Skiing in Zao: Experience Japan’s Legendary Snow Monsters and 1,900-Year-Old Hot Springs
Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is one of Japan’s best-kept winter secrets. Famous for its powdery snow, iconic “Snow Monsters” (Juhyo), and relaxing hot springs, it’s the perfect spot for a winter getaway that combines adventure and relaxation.
Zao Juhyo
Whether you're here to shred the slopes or soak in an onsen with mountain views, here's your ultimate guide to the top 5 ski resorts in Zao that offer the best of skiing, snow monsters, and steaming onsens!
Zao Ski Area Overview & How to Get There
Zao Sarukura Ski Resort
Zao is a winter wonderland that stretches across both Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, offering easy access to top ski resorts, steamy hot springs, and unique sights like snow monsters and foxes.
Getting to Zao from Tokyo:
- For Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata side): Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata Station (~2.5 hours), then hop on a bus or taxi to the resort (about 30–40 minutes).
- For Zao Eboshi Ski Resort (Miyagi side): Ride the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shiroishi-Zao Station (~2 hours), followed by a 30–50 minute bus or taxi ride to the slopes.
Zao is also a great base to explore other Tohoku gems like Ginzan Onsen (a dreamy snow-covered hot spring town) and the adorable Zao Fox Village — perfect for a scenic, animal-filled day trip!
1) Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Located in the heart of Zao Onsen, Zao Onsen Ski Resort is the flagship ski resort of the region. With natural powder snow, legendary snow monsters, and 1,900-year-old hot springs, it offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort boasts over 30 trails covering 50+ kilometers, catering to all skill levels. Whether you're carving down wide beginner slopes or tackling more advanced courses, there’s something for everyone.
Photo credit: Japan National Tourism Organization
What makes this resort truly iconic is the chance to ski through the Juhyo, or “snow monsters” — towering trees coated in layers of ice and snow by Siberian winds. It's a surreal sight you won’t find in many other places in the world.
After sunset, join the Snow Monster Fantasy Night Tour, where a giant snow vehicle takes you through the illuminated Juhyo fields — a magical experience straight out of a winter fairytale.
👉 Don’t miss: A post-ski soak in one of the town’s natural sulfur hot springs, perfect for relaxing tired muscles with stunning snowy views.
2) Zao Eboshi Ski Resort (Miyagi)
Miyagi Zao Karamo Ski Resort
As Miyagi Prefecture’s largest ski resort, Zao Eboshi Ski Resort is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone who wants a relaxing ski day with beautiful views of the Zao mountain range.
The resort offers around 10 trails, with most being gentle, wide, and beginner-friendly — ideal for first-timers and young kids. One of its highlights is a 4,300-meter-long trail that lets you cruise all the way down the mountain in one smooth run.
Intermediate and advanced skiers can explore ungroomed trails and steeper slopes with gradients reaching up to 35 degrees, offering a bit of thrill for more experienced riders.
Zao Eboshi also features night skiing and a dedicated kids’ snow park, complete with sledding and snow tubing areas — great for families traveling with children.
After your day on the slopes, unwind in the nearby Togatta Onsen, a historic hot spring town known for its healing waters and charming ryokan inns.
👉 Good to know: The resort is accessible from Shiroishi-Zao Station via bus or taxi, making it an easy day trip from Sendai or Tokyo.
3) Sumikawa Snow Park (Miyagi)
Image Source: Sumikawa Snow Park
Sitting at the highest elevation in Miyagi Prefecture, Sumikawa Snow Park offers breathtaking views, reliable snowfall, and unique snow activities beyond the slopes.
The park’s 3,000-meter beginner slope features gentle inclines, making it a great place for first-time skiers and snowboarders to learn at a relaxed pace. Thanks to its altitude, the snow is light and fluffy — perfect for smooth gliding.
Looking for more of a challenge? There are powder courses designed for intermediate riders and a terrain park with jumps, rails, and boxes, making Sumikawa a hit among freestyle snowboarders.
What really sets this resort apart is the Snow Monster Tour — a guided snowcat ride that takes you deep into the Juhyo fields. It’s one of the best ways to get up close to these frosty natural sculptures without having to ski.
👉 Try this too: Snowshoe hiking tours are available for those who want to explore the mountain on foot and take in the peaceful winter scenery.
4) Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort (Miyagi)
Image Source: Mizuo Shiraishi Ski Resort
Located in southern Miyagi, Zao Shiroishi Ski Resort may be smaller in size, but it delivers a well-rounded and affordable winter experience for skiers and families alike.
The resort features seven diverse trails, ranging from gentle beginner slopes to steep ungroomed runs for more advanced riders. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a challenge, there’s something here for every level.
It’s also a family-friendly destination, with a dedicated kids’ snow park offering slides, sleds, and safe snow play areas to keep the little ones entertained.
One of the biggest draws? Affordable lift tickets and free shuttle service from Shiroishi-Zao Station, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers looking for great value without compromising on quality.
👉 Insider Tip: This resort tends to be quieter than the bigger names — perfect if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy more space on the slopes.
5) Zao Sarukura Ski Resort (Yamagata)
Zao Sarukura Ski Resort
Zao Sarukura Ski Resort is unique in that it’s one of the few ski resorts in Tohoku dedicated solely to skiing, with no snowboarding allowed. This makes it a safer and more comfortable environment for beginners and families with young children.
The resort features an expansive beginner area with wide, gentle slopes—ideal for practicing basic skiing skills. There are also more challenging runs for advanced skiers, including courses with varying slopes and turns, as well as a championship-level slope for those looking to push their limits.
Sarukura also hosts family-friendly events, like mochi and cookie giveaways, adding a fun element to your skiing adventure.
Ready to Hit the Slopes in Zao?
Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Yamagata
Whether you're carving through powder at Zao Onsen, gliding down beginner-friendly runs at Zao Eboshi, or snowcat-riding through Juhyo fields at Sumikawa — Zao has something for every kind of snow lover.
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