Great value Yamagata / Miyagi Zao Ropeway Bus Tour & Popular Sightseeing Spots!
Straddle Yamagata and Miyagi Zao .. As a stand-alone ski resort, the magnificent slopes, which boast one of the largest areas in Japan, are popular. However, Zao's charm is not limited to ski resorts. Symbolizes winter Zao Enjoy spectacular views such as fantastic rime and icefalls Is also one of the attractions. Zao opened the hot spring in 110 and Long history of over 1900 years Was inherited One of the best hot spring villages in Japan Also known as, there are many attractions that you want to visit throughout the year! This time, in addition to the recommended day trip plan where you can fully enjoy Yamagata & Miyagi / Zao, we will also introduce activities that you can enjoy in the neighboring area!
table of contents
- 1 Access to Yamagata / Zao
- 2 Access to Miyagi / Zao
- 3 Zao has a wide variety of ski resorts and slopes
- 4 A superb view that is rare in the world! About Zao's rime
- 5 Enjoy the spectacular winter scenery "Rime on Trees" at Zao Ropeway, a popular winter date spot
- 6 Popular sightseeing spots in Yamagata and Zao
- 7 Popular sightseeing spots in Miyagi and Zao
- 8 A popular gourmet spot in Zao
- 9 5 popular hot springs near Yamagata / Miyagi Zao ski resort
- 10 Zao has a lot of activities to enjoy besides skiing and snowboarding!
- 11 Frequently Asked Questions for Zao (Yamagata / Miyagi)
Access to Yamagata / Zao
・ About 45 minutes by bus from JR "Yamagata Station", get off at "Zao Onsen Bus Terminal" bound for Zao Onsen
・ Approximately 35 minutes from the Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway
・ Approximately 25 minutes from the Yamagata Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway
・ Approximately 30 minutes by car from JR "Kaminoyama Onsen Station"
Access to Miyagi / Zao
・ Approximately 45 minutes by bus from "Shiroishi Zao Station" on the JR Tohoku Shinkansen
・ Approximately 30 minutes from Sendai via the Murata IC on the Tohoku Expressway or approximately 1 hour on a general road
・ Approximately 1 hour from Sendai to Togatta Onsen
Zao has a wide variety of ski resorts and slopes
Yamagata Prefecture When Miyagi Prefecture Zao straddling. One of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains Zao mountain range , A huge crater lake that shines in emerald green Okama Or "", also known as a snow monster. Rime on trees It is also known as a standard tourist spot that both prefectures are proud of.
This time A great activity where you can fully enjoy the highlights and attractions of the Zao area I tried to summarize below. First Zao ski resort I will introduce about. Please refer to it and enjoy the snow leisure to your heart's content!
Zao ski resort has a long history
The ski resort in Zao has a long history Opened in 1925 (Taisho 14) it was done. The first lift was erected in 1951 (Showa 26), shortly after the war.
In 1961 (Showa 36), leisure began to become popular in Japan. Early ski boom Will visit. After that, the popularity of skiing became firmly established after the hit of the movie on the theme of skiing. Ski resorts were also improved one after another.
Zao's ski resort is one of the ski resorts that drove the ski boom. It is still very popular.
The attraction of Zao Ski Resort is powder snow
The Zao area is surrounded by high-altitude mountains, and the temperature in midwinter is -14 degrees Celsius. Snow cover up to 6 meters or more Is observed, etc. Characterized by severe cold and abundant snowfall is. At Zao Ski Resort, due to the influence of geography and environment Low humidity snow = free-flowing "powder snow" You can enjoy it.
The mysterious icefall is also attractive
It is not only powder snow that the severe cold of Zao produces. In the Zao area The entire waterfall froze white and became an icicle " Ice waterfall Is also famous for being seen. The mysterious appearance of the entire waterfall frozen is " Ice art created by nature Also known as. Many photographers and tourists from all over the country visit every season in search of a spectacular winter view and icefall.
On the other hand, when looking at the icefall nearby, you must be careful about falling snow and falling icicles. For those who are uneasy, " Ice bomb tour It is recommended to participate in. A veteran guide will guide you through the route, so you can tour with confidence.
[Yamagata Zao] Ice bomb tour Snowshoe tour with transfer
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
It is a tour to see the frozen waterfall wearing snowshoes on the slopes of Nishizao, Yamagata City. Have lunch in front of the waterfall
What are the recommended ski resorts in Zao?
