Zao Onsen Ski Resort
蔵王温泉スキー場
Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a large ski area on Mount Zao above the hot spring town of Zao Onsen in Yamagata City. It has slopes for beginners to experts, plus ropeways and lifts that go high up the mountain. In mid-winter the trees near the top are covered in ice and snow, forming the famous "snow monsters". Ski equipment rental and English lessons are available.
Visitor information
- Getting there
From Tokyo, take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata, then a bus to Zao Onsen; the trip takes about three hours.
Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.
Good to know
- The resort has 14 slopes and 12 courses over about 305 hectares, for beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- Uwanodai and Yokokura slopes are open for night skiing.
- Some snow lasts long: the Utopia Slope is usually open until the beginning of May.
- The snow monsters (frozen trees) are at their best around February; take the top lifts or ropeway to see them.
Tips for Muslim visitors
- At Zao Onsen's public baths you may need to bring your own towel or bathing goods.
- Most hotels and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) in Zao Onsen have their own hot springs for guests.
- At most public hot springs in Japan people bathe naked, in baths separated by gender, and swimwear is usually not allowed. If you prefer privacy, look for a private bath (kashikiri-buro), an in-room bath or a foot bath.
- Wash your body at the shower area before entering the bath. Many visitors who want to stay covered choose a foot bath instead.
- Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Yamagata and the verified places to pray nearby.
- Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.
Prayer times in Yamagata
Today (5 Nov 2026)
- Fajr04:28
- Sunrise06:08
- Dhuhr11:24
- Asr14:13
- Maghrib16:35
- Isha18:05
Times are calculated for Yamagata City. Times may differ elsewhere in Yamagata.
Places to pray near Zao Onsen Ski Resort
We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.
Halal food near Zao Onsen Ski Resort
We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:
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Map
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Photo: ZAO Ropeway, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): japan.travel, visityamagata.jp, zao-spa.or.jp