Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is a renowned hot spring and ski resort town on the slopes of Mount Zao in Yamagata Prefecture. In winter, the area is celebrated for its juhyo, or snow monsters, which are trees encased in ice and snow that form surreal sculptural shapes visible from the ropeway. The town's strongly acidic sulfur springs have been used for over 1,900 years and are said to be excellent for skin ailments. In warmer months, visitors flock to Okama, a stunning emerald-green crater lake also known as the Five Color Lake for its changing hues. The Zao Ropeway carries visitors to the summit area year-round, offering panoramic views of the Tohoku landscape. Multiple public bathhouses and foot baths throughout the compact town center make it easy to enjoy the waters.