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Zao Onsen – 28 hotels and places to stay

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Zao Kokusai Hotel

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Only a 1-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Kokusai Hotel offers indoor/outdoor spacious hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms.

M
Madeleine
From
Australia
The location was absolutely breathtaking, we visited in autumn but I'm already planning my next visit for winter! The staff were so lovely and accommodating, not everyone spoke perfect english but they make a genuine effort to make us feel welcome none the less. I loved the onsen, we used the private and public facilities and found them so relaxing. We ate in the restaurant every morning and once for dinner, the food was so well done and we loved getting a taste of the local cuisine. Seriously 10/10 its not the cheapest stay but it is worth the price.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews
Price from
US$184.41
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

M
Ming Yik
From
Hong Kong
Staff are friendly and they can speak simple English. Breakfast and dinner are delicious. Room is big and provided the charge cables. Spa is good. Also, there is a big car park on the ground floor.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews
Price from
US$167.65
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Hammond

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Hammond features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

d
david
From
Israel
Amazing, beautiful and so nice. Honestly couldn't recommend this place more.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 428 reviews
Price from
US$86.35
1 night, 2 adults

Onsen & Stay OAKHILL

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Onsen & Stay OAKHILL features views of the mountain. With ski-to-door access, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.

M
Maurizio
From
United Kingdom
The location was very good, quiet street and easy walk to town. The staff is AMAZING!! Very good breakfast, super clean rooms and good amenities for the stay! I loved the free yukata provided for the onsen and breakfast
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews
Price from
US$116.69
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Jurin

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Jurin offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and ski-to-door access.

L
Liang Tso
From
Taiwan
Location is convenient for ski enthusiasts, onsen was very comfortable, and room was very comfortable and spacious for family stay. Can see the lift right from the window of the hotel room.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 93 reviews
Price from
US$258.45
1 night, 2 adults

ロッヂ スガノ

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 400 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, ロッヂ スガノ features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

p
pasara
From
Thailand
Very friendly staff. Very close to ski slope by walking 1min.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews
Price from
US$192.03
1 night, 2 adults

Sailer Hütte

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen and with Zao Onsen Ski Resort reachable within 700 metres, Sailer Hütte offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant.

M
MATTHIAS
From
Austria
Best location directly next to the chairlift. Friendly owner. Cozy beds. Great atmosphere in Zao Onsen. Onsen Vouchers for other Ryokan Facilities were highly appreciated.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 186 reviews
Price from
US$101.60
1 night, 2 adults

Takasagoya Ryokan

Zao Onsen

Takasagoya Ryokan offers a public bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodation in Zao Onsen, 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

W
Weng Hoe
From
Singapore
Our room had a view of the public osen which was nicely lit up at nice. The steam film the hot springs contrasted nicely with the snow. Very friendly and hospitable family. Felt well taken care of. They even came out in the biting cold to clear the snow from our car.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 334 reviews
Price from
US$177.81
1 night, 2 adults

Forest Inn Sangoro

Zao Onsen

With Zao Onsen Ski Resort reachable in 3.1 km, Forest Inn Sangoro offers accommodation, a restaurant, a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.

P
Pete
From
United Kingdom
Great piste-side location . Funky Jazz music . Food great & rooms comfortable
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
Price from
US$120.65
1 night, 2 adults

Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte

Zao Onsen

Featuring a garden and a bar, Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte is located in Zao Onsen. The 3-star guest house features mountain views and is 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

C
Chong
From
Malaysia
First, the design of the house is super western and super beautiful just right infront of ski slopes. I have a once in a lifetime view from my room and also breakfast area! Second, that's the only hostel comes with private room (as far as I know). Third, I actually paid for the breakfast and dinner and I NEVER REGRET to do so (even though you can have some food out there but is abit far). The dinner is just WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL. Experience yourself and you will know what I meant. It is Extremely exceeded my expectation, even after so many days I am back to my country while I writing this review, I am still so in love of everything I have experience here. Come here during winter, must come. And I'm super pleased to be served by the old couple, so simple, so genuine, soooo awe!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 139 reviews
Price from
US$158.76
1 night, 2 adults
See all 28 hotels in Zao Onsen

Popular hotels in Zao Onsen

Check out our top picks in Zao Onsen

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews
    From
    US$96
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 242 reviews
    From
    US$212
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 387 reviews
    From
    US$142
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 479 reviews
    From
    US$110
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 23 reviews
    From
    US$262
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews
    From
    US$145
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 198 reviews
    From
    US$127
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 661 reviews
    From
    US$89
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 189 reviews
    From
    US$103
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 334 reviews
    From
    US$178
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 139 reviews
    From
    US$147
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 428 reviews
    From
    US$68
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 144 reviews
    From
    US$203
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews
    From
    US$132
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 67 reviews
    From
    US$110
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 187 reviews
    From
    US$136
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 93 reviews
    From
    US$166
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 84 reviews
    From
    US$119
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 186 reviews
    From
    US$102
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
    From
    US$121
    1 night, 2 adults

Filter by:

Star rating
Review score

Zao Kokusai Hotel

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Only a 1-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Kokusai Hotel offers indoor/outdoor spacious hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms.

