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Ski and Relax at the Traditional Onsen Ski Resort in Zao, Yamagata

Enjoy a magical ski and hot spring experience at Zao Onsen Ski Resort this winter when you book a dynamic, all-inclusive ski package with Japan Airlines.
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Ski and Relax at the Traditional Onsen Ski Resort in Zao, Yamagata

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of the largest and most comprehensive ski resorts in Japan. Not only is this destination famous in Japan as a traditional ski and snowboard resort, but it is also popular all year round as a traditional onsen hot spring village. Basically, it is a private Onsen ski village that offers something for everyone to enjoy during a visit. 

This traditional Onsen ski resort in Zao is located in Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region, about a 45-minute to one-hour drive by Ski Bus from Yamagata City. Although Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a popular ski and spa resort for locals, it is not well-known to foreign travelers. This makes it a rare gem for anyone looking for a unique winter sports destination that is not overrun by tourists each season. 

Zao Onsen Ski Resort receives abundant snowfall each winter, making it the perfect place for beginners, experts, and even extreme skiers to ski and snowboard. Plus, the cozy traditional Japanese Onsen village atmosphere makes it a wonderful resort to truly experience Japan. Here you'll discover the true history, culture, and ambiance of a Japanese village during the winter months. It's a simply magical experience that makes it worth a trip.

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Please read our step-by-step booking instructions for a smooth booking experience.

Japan Airlines Onsen Ski Resort Packages

Japan Airlines Onsen Ski Resort Packages

Japan Airlines has made it easy for anyone to take this trip of a lifetime to Zao Onsen Ski Resort. So, if you're eager to ski and relax at this traditional Onsen ski resort in Zao, you should book a flight with Japan Airlines. Only Japan Airlines offers an instant booking ski package in Japan for inbound travelers.

Our dynamic, all-inclusive packages simplify the process of booking and planning a trip to Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Japan. 

Here's what the basic package includes:  

• Domestic flights from an international airport such as Tokyo or Osaka to Yamagata Airport.
• Five comfortable ski resort hotels to choose from.
• A meal plan that consists of breakfast and dinner.

Extra package options that you can add on include: 

• One-way ground transportation via a taxi arrangement with other guests arriving on the same flight.
• Snow lift tickets/passes.

Enjoy the abundant snowfall

Enjoy the abundant snowfall

The northeastern Tohoku region of Japan in the Yamagata gets a lot of snowfall during the winter season. As a result of the abundant snowfall, visitors can enjoy the slopes throughout the entire season. Zao Onsen Ski Resort is one of the largest in Japan, which means there is plenty to do during your stay. You can enjoy your time there in a variety of ways, such as trying any and all winter sports, soaking in hot springs, shopping, sightseeing, or dining.

However, to get the most out of your stay, you'll want to try one of the adventurous winter sports activities on offer. The large ski resort has 14 different slopes and 12 courses catering to every level of rider, including children and seniors. There are several lifts and gondolas that service the resort and give you access to the various slopes and courses. The resort even has a fun slope park area for families and a separate park for snowboarders. Every part of the resort has been designed for visitors to make the most of the abundant snowfall and extensive outdoor activities. 

Besides the abundance of high-quality snow, Zao Onsen Ski Resort offers visitors something else quite special. The famous Juhyo, also known as "snow monsters," are prevalent here because of all the snow. These strange towering structures of ice tend to form on the trees in any of the terrains 1,500m or more above sea level. So, near the summit of most of the slopes, you'll get to ski between "snow monsters." This is a truly unique experience you won't be able to have anywhere else in the world, and it's another great reason to plan a winter sports holiday in Japan this winter.

A traditional Japanese snow resort

A traditional Japanese snow resort

Zao Onsen Snow Resort has tons of Onsen facilities throughout the village. The traditional atmosphere is similar to what you'll experience at most Onsen villages in Japan. This means you can experience both a winter sports holiday and a traditional Onsen village trip all at one exciting winter wonderland destination.

Visit Zao Village

The old Zao village dates back around 1900 years, and people have been visiting these hot springs for relaxation and healing. This traditional village owes its history and life to the volcanic heated hot springs that naturally occur in the region. These springs are a source of sulphuric acid that gives them a distinctive smell and exceptional healing properties.

