Tohoku · Yamagata

♨ Zao Onsen

A ski-and-snow-monster town with a huge riverside outdoor bath in the warmer months.

Quick facts

Location: Yamagata (Tohoku region)
Water type: Acidic spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

The water

An acidic sulphur-aluminium sulphate-chloride spring, strongly acidic at around pH 1.6. It's nicknamed 'hime no yu' (princess bath) because it's traditionally said to whiten and smooth the skin.

History

Once known as 'Takayu' (high spring), Zao is counted with Shirabu and Fukushima's Takayu as one of the 'three Takayu of Ou'. The spring is enshrined at Sukawa Onsen Shrine upstream of the town.

Getting there

From: Yamagata
Route: Yamako bus from Yamagata Station
Time: about 40 min
JR Pass: Bus not covered; JR Pass covers the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata.

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Imoni (food): Yamagata taro-and-beef stew
Yamagata cherries (food): Japan's top cherry prefecture
Yamagata imono (craft): cast ironware, a traditional craft of Yamagata city

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Zao Onsen

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