M
Madeleine
From
Australia
The location was absolutely breathtaking, we visited in autumn but I'm already planning my next visit for winter! The staff were so lovely and accommodating, not everyone spoke perfect english but they make a genuine effort to make us feel welcome none the less. I loved the onsen, we used the private and public facilities and found them so relaxing. We ate in the restaurant every morning and once for dinner, the food was so well done and we loved getting a taste of the local cuisine. Seriously 10/10 its not the cheapest stay but it is worth the price.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews
Price from
US$184.41
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

M
Ming Yik
From
Hong Kong
Staff are friendly and they can speak simple English. Breakfast and dinner are delicious. Room is big and provided the charge cables. Spa is good. Also, there is a big car park on the ground floor.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews
Price from
US$167.65
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Hammond

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Hammond features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

d
david
From
Israel
Amazing, beautiful and so nice. Honestly couldn't recommend this place more.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 428 reviews
Price from
US$86.35
1 night, 2 adults

Onsen & Stay OAKHILL

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Onsen & Stay OAKHILL features views of the mountain. With ski-to-door access, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.

M
Maurizio
From
United Kingdom
The location was very good, quiet street and easy walk to town. The staff is AMAZING!! Very good breakfast, super clean rooms and good amenities for the stay! I loved the free yukata provided for the onsen and breakfast
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews
Price from
US$116.69
1 night, 2 adults

Takamiya Hotel Jurin

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Jurin offers accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and ski-to-door access.

L
Liang Tso
From
Taiwan
Location is convenient for ski enthusiasts, onsen was very comfortable, and room was very comfortable and spacious for family stay. Can see the lift right from the window of the hotel room.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 93 reviews
Price from
US$258.45
1 night, 2 adults

ロッヂ スガノ

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen, 400 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, ロッヂ スガノ features accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.

p
pasara
From
Thailand
Very friendly staff. Very close to ski slope by walking 1min.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews
Price from
US$192.03
1 night, 2 adults

Sailer Hütte

Hotel in Zao Onsen

Set in Zao Onsen and with Zao Onsen Ski Resort reachable within 700 metres, Sailer Hütte offers a shared lounge, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a restaurant.

M
MATTHIAS
From
Austria
Best location directly next to the chairlift. Friendly owner. Cozy beds. Great atmosphere in Zao Onsen. Onsen Vouchers for other Ryokan Facilities were highly appreciated.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 186 reviews
Price from
US$101.60
1 night, 2 adults

Takasagoya Ryokan

Zao Onsen

Takasagoya Ryokan offers a public bath, as well as air-conditioned accommodation in Zao Onsen, 200 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

W
Weng Hoe
From
Singapore
Our room had a view of the public osen which was nicely lit up at nice. The steam film the hot springs contrasted nicely with the snow. Very friendly and hospitable family. Felt well taken care of. They even came out in the biting cold to clear the snow from our car.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 334 reviews
Price from
US$177.81
1 night, 2 adults

Forest Inn Sangoro

Zao Onsen

With Zao Onsen Ski Resort reachable in 3.1 km, Forest Inn Sangoro offers accommodation, a restaurant, a garden, a shared lounge and a terrace. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property.

P
Pete
From
United Kingdom
Great piste-side location . Funky Jazz music . Food great & rooms comfortable
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
Price from
US$120.65
1 night, 2 adults

Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte

Zao Onsen

Featuring a garden and a bar, Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte is located in Zao Onsen. The 3-star guest house features mountain views and is 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

C
Chong
From
Malaysia
First, the design of the house is super western and super beautiful just right infront of ski slopes. I have a once in a lifetime view from my room and also breakfast area! Second, that's the only hostel comes with private room (as far as I know). Third, I actually paid for the breakfast and dinner and I NEVER REGRET to do so (even though you can have some food out there but is abit far). The dinner is just WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL. Experience yourself and you will know what I meant. It is Extremely exceeded my expectation, even after so many days I am back to my country while I writing this review, I am still so in love of everything I have experience here. Come here during winter, must come. And I'm super pleased to be served by the old couple, so simple, so genuine, soooo awe!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 139 reviews
Price from
US$158.76
1 night, 2 adults
See all 28 hotels in Zao Onsen