We are proud of the largest area in Japan! "Zao Onsen Ski Resort"
Located on the Yamagata side, " Zao Onsen Ski Resort The slope area is about For 65 Tokyo Domes (305ha) and One of the largest in Japan I am proud of. Tohoku As one of the representative ski resorts, it is known to be crowded with many skiers every season.
In the hall 14 slopes and 12 courses You can choose from a gentle course that even beginners can fully enjoy, to a super-difficult course with a maximum slope of 38 degrees for advanced players, according to your level and purpose.
The characteristic of "Zao Onsen Ski Resort" is, after all, " Rime field course There is .. You can also ski or snowboard while looking at the rime on the trees.
Please visit Zao Onsen Ski Resort many times this winter and try various courses!
A full range of courses for beginners! "Zao Liza World"
"You can enjoy high-quality powder snow" Zao Liza World "There are plenty of slippery courses even for beginners, The best ski resort for families and groups is. At the top of the slope, the course for intermediate and advanced users can also see the fantastic scenery of countless rime trees.
The venue is fully equipped with various facilities such as a restaurant where you can eat Japanese food and Italian food, a free Wi-Fi space where you can work remotely, and accommodation facilities. It is a ski resort that you can enjoy all day long.
Recommended for families "Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort"
For those who want to enjoy skiing with children, "" located on the Miyagi prefecture side Miyagi Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort Is recommended. A variety of lesson events for beginners and kids In addition to this, there is also a "Kids Park" where you can play sledding and snow for free, so you can enjoy skiing at a great price even during the season.
A course with a panoramic view of the non-compacted snow powder area, steep slopes with a maximum slope of 35 degrees, and the Pacific Ocean Various variations such as. The slope lineup that satisfies all levels from beginners to advanced skiers is attractive!
A superb view that is rare in the world! About Zao's rime
From the ski resorts and slopes in the Zao area, Zao mountain range You can enjoy a superb view overlooking. The Zao mountain range is a general term for mountains located in the eastern part of Miyagi and the western part of Yamagata. The Miyagi side is also called "Miyagi Zao" and the Yamagata side is also called "Yamagata Zao".
At the top of the Zao mountain range is a huge, rare in the world Rime on trees You can see the scenery as if ice flowers had bloomed on the trees. Rime on trees is a fantastic landscape created by snow and trees covered with ice. Rime can only be seen in a limited area under special conditions, A natural phenomenon that is rare both nationally and globally is. The rime that has grown significantly is also known as " Snow monster "or" Ice monster It is also called, and is loved by domestic and foreign tourists.
Tree ice is a type of hoarfrost. Rime is ice that is formed by the adhesion of water vapor contained in the atmosphere when the temperature is below freezing and supercooled fog particles that do not freeze even at 0 degrees or less. Rime on trees is a so-called surface layer of ice formed by repeating a series of flows in which snowflakes are taken into the gaps between the formed ice and become hard.
Zao's rime is a coniferous tree that grows in the subalpine zone. Abies mariesii Can be covered with snow and ice.
November-December When cloud particles (supercooled water droplets) carried by the seasonal wind collide with branches and leaves and freeze, shrimp sippo is formed and icing begins, and snow accretion begins to cover.
Rime on trees begins to form around the end of December. The peak of rime on trees is February Until around the beginning of March. Enjoy skiing in a location surrounded by rime This is one of the reasons why Zao ski resorts are so popular.
Miyagi Zao to avoid congestion
In the case of Miyagi Zao, unlike Yamagata Zao, where the ski resort and the rime field are integrated, You can see the rime that lives in nature ..
Therefore, unlike Yamagata Zao, There are no transportation facilities such as ropeways .. Instead, " Sumikawa Snow Park "from Snowcat Wild Monster Take the board to the rime field (reservation required).
At Yamagata Zao, we use the ropeway to the spot where you can see the rime on trees, but there are also skiers and snowboarders, so in the best season There will be queues and congestion waiting for the ropeway Is not uncommon. In that respect, Miyagi Zao " By appointment only ”Snowcat with heating So, it's a nice point to go to the rime on trees.
It is difficult to make a reservation in February when the rime is at its peak, so it is recommended to make an early reservation.
For those who want to take a closer look at the rime on trees, Rime tour experience tour It is also recommended to participate in. An experienced guide will pick you up and take you through the snowy mountains. Snowshoes I wear folk implements for walking on the snow called "" and take a walk. Even people who are not good at skiing can fully enjoy the fantastic scenery of the rime on trees.
