyushu and a gateway to Korea and China.

Kobe

A port city wedged between mountains and sea, famous for Kobe beef.

Kyoto

Former imperial capital and symbol of traditional Japanese culture.

Hiroshima

City of peace, marked by the 1945 atomic bombing.

Sendai

The largest city of the Tohoku region, known as the 'City of Trees'.

Kagoshima

Kagoshima is a vibrant city at the foot of the active Sakurajima volcano, often called the "Naples of the Eastern World."

Asahikawa

Hokkaido's second-largest city, famous for the Asahiyama Zoo, excellent ramen, and as the gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park.

Hakodate

A port city in southern Hokkaido, famous for its night view from Mount Hakodate and the star-shaped Goryokaku Fort.

Kushiro

Hokkaido's largest eastern port city, famous for its vast wetlands and rare red-crowned cranes.

Karatsu

Karatsu is a historic coastal city in Saga, famous for its majestic castle, vast pine forest, and renowned Karatsu pottery.

History & landmarks

Kumamoto

A historic city in Kyushu famous for one of Japan's most impressive castles and its beautiful gardens.

Matsumoto

Famous for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's premier historic castles, also known as the 'Crow Castle' due to its black exterior.

Matsue

Matsue, known as the "City of Water," impresses with its original castle and picturesque canals along Lake Shinji.

Uji

Uji is the heart of Japanese tea culture and home to the magnificent Byodo-in Temple.

Kamakura

A former capital of Japan, famous for its Great Buddha statue, numerous Zen temples, and coastal setting.

Izumo

Izumo is famous for the Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.

Hirosaki

Hirosaki is known for its historic park, castle, and one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in all of Japan.

Ise

Ise is home to the Ise Jingu, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine complex, set amidst ancient forests.