Zaō

Day Trips

Begin your journey with a scenic train ride from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen, taking in snow-capped peaks along the way. Check in at a traditional ryokan and feel the warmth of freshly prepared tatami. Sample a steaming bowl of local noodle soup before setting out to explore the village.

Wander through the quaint streets of Zao Onsen, stopping at charming cafés and souvenir shops. Visit a small museum dedicated to the region’s volcanic heritage and learn about the hot springs’ healing minerals. Sip on amazake in a cozy teahouse while watching steam rise from nearby fumaroles.

Sink into a private rotenburo filled with mineral-rich water as snowflakes drift overhead. Relish an elaborate kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal mountain vegetables and river trout. End the evening with a cup of warm sake by the hearth, listening to the crackle of the fire.

Start the day with an early ropeway ride up to the Okama Crater, often called the Five Color Pond. The panoramic winterscape will take your breath away as mist curls over the emerald water. Capture the legendary view and warm up with a cup of hot matcha at the summit station.

Descend on foot along the hiking trail that loops around the crater rim, perfect for snapping close-up shots of the volcanic rock formations. Stop at the observation deck to learn about the crater’s natural history at the small interpretive center. Enjoy a packed bento lunch overlooking the steaming caldera before heading back down.

Return to your ryokan for a relaxing soak in the rotenburo under the open sky. Savor a multi-course kaiseki dinner crafted from local mountain vegetables and seasonal fish. Cap off the evening with a nightcap of warm sake by the hearth while listening to the roar of nearby hot spring vents.

Embark on a snowmobile safari to witness the famed juhyo, or snow monsters, draped along ancient conifer trees. Stand in awe of the whimsical ice sculptures sculpted by wind and snow at the higher elevations. Toast the moment with hot amazake by a campfire and share stories with fellow adventurers.

Switch to snowshoes for a guided trek through frost-laden forests, crunching over pristine snowfields. Pause beneath towering cedars to learn about the local ecology from an expert naturalist. Warm up with a hearty mountain stew served in a cozy alpine hut.

Head back to Zao Onsen and treat yourself to a scented hinoki cypress sauna. Then, wander into town for a casual evening at a local izakaya, sampling yakitori skewers and crisp regional beer. Finish the night by stargazing from the outdoor bath as steam drifts among the pines.

Rise early to catch the first chairlift at Zao Kokusai Ski Resort, where freshly groomed runs await all skill levels. Carve through powder on broad, open slopes framed by towering pine forests. Enjoy a quick break at a slope-side café with hot cocoa and panoramic views.

Challenge yourself with off-piste skiing under the guidance of a certified mountain guide, exploring hidden glades and sunlit clearings. Take a leisurely lunch at the summit lodge, savoring regional gohei mochi and warm broth. Capture dramatic photos of the snowy landscape before your final descent.

Return to your ryokan and soak both body and spirit in a steamy outdoor onsen under moonlight. Relish a traditional dinner of yuzu-infused shabu-shabu paired with local sake. Unwind by the fire with a good book or share your day’s conquests with fellow guests.

Don a pair of snowshoes and set off on a tranquil forest trail lined with whispering pines and crystalline snowdrifts. Your guide will point out wildlife tracks and winter blooms peeking through the white blanket. Pause at a frozen waterfall to sip hot tea and absorb the serene silence.

Descend into a valley dotted with rustic mountain villages, learning about sustainable forestry practices from local artisans. Share a homemade obanzai-style lunch baked over an open hearth in a centuries-old farmhouse. Try your hand at crafting a small wooden souvenir before returning to base camp.

Indulge in a long soak at a secluded rotenburo nestled among snow-laden boulders. Experience a candlelit kaiseki feast featuring river trout, mountain mushrooms, and seasonal root vegetables. Drift off to the sound of gentle spring-fed streams just beyond your window.

Take a short drive to the enchanting Zao Fox Village in nearby Shiroishi, home to dozens of friendly red and white foxes. Enjoy guided feeding sessions and learn about fox conservation efforts from the staff. Capture adorable photos as the animals frolic around snow-dusted enclosures.

Head back to Zao Onsen and join a traditional craft workshop, weaving straw decorations or painting festive kokeshi dolls. Learn the history behind each handicraft and customize your own keepsake. Warm yourself with a plate of freshly made soba topped with local greens.

Soak in a mineral-rich indoor hot spring while watching snowflakes drift outside the window. Savor a communal dinner featuring hearty mountain hotpot and delicate sashimi. End the evening with a soothing cup of genmaicha tea and a stroll through lantern-lit streets.

Gear up and embark on a guided snow-clad ascent of Mount Zao’s western ridge, marveling at ice-encrusted trees. Your mountain guide will teach you basic crampon and ice-axe techniques as you gain elevation. Break for hot barley tea at a scenic overlook before tackling the final switchbacks.

Reach the summit plateau of Jizo Mound to witness sweeping views of Okama Crater below and Yamagata Valley in the distance. Celebrate with a picnic of local onigiri and dried fruits as mountain winds whip around you. Descend carefully with the help of your guide, stopping at a historic shrine for blessings.

Relax every aching muscle in a private rotenburo filled with sulfur-rich water known for its healing properties. Enjoy an indulgent kaiseki meal featuring grilled river fish, yam dumplings, and pickled mountain vegetables. Unwind with a late-night soak while planning tomorrow’s adventures.

Join the annual Zao Snow Lantern Festival, wandering through illuminated snow caves carved by local artisans. The soft glow of hundreds of lanterns casts a magical light on drifts and sculptures. Warm up with sweet kagami-mochi skewers grilled over open flames.

Participate in mochi pounding demonstrations at the community hall and sample freshly pounded mochi topped with kinako and black sesame. Browse stalls offering handmade crafts, local honey, and junmai sake from nearby breweries. Enjoy a hearty bowl of oyaki stuffed with mountain greens at a food stall.

Return to your ryokan for a specialty hotstone-cooked dinner featuring marbled Yamagata beef and seasonal root vegetables. Sip locally brewed sake as you dine beside a crackling hearth. Head back outside for an evening fireworks display lighting up the snowy peaks.

Travel to a nearby village to meet local potters and witness traditional Zao-yaki ceramics being formed on the wheel. Try your hand at shaping a small bowl under the guidance of a master craftsman. Admire kilns firing brightly colored glazes that echo the surrounding mountain scenery.

Head to a family-run sake brewery for an immersive tour, learning about the polished rice, pristine mountain water, and koji fermentation processes. Sample a flight of junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo sakes paired with local pickles. Engage the toji brewer with questions about seasonal brewing rituals.

Enjoy an elegant multicourse dinner showcasing regional specialties like simmered lotus root and pickled bamboo shoots. Continue your sake exploration with a curated pairing led by the ryokan’s sake sommelier. End the night with a slow soak in a mineral-laced open-air onsen under the stars.

Savor one last breakfast of fluffy rice, miso soup, and seasonal tsukemono as you reflect on your Zao adventure. Capture final photos of the steam rising from open-air baths against the snowy peaks. Gather your souvenirs and heartfelt memories before checking out.

Take a leisurely stroll along the footpath through bamboo groves leading to the local herb garden, inhaling fresh mountain air. Stop by the artisan shop to pick up last-minute gifts like local plum jams and hand-painted postcards. Board the train back to Yamagata Station, waving goodbye to the winter wonderland.

If time allows, indulge in a final onsen session at Yamagata Station’s public bath to soothe travel fatigue. Sip a farewell cup of sencha tea at the station café as you await your departure. Carry the warmth of Zao’s hospitality and stunning landscapes with you wherever you go.