[Yamagata Zao] Snowshoe tour around the ice trees with transportation
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
Yamagata Zao mountain range Rakuchin! From Yamagata city to the trailhead, with round-trip transportation ♫ Zao mountain range famous for rime on trees. Trekking around the most famous pot with snowshoes! If you walk in the rime on the trees and the time and weather are right, you can see the ice-covered pot and visit the snow-covered Kattamine Shrine.
[Kaminoyama Onsen / Zao Bodaira Kogen] Rime Snowshoe Hiking 2022
Superb view, rime, hoarfrost, silver world Snowshoe hike Let's walk the Zao's tree ice field to the world of silver without any footprints! The world-famous rime on Zao. It is a snowshoe hike using snowshoes with a snowshoe guide such as Zao Bodaira's rime field-winter pot-beech forest. It is also that the powerful rime on the trees is scattered on the spacious and comparatively gentle slope.
Enjoy the spectacular winter scenery "Rime on Trees" at Zao Ropeway, a popular winter date spot
"" At the foot of Zao Onsen Ski Resort Zao Ropeway "Connects Zao Sanroku Station, Juyo Kogen Station, and Jizo Sancho Station, A large panorama of the magnificent Zao mountain range You can enjoy a walk in the air for about 17 minutes while watching.
Especially in winter, you can look down on the rime that stretches far away, so you can enjoy a mysterious view that is different from the one you see from the ground.
Illumination of rime from December to February every year Is also done, A fantastic snow monster that shines in the dark You can enjoy. New snow vehicle " Night Cruiser "To watch" Rime fantasy corridor tour "and. Zao Ropeway is a perfect tourist spot for winter dates, whether it's day or night.
In 2016 A romantic spot suitable for a proposal Project to certify " Lover's Sanctuary Satellite Was selected. It is a date spot that you want to stop by as a couple.
[Yamagata Prefecture, Zao] Yamagata Zao Bus & Rime Tree Ice Viewing Ticket
- 4.0
- (1 review / experience)
A great ticket that includes a round-trip bus fare between Yamagata Station and Zao Onsen Bus Terminal and a round-trip ropeway ticket. * The best time to see the rime on trees is from late January to mid-February *
Popular sightseeing spots in Yamagata and Zao
Zao Jizoson
Zao Jizoson is located 100m from Zao Ropeway Jizo Sancho Station. This Jizo, which sits in a highland at an altitude of about 1,660 m, Height 2.34m Big sitting statue It was built in 1775 (Anei 4).
It is said that it took 37 years to complete, and the number of victims decreased after the construction. Disaster protection Jizo Even now, more than 200 years later, If you pray, your wish will come true, and you will be able to escape accidental disasters in particular. It is reported that.
It is a large Jizo with a height of 2.34m, but by the time you can see the rime on the trees, you can feel the awesomeness of the heavy snowfall as it is buried in the snow up to your shoulders.
Yamagata Prefecture Tourist Product Center "Good Yamagata"
"Good Yamagata" is located along National Highway No. 13, close to the Yamagata-Kaminoyama IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway, so when you go sightseeing in Yamagata by car, A facility that you definitely want to stop by for a break or to buy souvenirs .. Including seasonal fruits of Yamagata, local sake and wine, traditional crafts such as famous confectionery and kokeshi dolls, Yonezawa beef and pickles, etc. We have various products ..
"Representative long-established confectionery stores in the prefecture are listed" Yamagata confectionery corner "And" which deals with famous sake in the prefecture Yamagata Meishukan , A collection of souvenirs from the six prefectures of Tohoku Tohoku souvenir corner You will surely find your favorite souvenir.
Direct sales corner for fruits and vegetables The seasonal flavors are sold at a bargain price, and it is crowded not only on holidays but also on weekdays.
Spacious food court Then, you can eat Yamagata's specialty soba, ramen, steak, sweets, etc., and the restaurant " Sanmi Kaiseki Then, edible wild plants, sardines, and konjac Kaiseki cuisine There is also You can enjoy the taste of Yamagata .. Also, from the open terrace seats, it is far away on a sunny day. Beautiful mountains such as Mt. Gassan You can also look at.
Popular sightseeing spots in Miyagi and Zao
Miyagi Zao Fox Village
You can meet the foxes on the snow
..
When I hear that I'm in contact with a fox, I'm generally worried. Parasite "Echinococcus" Probably. In Miyagi Zao Fox Village, since the park opened Thorough infection control Is being carried out Zero infections to date That's right. By regular clinical tests and drug administration An environment where you can interact with peace of mind Is in place.
