Homestays in Zao Onsen

Great location on mountain, food was really good, breakfast was different every day. Had dinner there as well it was nice. Rooms are small but expected.

Breakfast was buffet and had a variety of items

Super cosy, beautifully decorated and very snug for a winter visit in the snow. Amazingly hosted with a Christmas dinner, ideas for local trips and a great location for skiing!

Everything . The couple who runs it are so nice :) they were very sweet to the kids We booked the big panda room and our kids loved it !

I stayed in this cozy lodge for a night with my friend. I appreciate very pleasant stay at the accommodation. The hosts are quite helpful and proactively proposed any possible sightseeing locations around the place. We had wonderful dinner and breakfast.

We loved the house. You can see the owner has put her heart and soul into the place. The facilities were fantastic. The place was clean, tidy and comfortable. There were games which our kids were able to use and it really helped make their stay enjoyable. The bedrooms were spacious and had great air-conditioning. We would highly recommend staying here and would stay here again in the future if we came back this way. Thank you for a pleasant and lovely stay.

I stayed at Zao Onsen for 3 nights during my solo travels in Japan in early 2025. The walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Matsuo House was about 5 minutes and allowed me to get a feel for the small onsen town: from the quaint shops and restaurants, to the scent of sulfur from the hot springs, and the ski resort towering over you from almost every angle. I immediately fell in love with it. Matsuo House was the perfect accommodation to complement such a magical destination. The hosts and their charming young daughter were more than happy to converse with and assist their guests, speaking in several languages. All guest rooms were on the second floor, lined with tatami mats and large windows that offered views of the snowy streets outside. The futon provided was warm and comfortable, perfect for a good night's rest after skiing. Upon check-in, one of the hosts provides two maps and helps you learn the layout of the town, offering tips and tricks to ensure the best possible experience. They provide onsen passes and discounts, recommendations and discounts for local ski rental shops, and essential information on what to do and where to go. The ski resort is about a 10-15 minute walk from Matsuo House, and you can find at least 10 onsens within a 15-minute walk. The town's only 24-hour convenience store (combini) is also less than a 10-minute walk away. If you're seeking a getaway from the crowds and wish to experience Japan's countryside beauty, visit Zao Onsen and stay at Matsuo House to truly immerse yourself in the culture and natural splendor. I can't wait to come back!

Very helpful owners, close to ski lifts, access to off-site onsen.

We particularly love its antique Japanese taste. The inside bedroom and restrooms are super clean. The location is super good. Easy to travel within the village. You may feel the setting of the entrance passage looks like a movie setting. It will give you special memories years later when you look back now.