Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring resorts, said by tradition to have a history of 1,900 years. Situated at an elevation of about 900 meters on the mid-slope of the famous Zao mountain range in Tohoku, it is known for its abundant hot spring water and highly acidic sulfur springs. In the hot spring town, steam rises into the air, and a wide variety of accommodations line the streets, from traditional ryokan inns to modern hotels. Along with its seasonal natural beauty and historic streetscape, the hot springs themselves are a major attraction.

History
Zao Onsen is said to have been discovered by Kibi Tagayu, who accompanied Prince Yamato Takeru on his eastern expedition. In addition, an old record from 873 (the 15th year of the Jogan era) mentions the Sukawa Onsen Shrine, confirming that the hot spring has a history of at least 1,000 years. During the Edo period, it flourished as a trailhead for pilgrimages to Zao Gongen and had already developed the character of a sightseeing resort.
In the Taisho period, roads, streetlights, and a police box were improved, and in the Showa era, a ski resort and ropeway opened, leading to its growth as a major tourist destination. Since then, inns and hotels have continued to be built, and today it welcomes many visitors from Japan and abroad as one of the largest mountain resorts in Tohoku.

Features and Benefits of the Hot Springs
Zao Onsen is a highly acidic sulfur spring and is known as the “bath for beautiful skin” because of its excellent skin-beautifying effects. Sulfur springs are said to have the following benefits:

Skin-beautifying effects: They are said to have antibacterial effects on the skin and to soften dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth.
Promotes blood circulation: They are expected to improve blood flow and help with sensitivity to cold and fatigue recovery.
Rejuvenating effects: They are believed to activate mucopolysaccharides and proteins, helping to prevent aging of the skin and blood vessels.
Cleansing effects: Because they wash away sebum, they are sometimes called “soap-free water.”

The hot spring town has three public bathhouses—Kamiyu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu—making it easy to enjoy a bath-hopping experience within walking distance. In addition, the Zao Onsen Outdoor Grand Bath, which can accommodate 200 people at once, lets visitors enjoy free-flowing natural spring water surrounded by nature while listening to the murmur of a mountain stream and the songs of wild birds.

Tourist Attractions
Seasonal Nature
Spring: Fresh greenery and Minezakura cherry blossoms bloom, filling the mountain area with vibrant color.
Summer: Popular as a cool retreat, it offers hiking and the chance to observe alpine plants.
Autumn: Rowan and mountain maples turn red and gold, coloring the entire mountain in brilliant hues.
Winter: The Zao Onsen Ski Resort, one of the largest in Tohoku, and the fantastical “snow monsters” are the main highlights.

Okama Crater Lake of Zao
One of the most iconic views of the Zao mountain range is the crater lake known as Okama. Located at an altitude of around 1,600 meters, it is a circular crater lake about 360 meters in diameter. Because the color of the lake changes depending on the season and weather, it is also called “Goshikinuma,” or the Five-Color Pond.

Snow Monsters and Skiing
The symbol of winter in Zao is the “juhyo,” or snow monsters. Best viewed from January to February, these विशाल ice-and-snow formations can be seen near the summit of Mount Jizo. By taking the Zao Ropeway, visitors can enjoy the snow monsters even without skiing, and nighttime illumination events are also held.

Zao Onsen is a hot spring destination that combines the skin-beautifying qualities of its highly acidic sulfur springs with abundant nature and the atmosphere of a historic hot spring town. With seasonal scenery, hiking, skiing, and snow-monster viewing, it offers a wide range of experiences and continues to captivate visitors as one of Tohoku’s leading resorts.