Zao Onsen

The tourism association puts Zao Onsen at about 900 metres on the Yamagata side of the Zao range, and the ski area's lowest point lies lower down the village at 780 metres. The tourism association dates the springs back 1,900 years to Kibi no Takayu, who marched with Yamato Takeru on his eastern campaign, and calls that a founding legend. In the Edo period the village grew as the western trailhead for pilgrims climbing to Zao Gongen. Today the ski area and three ropeways start from its upper streets.

Kamiyu, Shimoyu and Kawarayu are the village's public baths. All three open from 6:00 to 22:00 every day and charge ¥300, which you drop in a box at the door. Shimoyu and Robata also run free foot baths on the street.

During the 2025/26 Juhyo Festival the village lit up its three public baths and the Donbiki channel from sunset until 21:00 between 27 December and 23 February. The festival returns each winter, and the 2026/27 dates had not been announced by 11 October 2026.