Zao Shiki no Hotel

Zao Shiki no Hotel sits among trees at 1272 Zao Onsen, with a walking loop around a lake past waterfalls and wildflowers. All 41 rooms are Western style. Junior suites refitted in December 2022 run to 62 square metres, with a tatami living area and a stone-lined bath by the window. Children below primary-school age cannot stay.

The milky Zao spring runs in Hanare-yu Hyakuhachi-ho, a detached bathhouse with indoor and outdoor tubs and a foot bath, open from 6:00 to 23:00. Shirakaba no Yu inside the hotel opens around the clock and uses a weak alkaline mineral water. Men and women swap baths at about 19:00, so try both sides if you stay two nights.

The FAQ puts the Yokokura slope three minutes away on foot, and Jalan lists a drying room and paid ski and board rental. A free bus from Yamagata Station needs booking three days ahead, and staff fetch guests from the Zao Onsen bus terminal when they phone. The tourism association's listing adds rime-ice viewing and snowshoe walks in winter.