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Zaō Onsen 蔵王温泉

Hot springs & ‘snow monsters’

Hakkoda snow monsters

Mt Zaō, at 1841m, is a volcanic wonderland that straddles the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.

On the Yamagata side, the hot springs town of Zaō Onsen, at 880m, offers some of the country's most acidic thermal waters.

In winter, the village turns into one of Tōhoku’s leading ski resorts. Enjoy a soak in an onsen after a day on the slopes. This is one of only a few places in Japan to see ‘snow monsters’ (see image).

In summer, the mountain attracts nature lovers with its spectacular Okama Crater on the Miyagi side of the prefectural border. The beautiful crater lake got its name as it resembles a traditional cooking pot or okama.

Having rental wheels here is great if you’re outside of the snow months (Nov-Apr).

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Zaō Onsen

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Skiing & Snowboarding

Tōhoku 東北

Text © Craig McLachlan

Image by Raita Futo