Main activity time is morning, afternoon nap time The foxes who become. Red fox, cross fox, gin fox, platinum fox, brown plastic fox, red fox, arctic fox (white), arctic fox (blue), etc. Take a close-up shot of rare foxes can.
The recommended sightseeing spots to visit in winter are Being able to witness changes in the fox itself !!
The fox grows into winter hair from around October in preparation for the harsh winter, Mofumofu's more cute appearance !!
If you're going to meet a fluffy, mofumofu fox, Best to visit between autumn and winter .. There is a high possibility of snow, so Don't forget to protect yourself from the cold Let's do it. At the dedicated feeding ground on the premises Feeding or, Taking a photo while holding a fox You can also experience such things, depending on the time of visit Child fox hugging experience You can also do it!
Foxes have sharp teeth and are very curious, so For feeding, admission with children, clothes, etc. There are strict rules .. After checking in advance, follow the instructions of the staff at the site, follow the rules, and enjoy a relaxing time with cute foxes safely.
A popular gourmet spot in Zao
actually, In Zao Genghis Khan is a specialty Did you know that?
Genghis Khan, a specialty of Zao, which is said to be the origin of Genghis Khan Carefully made thick slices of lamb with apples and oranges Characterized by handmade sauce ..
There are various theories about the birthplace of Genghis Khan, but at Zao Onsen, grilled meat made from sheep meat has been popular with the common people since the early Showa period when cotton sheep flourished, and many shops are still lined up today. Uses soft and thick lamb meat with little habit, and is juicy on the outside and inside.
The pot for baking Genghis Khan is Yamagata's traditional technique, " Yamagata casting It is said that it started with making a pot like a helmet. The helmet-shaped pot made of casting has a uniform fire path, removes excess fat, and makes plump and delicious lamb meat.
Also for lunch between skiing and snowboarding! There are many famous stores that are loved by locals and entertainers, so be sure to check them out.
5 popular hot springs near Yamagata / Miyagi Zao ski resort
Zao mountain range straddling Yamagata and Miyagi Is an active volcano, and the surrounding area is A hot spring town dotted with many hot springs Is prospering as.
Zao Onsen has a long history and is said to have been a popular resort area as early as the Edo period. After that, in the Taisho era, the surrounding roads were improved, and Zao as a hot spring town was established more and more.
The quality of the Zao Onsen is Strong acid sulfur spring is. It is a sulfur spring with a unique smell, Cleanse the epidermis, including promoting blood circulation There are also various benefits that make you happy.
Next, I will introduce the recommended hot springs near the ski resorts and slopes in the Zao area.
Recommended communal bath in Zao Onsen
The communal baths of Zao Onsen, which is famous as a famous hot spring in Tohoku, are scattered near the "Ichido River". At the top is " Upper bath communal bath ", A little downstream of that" Shimoyu communal bath ", On the other side of the river," Kawarayu communal bath Is located.
Each facility has slightly different characteristics, such as cloudy hot water and a bathhouse that springs from your feet, so it is recommended that you visit each communal bathhouse and enjoy a comparison.
Even though it's free, 100% of the source is flowing! A popular footbath in Zao Onsen
In the hot spring town of Zao, " Footbath of Shimoyu "" Donkey front footbath Anyone can feel free to enjoy Free footbath Are also scattered.
Even if it is a footbath, the quality of the spring is the same as that of Zao Onsen. Sulfur spring that flows 100% from the source .. Skiing and snowboarding , activity Please stop by after enjoying the hot springs or between hot spring tours.
The open-air bath that flows 100% from the source is attractive! "Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu"
You can enjoy the open-air bath that flows 100% from the source. "Skin-friendly" so that even people with sensitive skin can enjoy Zao Onsen Four and six hot springs "" Kameyu "" Indoor indoor bath "And so on.
The facility is fully equipped with facilities such as a restaurant, rest area, and souvenir shop, so it is recommended to relax while healing the body tired from skiing and leisure.
Rare in Japan! "Sunoko no Yu Monogatari Kawaraya" right above the source
A bathtub is set up on the hot spring that springs from the bottom of the river. Because the bottom is covered with drainboards You can enjoy the self-spraying underfoot It is popular.
In ordinary hot springs, hot water is pumped up and stored in a bathtub. However, because the drainboard hot water naturally springs from your feet, A very fresh source that has never been exposed to the air Can be tasted.
Why don't you try the hot springs of the quality that makes hot spring enthusiasts groan?
