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About Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is located on the prefectural border of Yamagata and Miyagi in the Tohoku region. The village of Zao Onsen is one of the oldest and most respected resorts in Japan because of its history and traditional onsens.

Zao Onsen ski resort offers excellent quality snow, receiving an annual snowfall of 12 metres. Despite this impressive snow fall each season, Zao Onsen is most famous for its Snow Monsters (Juhyo). Zao’s fir trees are covered up with ice and then snow, creating what looks like large monsters covered in snow – thus the name ‘snow monsters’!

two snowboarders are going down a snowy hill.

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Zao Onsen Resort Japan

Zao Onsen is located on the prefectural border of Yamagata and Miyagi in the Tohoku region. The village of Zao Onsen is one of the oldest and most respected resorts in Japan because of its history and traditional onsens.

Zao Onsen ski resort offers excellent quality snow, receiving an annual snowfall of 12 metres. Despite this impressive snow fall each season, Zao Onsen is most famous for its Snow Monsters (Juhyo). Zao’s fir trees are covered up with ice and then snow, creating what looks like large monsters covered in snow – thus the name ‘snow monsters’!

Zao Onsen Mountain Facts

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Season

Dec-Apr
8:30am-5:00pm

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Snowfall

16 metres

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Summit

1661 metres

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Vertical

881 metres

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Runs

21

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Longest Run

10 kilometres

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Lift

37 chairs & 1 gondola

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Night Skiing

Yes

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Mountain Restaurants

12

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Terrain

40% beginner
40% Intermediate
20% advanced

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Half Pipe/ Terrain Park

No

Zao Onsen Snow Forecast

Considering Zao Onsen this ski season? Keep up to date with the latest weather and snow forecasts below to guarantee you never miss out on another pow dump or bluebird day.

Zao Onsen Village Facts

The highlight of this traditional resort town are its onsens. The hot spring water is the perfect way to end your day after after a big day on the mountain. The town has a few public baths as well as in the Ryokans (traditional Japanese Inns). Zao is a great option for those wanting an authentic Japanese ski experience. Without crowds, you can enjoy great skiing and the culture. This quiet town offers a great range of Japanese style accommodation to suit all budgets and excellent cuisine. English is not as commonly spoken.

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Experienced Team

We have been booking and managing snow holidays in Japan since 1993.

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