From snow monsters to sulphur soaks: 5 reasons why Zao Onsen is Japan’s next winter sensation

Feb 22 , 2019

Dramatic ‘juhyo’ or snow monsters – frozen, snow-covered trees – cover the slopes of Mount Zao, close to the Zao Onsen skiing resort. Photos: Cedric Tan

This relatively ‘undiscovered’ resort – within easy reach of Tokyo – offers fine ‘snow monster’ scenery, great skiing and hot sulphuric springs

The snowy white realms of Japan have been pulling in tourists for decades at the nation’s most popular, well-established skiing resorts include Hokkaido and Nagano.

Yet there are other, relatively “undiscovered” spots, such as Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, which offers the same world-class ski slopes and premium attractions – but with less of a crowd and a more distinctively local flavour.

Check out the top 5 attractions at this relatively low-key snow resort in a country big on wintry fun.

1. Location and access

Zao Onsen may not be as well known as Japan’s most famous ski resorts such as Nagano or Hokkaido, but its stunning natural beauty is increasingly attracting international visitors

Set high amid the apex of Jizo-dake, which rises 800 metres above sea level, Zao Onsen is the largest skiing resort in Japan’s Tohoku region with winter attractions that rival those of Hakuba and Niseko.

It is easily accessible to the capital – only 40 minutes by bus from the city of Yamagata which is about 2.5 hours from Tokyo by train.

As the resort is not so well known among foreign travellers, it has remained distinctly Japanese, with establishments still catering largely to local visitors, with just a splattering of Taiwanese and Hong Kong tourists during peak seasons.

2. Chilly snow monsters

Multi-coloured lights illuminate the rimes or ‘juhyo’ – snow monsters – created by frozen, snow-covered trees, at night in Zao Onsen