Kaminoyama Onsen, a hot spring town that once prospered as a castle town
"" Located in the southeastern part of Yamagata Prefecture Kaminoyama Onsen Is a hot spring town with a long history of more than 560 years since it was discovered in 1458. It consists of two areas, one that retains the remnants of what once prospered as a castle town and post town, and the other that stands on a quiet hill overlooking the Zao mountain range.
The quality of the Kaminoyama Onsen is colorless and transparent. Weakly alkaline is. In addition to having a smooth and smooth texture, it promotes heat retention and moisturization. Because it is said, another name is " Bijin no Yu It is also called.
For those who are not good at "sulfur," which is a characteristic of Zao Onsen, it is a good idea to stop by Kaminoyama Onsen.
The nearest station is the Yamagata Shinkansen stop. JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station So access is also good. About two and a half hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo. It is also recommended to enjoy a luxurious day trip for adults. "The famous castle of Dewa" was called " Kaminoyama Castle Is about 15 minutes on foot from the station. Take a walk along with the surrounding samurai residences.
There is also a great taxi tour where you can enjoy rime on trees from Kaminoyama Onsen. If you leave the snowy road to a professional driver, you can move easily!
[From Kaminoyama Onsen] Zao Noon
Popular No. 1 ★ From Kaminoyama Onsen ★ Daytime rime viewing plan About 30 minutes by taxi from Kaminoyama Onsen. From Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station, transfer to the ropeway to the top of Mt. Jizo. You can enjoy the world of silver tree ice. After that, we moved to the Yamagata Prefecture Tourist Product Center "Good Yamagata" and had free activities such as lunch and shopping. Not limited to Yamagata, we have delicious foods from Tohoku
[From Kaminoyama Onsen] Zao Night Issue
Popular No. 2 ★ From Kaminoyama Onsen ★ Night rime lit up viewing plan About 30 minutes by taxi from Kaminoyama Onsen. To Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station. From Zao Ropeway / Zao Sanroku Station, transfer to the ropeway to the top of Mt. Jizo. The rime on the trees lit up in the dark is fantastic. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the night view of Zao Onsen, Yamagata, and Kaminoyama.
[Kaminoyama Onsen guests only] Zao night issue / Zao lunch issue set plan
Only for Kaminoyama Onsen guests! Set plan of Zao night issue of the night and Zao lunch issue of the next day About 30 minutes by taxi from Kaminoyama Onsen. To Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station. From Zao Ropeway / Zao Sanroku Station, transfer to the ropeway to the top of Mt. Jizo. In the Zao night issue, the rime lit up in the dark is fantastic. When the weather is nice, the night view of Zao Onsen, Yamagata, and Kaminoyama
There is also a free shuttle bus that connects the Zao area and the city of Kamiyama, but since the number is small, it is recommended that you check the location of the bus stop and the timetable in advance before using it.
In addition, there is a plan that includes a day trip bath at Zao Onsen with a historic hot spring town walk tour, and a great plan that includes a break in the room and a lunch you can choose, so please check it out!
[Yamagata / Zao Onsen] Comes with a hot spring town walk tour guided by the inn's husband or the head of the inn! Zao Onsen Petit stay plan to relax in a large communal bath, open-air bath, communal bath, and private room!
Located in the center of the hot spring town in front of the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, this hotel boasts 100% natural hot springs with a strong acid sulfur spring that stimulates the five senses. The hotel's large public bath, open-air bath, and four paid private baths, which advocate the principle of source, use 100% of the strong acid sulfur spring of 180 liters per minute that naturally springs from the private source "Tsuruya Hotel Source". I will. Source spring
[Yamagata / Zao] One-day hot spring "Plan with room and lunch"
The hot springs of Taihei Hotel have been running for 1,900 years, and are 100% flowing hot springs that are milky white and strongly acidic. Of the approximately 1,400 hot spring inns nationwide, only 1% has a 100% free-flowing source. Please enjoy a fresher hot spring.
Zao has a lot of activities to enjoy besides skiing and snowboarding!
In the vicinity of Yamagata and Zao Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year ..
From early summer to midsummer, the Mogami River Rafting Or Shirataka Paraglider , Aiming for the sea in Miyagi prefecture SUP experience It is recommended to challenge. Let's enjoy playing to the fullest!
[Tohoku / Yamagata] Asahi Town / Mogami River Rafting Standard Course ☆ Photo data is free! With hot spring bathing ticket!