Most booked hotels in Zao Onsen and surroundings in the past month

See all

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 93 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 98 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 428 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 186 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Yamagata

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 352 reviews

Popular with guests booking hotels in Yamagata

Best hotels with breakfast in Zao Onsen and nearby

500 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Wonderwall美好境界 日本藏王館 is located in Yamagata and provides rooms with free WiFi.

From US$206.38 per night

Zao Sunvalley Hotel is situated in Yamagata. Featuring a restaurant, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.

From US$266.71 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 96 reviews

Yamagata Zao Pension Apron Stage is a 3-star property set in Kaminoyama. It offers free WiFi, ski-to-door access, a garden and a restaurant.

Set in Kaminoyama, 13 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Pension Noel offers accommodation with a garden and free private parking. Free WiFi is included throughout the property.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 352 reviews

Located in Yamagata, within 13 km of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and 4.3 km of Yamagata Station, Hotel Route-Inn Yamagata Minami -Daigaku Byoin Mae- provides accommodation with a restaurant and free WiFi...

From US$85.73 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews

Yuuyu No Sato Yusa offers a sauna and free private parking, and is within 12 km of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and 2.9 km of Lina World.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 189 reviews

Set in Zao Onsen, 400 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Lucent features accommodation with a public bath and an open-air bath.

From US$377.20 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 18 reviews

Offering mountain views, Wakamatsuya in Zao Onsen provides accommodation, an open-air bath, a garden, a terrace, a bar and a shared lounge.

Hotels located in the centre of Zao Onsen

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 59 reviews

Situated in Zao Onsen in the Yamagata region, with Zao Onsen Ski Resort nearby, Winter Season - 民泊 Matsuo House in Zao Onsen - Japanese Style - Private Room features accommodation with free WiFi and...

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 187 reviews

Set in Zao Onsen in the Yamagata region, with Zao Onsen Ski Resort nearby, Le Vert Zao offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath.

From US$333.39 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 661 reviews

Renovated in 2017, Meitoya Sou offers a modern-style ryokan with natural hot spring baths. Free WiFi is offered and free private parking is available on site.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 84 reviews

Located in Zao Onsen, 300 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yoshidaya has ski-to-door access, private parking and rooms with free WiFi access.

From US$209.56 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 228 reviews

Set 500 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Pension Puutaro offers 3-star accommodation in Zao Onsen and features a garden.

From US$209.56 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.7
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 479 reviews

Only a 5-minute walk from the Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Omiya Ryokan features Japanese-style rooms, hot spring baths and massage treatments.

From US$350.66 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews

Only a 1-minute walk from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Kokusai Hotel offers indoor/outdoor spacious hot-spring baths and Japanese-style rooms.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 198 reviews

Located in Zao Onsen, Matukaneya Annex offers 3-star accommodation with hot spring baths including a free-flowing natural hot spring bath. The property features a restaurant serving unique cuisine.

From US$279.41 per night

Budget hotels in Zao Onsen and nearby

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 42 reviews

Situated in Kaminoyama, 2.2 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Polar Bear 藏王白熊民宿 has ski-to-door access, a shared lounge and rooms with free WiFi access. The property features mountain views.

From US$145.74 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 144 reviews

Situated in Zao Onsen, Zao Plaza Hotel features accommodation with a public bath and an open-air bath. Featuring free private parking, the 3-star ryokan is 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

Situated in Yamagata, 500 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Onsen Lodge Sukore - Vacation STAY 55497v features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Situated in Yamagata, 500 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Zao Onsen Lodge Sukore - Vacation STAY 55487v features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 428 reviews

Situated in Zao Onsen, 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Hammond features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews

Set in Zao Onsen, 700 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

From US$370.22 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 139 reviews

Featuring a garden and a bar, Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte is located in Zao Onsen. The 3-star guest house features mountain views and is 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

From US$158.76 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 23 reviews

Located within less than 1 km of Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Zao Onsen, 蔵王温泉 岩清水料理の宿 季の里 offers accommodation with seating area.

FAQs about hotels in Zao Onsen

What guests said about Zao Onsen:

8.0

Nice village style ski resort.

