JapanSnowWatch

Zao Onsen Snow Report, Lift Tickets 2026-27 & Forecast

Zao Onsen is a ski area in Yamagata with 7 webcams, 26 runs, 32 lifts and 881 m vertical.

An adult day ticket costs ¥8,000.

Updated November 9, 2026

Zao Onsen snow report: live webcams, snow depth, new snowfall and a 7-day forecast, with lifts, runs, the snow monster slopes and onsen town access.

2026-27 season: opening date not announced yet (checked October 27).

Cameras are expected to come back online when the season starts (date not announced). Some cameras stream all year: press play to try one.

The longest run is about 9 km. An adult day ticket is around ¥8,000 (check the resort for current prices).

A YouTube live stream shows the slopes. Snow depth and the 7-day snowfall and temperature forecast for Zao Onsen come from Open-Meteo forecast models for its part of Yamagata.

Best for: Onsen, Multi-Day

Season dates

This Season (Estimated)

Opening: Mid December
Closing: Early May

The mountain

Resort Statistics (Estimated)

Lifts: 32
Runs: 26
Longest Run: 9.0 km
Vertical Drop: 881m
Skiable Area: 305 ha
Elevation: 780m - 1,661m
Operating Hours (Every day): 8:30am – 5:00pm
Lift Types:
- Gondola ×1
- Ropeway ×3
- Pair ×20
- Triple ×2
- Quad ×4
- Single ×2
Terrain: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 20%

Prices

Zao Onsen lift ticket prices 2026-27

Adult (Day Pass): ¥8,000
Child: ¥4,000
Senior: ¥7,200

All-mountain pass, regular period. Peak (Dec 26 to Jan 3, Jan 30 to Feb 28) ¥9,000

Prices checked 18 Oct 2026

Rental Prices (1 Day) (Estimated)

Ski/Board + Boots (Adult): ¥5,500 JPY
Ski/Board + Boots (Child): ¥3,500 JPY
Jacket + Pants: ¥4,500 JPY
Board/Skis Only: ¥4,000 JPY

On-mountain rental counters are convenient, but village shops are usually 20-30% cheaper and discount further for advance bookings.

Getting there

Distance from Tokyo: 350 km
Yamagata Airport: Flight from Tokyo 1h → Airport to resort: 1h
Car: 4.5h from Tokyo (via Tohoku Expressway)
Train: Tokyo→Yamagata (Yamagata Shinkansen 2h30m)→Zao Onsen (bus 40min)
Airport access: Yamagata Airport 1h by car. Sendai Airport 1.5h by car. Famous for snow monsters. Source: Zao Onsen Ski official, Japan Guide

Road Conditions & Access

Tyres: Winter tyres required December to March; chain restrictions apply on some mountain sections.
Driving: Deep snow and high plough walls cut sightlines. Mountain roads can close overnight.
Live closures: Check the Tohoku regional road information service and prefectural pages.

Things to do nearby

Dining & Activities

Zao Onsen Dai-Rotenburo: Largest outdoor bath in Zao Onsen. Rustic hot spring along the river. Strongly acidic water, said to be good for the skin.
Public Baths (Kami-yu, Shimo-yu, Kawara-yu): Three public baths in Zao Onsen village. Simple hot springs also used by locals.
Snow Monster Light-up Tour: Winter-only nighttime snow monster illumination tour. The frozen trees are lit up at night. Ropeway to summit.
Zao Fox Village: Attraction with over 100 free-roaming foxes. Feeding experience available.
Toko Sake Brewery: Historic sake brewery in Yonezawa. Tastings and tours available, with local Yamagata sake.

Nearby ski resorts

Frequently asked questions

What are the snow monsters (juhyo) at Zao?

Zao is known for its "snow monsters" or juhyo: trees completely encased in snow and ice. They form when cold Siberian winds freeze moisture onto the trees, producing shapes up to 5 meters tall.

When is the best time to see snow monsters at Zao?

The best time to see juhyo at Zao is late January through February. Night illumination events called "Juhyo Light Up" run during this period.

How do I get to Zao Onsen from Tokyo?

By train it takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Take the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (about 2.5 hours), then a bus to Zao Onsen (about 40 minutes). Driving from Tokyo takes about 4.5 hours. Direct buses also operate during ski season.

What onsen options are available at Zao?

Zao has numerous hot springs with milky white sulfuric water. Options include public bathhouses, ryokan private baths, and the iconic outdoor Zao Onsen Dai-Rotenburo with views of the mountains.

Is Zao good for beginners?

Yes, Zao offers terrain for all levels. The lower mountain has gentle slopes perfect for beginners, while the upper mountain provides more challenging terrain and access to the famous snow monsters.