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Activity & Sport · Yamagata · Tohoku

Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort

山形蔵王温泉スキー場

Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort offers slopes for all levels and a long winter season, famous for its rare snow-covered 'juhyo' formations and access to hot springs.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Zao Onsen Ski Resort © Koda6029, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Official websiteEnglish · Japanese
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Zaoonsen, Yamagata-Shi, Yamagata 〒 990-2301

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a popular ski and snowboard destination located in the city of Yamagata, Japan. The resort offers a wide variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, including beginner, intermediate and advanced runs. The resort is known for its long ski season, typically running from late November to early May. It is also famous for its "snow monsters" or "juhyo" which are created by the heavy snowfall in the area and the strong winds that freeze the snow on the trees.

The resort also offers a variety of other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hot springs. The onsen in Zao Onsen area is one of the most famous hot spring in Japan. Visitors can also enjoy the local traditional Japanese culture and food. The resort provides a complete winter vacation experience for visitors, with a variety of accommodation options, including traditional Japanese inns and modern hotels, and a range of dining and shopping options.

  • Long ski season, typically running from late November to early May.

  • Variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, including beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.

  • Famous for its "snow monsters" or "juhyo" created by heavy snowfall and strong winds that freeze the snow on the trees.

  • Offers a variety of other winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and hot springs.

  • Zao Onsen area is famous for its hot spring, visitors can enjoy the local traditional Japanese culture and food.

  • Provides a complete winter vacation experience with a variety of accommodation options, including traditional Japanese inns and modern hotels, and a range of dining and shopping options.

At Hey Japan!, we strive to keep the places listed on our website as current as possible. However, location owners or management may alter opening times or modify admission requirements without prior notice. Check official websites before visiting.

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What's On here

Upcoming events at this place

Festival

Zao Juhyo Festival

The Zao Juhyo Festival showcases Snow Monsters, ethereal ice and snow formations that coat trees in the Zao Mountains, illuminated after dark to create a surreal winter landscape.

27 Dec 2026 – 23 Feb 2027 · Dates not yet confirmedYamagata
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