Hot springs in Zao
Zao, Tohoku · Japan
Zaō Onsen, nestled on Mount Zaō in northern Honshū, Japan, is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs with a rich history dating back to 110 AD. The area's mineral-rich waters, high in sulfur and iron, offer a unique healing experience characterized by their distinct smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. Visitors are drawn to the atmospheric public bathhouses where they can immerse themselves in water heated naturally to 113 °F/45 °C. Beyond its hot springs, Zaō Onsen captivates with its natural beauty, including the mesmerizing 'snow monsters'—conifer trees encrusted by rime ice during winter months. This enchanting phenomenon adds a mystical allure to the landscape, making it an appealing destination for both relaxation and exploration. Winter is ideal for witnessing the 'snow monsters,' while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for enjoying the hot springs and surrounding nature.
Top-rated hot springs in Zao
A highland onsen resort at around 880 meters in the Zao mountain range of Yamagata Prefecture. The strongly acidic sulfur springs are among the most potent in Tohoku. In winter, the mountain above becomes famous for juhyo: fir trees coated in thick mantles of rime ice that form bizarre shapes the Japanese call snow monsters.
Browse the full Zao directory
Filter and see the complete listing.