Spend time soaking in these stunning hot springs to enjoy the rejuvenating effects. The water also helps to heal wounds, skin disease, muscle pains, and more. Within the traditional Japanese village, you'll find numerous Onsen day facilities to experience. Choose between the public bath hot springs, a foot bath, or a full pampering day spa. 

The lovely village of Zao is full of charm and offers travelers plenty of other activities as well. Go shopping at one of the many stores you'll find around the village or walk around taking in the gorgeous natural surroundings. If you want to see the famous "snow monsters" without skiing, you could take a "walk in the sky" on a cable car ride or even a nighttime "snow monster" tour. Additionally, there are a number of fun activities for kids and families to enjoy together in the old village.

Select your favorite hotel

Select your favorite hotel

Accommodation is included with any Japan Airlines ski package, and you get to select the hotel of your choice from the available list. The hotels offered through the package are chosen from the high-end hotels of Zao village. Currently, there are five hotels that you can select from:

Miyamasou Takamiya

• Miyamasou Takamiya - a Japanese traditional style hotel situated at the center of Zao village providing convenient access to multiple public baths, the ski lifts to get to the slopes, nature walks, and all the other attractions in the village. 

Miyamasou Takamiya

• Lucent Takamiya - a family-friendly Onsen hotel located at the center of the Zao Onsen hot spring area, just a two-minute walk from the Zao Chuo Ropeway's Onsen Station, making it perfect for both skiing and sightseeing.

• Meitoya so - All rooms are non-smoking and designed with a fusion of Japanese and modern aesthetics.Delight in the famous Yamagata local cuisine.Escape into a serene natural setting where time appears to pause.Centrally situated in the heart of the hot spring town, nestled amidst the mountains.

• Takamiya hotel JURIN - Enjoy the breathtaking view of the beautiful mountains of Zao from the elevated location. The atmosphere inside the hotel exudes the charm of a historic highland resort. Experience the rejuvenating effects of two types of hot springs: the acidic spring quality of Zao Onsen and the unique alkaline spring quality found in the surrounding forests. Indulge in a delectable kaiseki meal featuring the exquisite "Yamagata beef" for your dinner, savoring every bite.

• Takamiya Resort RURIKURA - The building was designed by the late architect Kenzo Tange, and the rooms offer a great view. For guests who love hot springs, we highly recommend exploring the baths at our five sister properties.

Regardless of which hotel you choose, you can expect the best facilities to provide you with a comfortable stay during your time in Zao. For extra convenience and enjoyment, a meal plan of breakfast and dinner is included as part of your basic package.

How to get around the area

How to get around the area

If you're wondering about navigating your way around a new country in the snow, Japan Airlines has you covered. You can include ground transportation as an optional extra to your package to ensure a convenient travel experience. We offer a taxi transfer option  from Yamagata Airport to Zao Onsen Ski Village upon arrival and departure.

A taxi transfer lets you save time and avoid the hassle if you don't want to wait for a bus. Taxi transfer is either in a car or a van (depending on the size of your party or size of  another group arriving on the same flight ), and the driver will be there waiting for you upon arrival. You select the ground transportation option that you'd like to add on and that would work best for you.

Whichever option you choose, you will have easy access to Zao village. Once you reach your hotel at Zao Onsen Ski Resort, you'll be able to get around on foot. Strolling through the traditional village is always pleasant and part of the overall experience. With the optional private transfer, you don't need to worry about getting around the region and can simply enjoy your holiday.

Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan

Winter in Japan is a magical time, especially in a traditional Onsen village such as Zao. Combine the relaxation of visiting an Onsen with the pure thrill of an adventurous ski vacation by booking your all-inclusive package to Zao Onsen Ski Resort through Japan Airlines. You'll get to enjoy an abundance of high-quality snow for your winter sports, the famous "snow monsters," and rejuvenation in the hot spring baths.

Please read our step-by-step booking instructions for a smooth booking experience.

FIND OUT ABOUT THE PACKAGE TOUR NOW
Getting There