Stays near Zao Onsen

Where Snow Monsters Meet Champagne Pow

Zao Onsen's vibe: Traditional, mellow, charming - based in Yamagata with 41 lifts.

For the easiest mornings, stay close to the main base lift; for better value, zoom out and compare nearby areas on the map.

Extra tip: more listings sometimes show up using the Japanese name: 蔵王温泉.

More to explore

Best

Best Ski Resorts in Japan for Real Vertical and Long Runs (2025/26)

Used to big vert in North America or Europe? These Japan resorts deliver the longest top-to-bottom runs and the most “real vertical” feeling, plus where to fly, when to go, and how to maximise your metres.

Read

Best

Best Onsen Ski Resorts in Japan

The best Japan ski resorts for pairing ski days with real hot springs towns, public bathhouses, and onsen streets. Includes Nozawa, Zao, Kusatsu, Myoko, Shiga Kogen, and more.

Read

Best

Best Spring Ski Resorts in Japan (March–April)

Where to ski in Japan in March–April. Hokkaido headliners and Honshu spring specialists that stay open late with reliable snow and easy logistics.

Read

Phone connected to socials on a ski lift in Japan

Guide

Stay Connected with eSIMs in Japan

Get mobile data in Japan in minutes. Ballpark pricing in yen, compatible iPhones, Galaxies and Pixels, quick setup steps, and how to unlock your iPhone if needed.

Read

Guide

Winter Car Hire & Driving in Japan

A practical guide to renting a car and driving in winter Japan. What snow tires actually are, when chains are worth getting, typical family hire costs, and a simple winter driving playbook for ski towns.

Read