For visitors on a JR East Pass wanting to visit a great onsen town, look no further than Zao Onsen town in Yamagata Prefecture. A 2.5 hour ride on the Tsubasa shinkansen (bullet train) to JR Yamagata Station, one can purchase a bus ticket that takes visitors to the Onsen town in 40 minutes. The onsen town is popular during winter, as Mount Zao is right above it and attracts many skiers/snowboarders during then, and there is no better way to relax after a snowboarding session than to soak up at the onsen in the cold. The pictures here show the various onsens, lodging and views at this quiet little town.
- 1 min read
Walking around Zao Onsen Town
Enjoy onsen in one of the oldest hotsprings in Yamagata
Join the discussion
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
First photo is lovely!
Sleiman Azizi
4 years ago
Can't deny that!
Top Articles
-
![Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape]( "Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape")
1Explore Ishigaki From Town to Shore on a Two-Hotel Escape
Okinawa - Sponsored -
![Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets]( "Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets")
2Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
![Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan]( "Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan")
3Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
![An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT]( "An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT")
4An All-Inclusive Osaka Escape With KAMENOI HOTEL TONDABAYASHI ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT
Osaka - Sponsored -
![Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso]( "Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso")
5Kamenoi Hotel Aso: A Grand Nature Resort in Aso
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
![A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay]( "A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay")
6A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
![Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond]( "Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond")
7Ultimate Fukuoka Food Guide: Hakata Ramen, Yatai Culture & Beyond
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka]( "A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka")
8A Vegan Visit to Fukuoka
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
![Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture]( "Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture")
9Exploring Tokyo’s Food Culture
Tokyo - Sponsored -
![Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination]( "Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination")
10Izu Kogen: Japan’s Most Dog-Friendly Destination
Shizuoka - Sponsored
-
![Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan]( "Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan")
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
![Guide to Suica Cards in Japan]( "Guide to Suica Cards in Japan")
2Guide to Suica Cards in Japan
Transportation -
![Akishinodera Temple]( "Akishinodera Temple")
3Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
![Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes]( "Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes")
4Tax-free Shopping in Japan: 2026 Changes
Planning -
![The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo]( "The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo")
5The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
![Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque]( "Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque")
6Punch the Monkey: Japan's Viral Baby Macaque
Chiba -
![May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)]( "May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)")
7May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
![Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo]( "Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo")
8Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
![Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)]( "Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)")
9Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
![Japanese Urban Legends]( "Japanese Urban Legends")
10Japanese Urban Legends
Culture