- 5.0
- (10 reviews / experiences)
Rafting is the activity of going down the river! Rafting is a popular outdoor sport where you can row down a natural river on an 8-seater rubber boat. A guide will be on board each boat to support you and aim for the goal while maneuvering. ☆ Rustica's rafting tour uses the Mogami River in Yamagata, Tohoku, which shows the appearance of each season. spring
[Yamagata / Shirataka] Paraglider tandem experience course of full-scale flight operated by an instructor
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
It is a course that you can feel free to experience full-fledged Paragliding flight experience. Experience a flight with an altitude difference of 500 meters with an instructor and a two-seater rider. Since the instructor will do the maneuvering, please leave it! It is ok if takeoff and landing is a person who can make a small run. Please consult with the staff in advance if you are not good at extremely high places.
[Yamagata / Miyagi] Sea SUP experience ♪ (120 minutes)
Go out to the sea and experience the stand-up paddle board. The destination is the sea in Miyagi prefecture where good waves come ♪
In autumn, many tourists come to Zao in search of beautiful autumn leaves. Above all, " Zao Central Plateau Is popular as a famous spot for autumn leaves, and is in full bloom from mid-September to mid-October.
Located in the center of Zao Onsen, " Zao Central Ropeway I hope from Collaboration of emerald green crater lake and autumn leaves Is especially spectacular! If you want to see the autumn leaves at a little-known spot, join the "Autumn Leaves Walk Plan". It is recommended that veteran guides will guide you from the standard spots that you definitely want to visit to the hidden spots that people in the know know.
[Yamagata / Zao] Enjoy the nature of Zao ☆ Cycling tour ☆
Why don't you enjoy the nature of Zao while riding a bicycle? Those who like cycling, those who want to ride a bicycle and enjoy Zao in a short time Please spend a relaxing time in the relaxing scenery and time ♪ * There is also a model course.
Frequently Asked Questions for Zao (Yamagata / Miyagi)
Q What kind of place is Zao?
A Zao, which straddles Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, is proud of the fact that you can see the "Zao mountain range", one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan, the huge crater lake "Okama" that shines in emerald green, and the "rime". It is known as a classic tourist spot. In the harsh cold Zao area, it is also famous for seeing "Hyobaku", where the entire waterfall freezes white and becomes icicles. The mysterious appearance of the entire waterfall frozen is also called "the art of ice created by nature", and many photographers and tourists from all over the country visit every season. "Miyagi Zao Fox Village", where you can interact with many foxes, has become explosively popular with foreign tourists in recent years. The Zao mountain range is an active volcano, and the surrounding area is prospering as a hot spring town dotted with many hot springs.
Q What are the characteristics of Zao's ski resorts and slopes?
A The Zao area is surrounded by high-altitude mountains, and the temperature in midwinter is -14 degrees Celsius, and snow cover of up to 6 meters or more is observed. Due to the effect, you can enjoy the dry and silky "powder snow". Zao's ski resort has a long history, opening in 1925 (Taisho 14) and driving the ski boom. From the ski slopes in the Zao area, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the "Zao mountain range", and you can also enjoy skiing in a location surrounded by rime, which is one of the reasons for its popularity. The rime groups lined up on the vast slopes are also known as "snow monsters" and "ice monsters," and the peak season is February and can be seen until early March.
Q Features of Zao Onsen and popular hot springs
A Zao Onsen has a long history and is said to have been a popular resort area as early as the Edo period. The quality of the Zao Onsen is a strongly acidic sulfur spring. Although it has a unique scent, it also has various benefits that are good for the body, such as promoting blood circulation and a skin-beautifying effect that cleanses the epidermis. There are many "100% source hot springs" hot springs where you can enjoy the ingredients of the hot springs as they are without adding water, heating, or circulating them. Not only inns, but also day trip baths and "communal baths" with slightly different characteristics for each facility. You can easily enjoy visiting the hot springs even with a free footbath.
Q What other activities can you enjoy besides skiing and snowboarding?
A In the vicinity of Zao, you can enjoy various activities throughout the year. From early summer to midsummer, it is recommended to try SUP experience aiming for rafting on the Mogami River, paragliding in Shirataka, and the sea in Miyagi prefecture. In autumn, many tourists come to Zao in search of beautiful autumn leaves. Among them, "Zao Chuo Kogen" is popular as a famous place for autumn leaves, and it is in full bloom from mid-September to mid-October. The collaboration between the emerald green crater lake and the autumn leaves, which you can see from the "Zao Chuo Ropeway" located in the center of Zao Onsen, is especially spectacular.
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