Zao Onsen Main Outdoor Hot Spring
The hot water in this spa flows from a natural hot spring which is strong in sulfur, acid in character, and contains aluminum, sulfate and chloride. The green-tinged milky white water is said to be good for various ailments including chronic dermatitis, diabetes, chronic digestive disease, chronic female disorders and joint problems, and recovery from fatigue. People are fond of this hot spring which "raises healthy children", "cures difficult illnesses" and makes skin white and smooth. It is also known as "the spring of princesses" and "the spring of beauty". A noted feature of Zao Onsen Main Outdoor Hot Spring is that 200 people can bathe together.
Zao Onsen is said to have been discovered by a military commander, Kibinotagayu, in 110 during a campaign led by Yamato Takerunomikoto to conquer the Emishi people. Located about 900m above sea level, also known as Tagayu Onsen or Takayu Onsen, this hot spring is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the Ou region, together with Shirabu Onsen (Yamagata Prefecture) and Shinobu Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture). The town prospered as a place of hot spring therapy.
There are five main springs with 47 outflows. The springs issue more hot water than any others in Yamagata Prefecture.
Hot spring town
Sukawa Onsen Jinja Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to the god of hot springs. It appears in an old history book called Nihon Sandai Jitsuroku that mentions Emperor Seiwa, who granted fifth rank to the shrine in 873. People worship the god, who is also believed to help agriculture, commerce and industry to prosper, to care for the family, to protect against evil and to marry well.
Public spas
There are three public spas: Kamiyu . entrance of Sukawa Onsen Jinja Shrine, Kawarayu . near the a natural hot spring, and Shimoyu, with a foot bath. These public spas are convenient for everybody to enjoy the hot springs of Zao.
Hot spring day trip
Lake Shiginoyachi
This lake is famous for the skunk cabbage which grows in great profusion. It begins to bloom as the snow starts melting. This walk near the hot spring town is highly recommended.
Monuments with poems by Mokichi Saito
See the monuments in hot spring towns and on mountain tops inscribed with poems by Mokichi Saito, a native of Yamagata Prefecture who loved Zao that presents such beautiful scenery for each of the four seasons.
Zao Pension Village
Near Zao Onsen. Enjoy the distinctive Open Garden that has limited seasonal openings.
Lake Okama
Created by an eruption of Mt. Goshikidake, this almost circular crater lake is 300 meters across and 25 meters deep. Also called Goshikinuma (five-color swamp) because the hues of its emerald-colored water change.
You can see many types of alpine plants, such as aleutian avens, orchis aristata and tussock cottongrass. Above all, the queen of alpine plants, the bleeding heart, with its cute pink flowers, is a treasure loved by mountain trekkers.
Chuo Kogen Walking Course, Lake Dokko
This walking course in Chuo Kogen passes some lakes including Lake Dokko. The view of the lakes surrounded by the huge expanse of Japanese beech forest with Fudo Falls is very beautiful.
Walk course Kanshodaing・Iroha Lakes
This walk takes you around the variously sized Irohanuma Lakes in marsh land, with views of Kanshodaira where pine trees more than 300 years old, thought to be the origin of bonsai trees, grow in a dense mass.
Mt. Sampo Kojinsan
The 360 degree view from the top of Mt. Sampo Kojinsan, one of the mountains in the Zao mountain range, is magnificent. Enjoy looking at various plants in their natural environment.
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Having specia“l lot” with Zao, Mr. Toni Sailer (1935-2009), is a special honorary citizen and Austrian of Alpine skiing Contestant and actor. The monument set up in honor of his meritorious service is a fresh power spot of Zao.
Three major gods of Zao
Zao Daigongen
The statue of Zao Daigongen was constructed at Shimohozawa at the entrance (Zao entrance) of Zao Sky Cable Chuo Kogen Station. People worship Daigongen in the belief that he is able to conquer evil and bring peace, and they also believe that he is the god of the water required for agriculture and other industries.
Zao Daikokuten
The legend is that the discovered of the hot spring in Zao, Kibinotagayu's battle wound heal after bathing in the spa. He believed this was due to Daikokuten because he had been worshipping Daikokuten, so he founded a shrine to Daikokuten on the summit of Mt. Zao. The statue of Zao Daikokuten was constructed at the viewing point on the summit of Mt. Torikabutoyama in the hope of prosperous business and the safety of tourists.
Zao Jizoson
A village headman of Hozawa spent 37 long years constructing this statue of Jizoson to make a wish come true and to protect against evil. It is located about 100m east of Zao Ropeway Jizo Sancho Station. This seated statue of Jizoson is made of andesite. It measures 2.34 meters in height, 1.2 meters across the shoulders, 1.8 meters between the knees, and sits on top of a platform 0.34 meters tall.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort One of the best ski resorts in Japan
Zao Onsen Ski Resort with hot springs, ice trees, powder snow and stable ski slope conditions thanks to plentiful snowfalls has long been a favorite of skiers and snowboarders.The 12 courses and 14 slopes full of variety make the most of the natural landscape features.
Signs are posted in English, Korean and Chinese at slopes, courses, etc. Zao ski patrol groups and volunteer safety instructors work in the resort to ensure safety and help you to have a great time.
Ice trees were discovered by an expedition of local people in 1914, who called them snow boys. A documentary by a German named Dr. Arnold Fanck brought the ice trees of Zao to the eyes of the world.
Views of ice trees
Snow trekking
You can experience trekking in snow by wearing snow shoes, enjoy spectacular views , discover footprints of small animals, and a lot more. Zao mountain instructors will show you around in safety.
Ropeways, cable cars and chairlifts
There are 41 ropeways, cable cars and chairlifts to carry large numbers of visitors. Six lifts are in operation during summer, too, for trekkers.
Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line
Sancho Line
Zao Chuo Ropeway
Zao Sky Cable
