Zao Onsen
Japan
Airport
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) - 268 km
About Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen is a ski resort in Tohoku, Japan, offering slopes and winter sports facilities amid Japan's renowned powder snow conditions.
Skiing Zao Onsen
The famous juhyo 'snow monsters' — trees so encased in rime ice they become towering frozen sculptures — and volcanic onsen tinged emerald green from sulphur. Tohoku's most unique ski experience.
Terrain by Level
Beginners: Uenodai area at the base. English instruction is limited — book via online platforms.
Intermediates: Runs through the snow monster zone are well-groomed — you ski between frozen sculptures on wide scenic pistes.
Advanced: Tree skiing between the snow monsters. Off-piste in surrounding forest holds dry Tohoku powder. Find an instructor →
The Cultural Experience
Sulphur-rich onsen tinged emerald green. Dai Rotenburo is a large outdoor pool surrounded by forest. Traditional ryokan and small restaurants.
Insider Tips
- Snow monsters are best January–February. Night illumination tours available.
- Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo (2.5 hrs) then bus (40 min).
- Dramatically cheaper than Hokkaido and far less crowded.
Mountain Weather
17°C
Partly Cloudy
5-Day Forecast
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Ski Area Map
Explore the ski runs and pistes around Zao Onsen. Toggle the ski piste overlay using the layer control.
Ski piste data from OpenSnowMap.org (CC-BY-SA)
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