Nice village style ski resort. Not busy except for the weekend, which ended up a long weekend as it was the Emperor's birthday on the monday. Always good to check public holidays when going to a ski resort and arrive on a Sunday afternoon.
Guest review by
Christian
Australia
8.0

Lots of snow during our stay in December. Great skiing.

Lots of snow during our stay in December. Great skiing. Ideally stay around ski lifts so its easier to get to the lifts.. Just be aware to choose a sunny day to take the ski lifts to view the Snow Monster! Takes around more than 1 hour to get on the ski lifts. Many tourist and queue is long. You wont be able to see much if the weather is bad. Never short of snow in Zao Onsen. Nice little village with Lawsons, Family Marts to get your usual Japanese stuff. Limited restaurants but can get by with simple meals. If you want to get to Yamagata City its only 30 mins away by taxi. You have a choice if you want more varieties.
Guest review by
Meng
Malaysia
8.0

In the summer, Zao is very quiet during weekdays.

In the summer, Zao is very quiet during weekdays. It rains almost every day, so it's advisable to pack quick-dry clothes and sturdy shoes for walking uphill and downhill. If you prefer fruits and vegetables, make sure to bring some with you, as there's no fresh market in town and the only local convenience store doesn't offer many healthy choices. If you happen to encounter a serow, don't make the mistake we did by running away thinking it was a hyena—quite silly of us!
Guest review by
NANTANA
Thailand
8.0

Zao onsen is a lovely getaway in the Japanese mountains.

Zao onsen is a lovely getaway in the Japanese mountains. Mostly tailored to skiers and snowboarders though, with the many hills and ski facilities. But it's also a lovely place for a brief visit if you want some relaxation and onsens. We visited mainly for seeing the Zao Snow monsters and relaxing at a nice hotel. Unforuntately the Snow Monsters had already melted when we were there, and only one cablecar worked going up the mountain, so there was a huge line. The town is cozy with a few restaurant options. We did not ski and stayed for two nights which was just the right amount of time, as there's not that much to experience in the town, other than ski, visit onsen and take the cablecar (if it's working properly)
Guest review by
Camilla
Denmark
10

It's good for a few days of hitting the slopes and had a...

It's good for a few days of hitting the slopes and had a surprising number for eateries compared to some of the other onsen towns. The juhyo (snow monster) is an interesting sight (depending on the weather) especially since you will have to go right to the top of the mountain to see it. It has a night viewing session depending on the season for the juhyo also. And if you're driving, Yamagata town is just a short 30mins drive down the mountain and you'll have more eateries to choose from.
Guest review by
Ed
Malaysia
10

I stayed in Zao Onsen in mid October and had a beautiful...

I stayed in Zao Onsen in mid October and had a beautiful time absorbed in the energy of the mountains and blown away by the ‘koyo’ autumn leaves 🧡 In the off season, it proves a serene escape to soak in the onsens, and take in the clean air and stunning views on various hikes. I can only imagine how much fun it would be when covered in snow!
Guest review by
Tamsyn
Australia

See reviews by guests who stayed at hotels in Zao Onsen

See all
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 59 reviews
The room was very japanese styled and the location is very well centered in Zao Onsen. The hosts were extraordinary. They were kind, very welcoming and cared for all of our needs. They took the time to explain the surroundings (restaurants, onsens, ropeline, etc.), they gave us tickets for the local onsens, offered coffee in the morning and even held our luggage after the checkout for a time. All in all, it was great to meet this kind-hearted family. I would highly recommend staying here.
Guest review by
Aitor
Spain
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 334 reviews
Thank you for providing such an amazing stay in Zao Onsen! The food was so good, lots of local specialties with amazing taste. The facilities are old, but very clean and I enjoyed the traditional Japanese room a lot. Everywhere was warm, even though I arrived perfectly with the first winter weather.
Guest review by
C Schubert
Germany
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 408 reviews
The beautiful onsens and excellent service staff. We want to thank Tinnu San ( from Bangladesh) at the reception of Kokusai hotel for his excellent service and English, and for bringing us dinner to the room when we could not find food in Zao Onsen town. Thank you so much!
Guest review by
hwee ping
Singapore
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 65 reviews
Matsuo house is a fantastic place to stay at Zao Onsen. The hosts go beyond in every way to make you feel welcome and provide information on the area. Restaurant ideas, rental options and the Onsen possibilities explained perfectly. Will return.
Guest review by
Rob
Australia
From US$158.76 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 139 reviews
This was a wonderful boutique ski in ski out resort with wonderful food and friendly service. It was exactly what we were after!
Guest review by
Andrew Sydney
Australia