Zao Onsen

Spread across a highland at roughly 880 meters, Zao Onsen is an ancient spa said to have opened more than a thousand years ago. Its strongly acidic, milky water with a scent of sulfur has long been loved as a spring that leaves the skin soft.

Highlights

The town offers public bathhouses and an expansive open-air bath built along a mountain stream, where abundant free-flowing source water can be savored. The distinctive touch of true sulfur water is a hallmark.

Enjoying the Seasons

In winter the ropeway ride up to view the snow monsters is world famous, letting you combine skiing and hot springs in one trip. Summer is cool and refreshing, a fine base for highland hiking.

Access and Basic Information

About 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station. The water is an acidic sulfur spring, said to have strong antiseptic qualities.

A Quick Tip

Because the water is quite acidic, a quick rinse with fresh water after bathing eases any irritation on the skin.