Zao
6 tours available
Why Visit Zao
Zao is famous for its “snow monsters” — juhyo, the extraordinary ice-encrusted trees that form on the mountain slopes when Siberian winds freeze moisture onto the Aomori fir trees. These otherworldly formations, some reaching over five metres tall, create a landscape unlike anything else in Japan and draw photographers and skiers from around the world each winter.
Beyond the frozen spectacle, Zao is a well-rounded mountain destination. The Zao Onsen village at the base has been a hot-spring retreat for over 1,900 years, with milky-white, strongly acidic waters prized for their skin benefits. Okama Crater Lake — a vivid emerald volcanic lake near the summit — is a star attraction from spring through autumn. Zao combines raw natural beauty, rewarding skiing, and deep onsen culture in one compact area.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (January – February) — Peak snow-monster season. The juhyo are fully formed, night-time illuminations run on select evenings, and ski conditions are at their best.
Late Spring – Summer (May – August) — The Zao Echo Line road opens, revealing Okama Crater Lake in its vivid emerald glory. Hiking trails across the volcanic plateau offer spectacular views.
Autumn (September – October) — Fiery red and gold foliage blankets the mountain slopes, and the Zao Ropeway provides an aerial front-row seat to the colour show.
Insider Tips
- Take the Zao Ropeway to the summit plateau for the best snow-monster viewing — dress for extreme cold, as temperatures can drop below –15°C with wind chill.
- Soak in Zao Onsen's public Dai-rotenburo (large outdoor bath) — the milky, sulphurous water surrounded by forest is one of Tohoku's finest bathing experiences.
- If visiting for juhyo, check conditions before going — warm winters can delay or weaken formation. Late January to mid-February is the safest window.
- Zao's local speciality is jingisukan (grilled lamb) — named after Genghis Khan and served sizzling on a dome-shaped grill at restaurants in the onsen village.
Tours Visiting Zao
Hakuba Tsugaike & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Standard Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Tsugaike and Zao with Snow Monkey Park. Intermediate-friendly slopes, hot spring stays, and Shinkansen transfers.
Hakuba Misorano & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Premium Room Plan
14-day ski tour at Hakuba Misorano and Zao: upgraded resort rooms, Snow Monkey Park, and onsen stays. Shinkansen and luggage delivery included.
Shiga-Kogen & Zao with Snow Monkeys
Ski Resort Hopping: Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel ＆Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso
Ski Shiga Kogen and Zao, visit Snow Monkey Park, see famous snow monsters, and explore Tokyo on this 14-day self-guided Japan ski tour.
Zao Snow Monsters – Twin Resort Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Suite Room Plan
11-day ski tour to Zao with twin-room stays in Tokyo Ueno and Takamiya Rurikura Resort. Snow monsters, hot springs, and Tokyo time included.
Zao Snow Monsters – Premium Ryokan Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Premium Room Plan
11-day Zao ski tour with upgraded stays at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno and Miyamaso Takamiya. Snow monsters, onsen, and Tokyo included.
Zao Snow Monsters – Suite Resort Plan
Ski Resort Hopping: Suite Room Plan
11-day Zao ski tour with upgraded suite stays at Takamiya Rurikura Resort and Tokyo Ueno. Snow monsters, hot springs, and city time included.
Recommended Reading
Related Destinations
Region
Tohoku
Location
Available Tours
6 tours