Tohoku, Japan · Mountain, Snow
A ski resort famous for its 'snow monsters' — trees encased in ice — in winter.
Train + bus — Train to Yamagata and a mountain bus to the ski resort
Ice-covered trees forming ghostly silhouettes, unique to this area of Japan.
Highly acidic hot spring waters, considered among the most potent in Japan.
The largest ski resort in Tohoku, with 57 runs spread over 14 areas of Mount Jizo and night skiing; the sport itself that makes the town famous, beyond simply looking at the snow monsters.
One of the most famous open-air baths in Japan, beside the river, distinct from the generic sulphurous bath already known in the town.
Imoni-jiru (a taro and beef stew) is the signature dish of Yamagata; in Zao it is rounded out with jingisukan or yakiniku of local beef and lamb at restaurants in the town.
A crater lake with shifting turquoise colours atop Mount Zao.
From 27 December to 23 February, night illumination of the juhyo, night skiing with torches and fireworks (7 February), plus a night snowcat ride, the 'Night Cruiser'.
A park near Shiroishi where more than a hundred foxes of various breeds roam freely among visitors.
The annual FIS Women's Ski Jumping World Cup event on the Zao hill, available only on its specific winter dates.
A hands-on experience painting your own Zao-style kokeshi doll, a complement to the passive museum visit.
An out-and-back walk along the crater rim between the summit of Jizo, Kattadake peak and Lake Okama, different from the simple ropeway ascent already known.
A network of small neighbourhood public baths (Shinzaemon-no-Yu, Shimoyu and others) and free foot baths spread through the town, a reflection of the everyday hot spring life of its residents.
A lookout along the Zao Echo Line road over a waterfall more than 180 metres high that cascades through a volcanic gorge.
A shrine founded around the 9th century, the former western gateway for pilgrimage to the deity of Mount Zao (Zao Gongen), with a Kamakura-period Yakushi statue and a 'strength stone' linked to the feudal lord Mogami Yoshiaki.
A family-friendly snow area near Zao with slides and tubing, an alternative to the ski slopes for children.
Outside the snow season, the ropeway climbs through meadows of alpine flowers.
A museum dedicated to the region's wooden kokeshi dolls, with a workshop where you can paint your own.
A summer alpine slide at the base of the town itself, the warm-weather alternative to snow for families with children.
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