Soak in hot springs and admire ice-covered trees — the magical winter wonderland of Zao Onsen in Northeast Japan

The Zao Mountain Range, which divides Miyagi Prefecture from Yamagata Prefecture, features majestic, rugged peaks and unique volcanic terrain, presenting different enchanting views in each season. Particularly in the deep winter when heavy snow falls, the dense white snow covers the slopes and valleys, creating perfect ski slopes and the one-of-a-kind "ice-covered trees" spectacle. Coupled with Zao Onsen, one of the ancient Ouu San Kotou (Three Great Hot Springs of Ouu), soaking in hot springs and admiring ice-covered trees has become a major highlight of a winter visit to Zao.

Nestled on the western foothills of Dainichiyama in the Zao Mountain Range, Zao Onsen is one of the top hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region. The pungent, sulfur-rich hot spring water gushes from the mountains at an elevation of 920 meters. Thanks to its exceptionally favorable natural conditions, it has become a renowned destination dotted with hot spring inns. Zao Onsen serves as the starting point for three cable cars and, in winter, lies adjacent to the famous Zao Ski Resort. Many skiers use Zao Onsen as their base, enjoying the thrill of high-speed skiing during the day and relaxing in the warm hot springs at night.

The hot spring town enjoys a steady stream of visitors year-round, with no distinct off-peak or peak seasons. Koutou-dori (Hot Spring Avenue) and Juhyo-dori (Ice Tree Avenue) are the main streets of Zao Onsen, lined with numerous hot spring inns, izakayas, and craft shops of various sizes. A river called Surikawa runs between the hot spring streets, its waters tinted light blue by the natural hot springs, with a faint whiff of sulfur in the air. There are three public bathhouses on the street, serving as social and relaxation spots for locals, while a bit farther away lies the Zao Onsen Large Open-Air Bath. The baths are built with unpolished boulders, offering an open and expansive feel and placing you right in the heart of Zao’s natural beauty.

"Juhyo" (ice-covered trees) are a natural phenomenon created by seasonal winds, with each formation dotting the mountaintop in wildly diverse and unique shapes. The best time to view them is from late January to March. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain and then explore on foot or ski down through the towering ice tree forests. The futuristic-looking Zao Ropeway is one of Japan’s largest and rarest aerial lifts. During the ride, you can take in views of peaks such as Mount Daisaburo, Mount Gorou, and Mount Osutsuki, as well as marshlands like Lake Katakai, Lake Hosonuma, and Lake Medama, along with the Fudou Waterfall, making for ever-changing scenery. Seeing the ice tree spectacle from the air adds an element of magical winter adventure to the experience.

Zao Onsen
Transportation: Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to “Yamagata” Station, then transfer to a bus bound for Zao Onsen (approximately 40 minutes), and get off at the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal.
Info: http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/


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