Travel Guide Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is both the name of the traditional hot spring onsen village, nestled above the town, and the name of the ski and snowboard resort, which is very famous for winter sports among the Japanese. The slopes are more interesting and longer than in the rest of the country (some of them are almost 10 km long). Count ¥5,500 for a day pass from December to April. Non-skiers can check out Juhyō-kōgen, "the plateau of ice monsters" which are actually ice-covered conifers, or bathe in huge rotenburo that can hold nearly 200 people (Zao Onsen Dai-rotemburo). Summer is a good time for hiking; the hike to Lake Okama, located in a crater, is particularly recommended. You can also get there by cable car from May to October.