[Yamagata, Zao] Feel refreshed after your bath! Recommended day-trip hot springs and accommodations featuring Tohoku's strongest acidic sulfur springs.

2026.07.31

Zao , a renowned hot spring resort in Yamagata Prefecture , is easily accessible from Tokyo in about three hours. Its top-class highly acidic sulfur springs offer a refreshing feeling of coolness and relief after bathing. This article provides detailed information on Zao's characteristics, recommended bathing methods, day trips, accommodations, and access.

• Table of Contents
• A renowned hot spring with a 1900-year history! Enjoy the luxury of free-flowing hot spring water at Zao.
• Recommended day-trip hot spring spots in Zao
• "JURIN" is a hotel with plenty of activities that can be enjoyed by families with children and couples.
• Tips for enjoying Zao even more
• Access information to Zao
• Zao Zao overflowing with charm throughout the four seasons.

A renowned hot spring with a 1900-year history! Enjoy the luxury of free-flowing hot spring water at Zao.

It takes about 40 minutes by local bus from Yamagata Station to arrive in the Zao area, a mountain resort hot spring area at an altitude of about 880-900m on the western foot of the Zao range.

Zao, a popular summer resort and a bustling winter destination for skiing and viewing its snow Zao, boasts another attraction that can be proudly presented to the entire country.

That is Zao, where you can enjoy one of Japan's top-class highly acidic sulfur springs with water flowing directly from the source.

Designated as a People's Health Resort Spring in 1958, it attracts hot spring enthusiasts with Tohoku region's most highly acidic springs, abundant water flow of 5,900 liters per minute, and location where you can bathe amidst magnificent nature.

Zao Onsen: One of Japan's Finest Strongly Acidic Sulfur Hot Springs

Zao boasts one of Japan's strongest acidic hot springs, with a pH of around 1.3. Despite its intensely stimulating properties, a major characteristic is that after bathing, sweat quickly subsides, leaving a surprisingly refreshing and invigorating feeling that lasts for a long time.

The spring water is rich in sulfur, as well as containing high levels of metasilicic acid, a moisturizing ingredient, and metaboric acid, which has antibacterial properties. It is said to have an astringent effect that tightens the skin and promotes cell turnover. It boasts such strong cleansing power that it is said to be "soap-free," and you will feel a unique sensation of your skin tightening after bathing.

Recommended bathing methods to enhance the effects of Zao

Zao is more stimulating than typical hot springs, so it's important to keep a few points in mind before bathing.

It's recommended to start by drinking about a glass of water and rinsing your body with warm water before getting into the bath. If you're not used to bathing or have sensitive skin, it's best to start with a short bath.

Also, at Zao, it's best to soak for 10-15 minutes, then get out of the bath and take a break in between. Taking several short baths is less strenuous on the body than taking long, continuous baths.

Furthermore, Zao boasts several public bathhouses, each with its own unique water characteristics and atmosphere. If your goal is beauty treatments, a leisurely tour of the baths is recommended. If your aim is to relieve fatigue, it's best to warm your body slowly while taking breaks in between.

Recommended day-trip hot spring spots in Zao

Zao boasts a wide variety of bathing facilities perfect for a casual day trip. We've carefully selected spots that will make you want to go on a hot spring tour, including open-air baths with spectacular views and uniquely designed private baths.

"Zao Open-Air Bath" surrounded by nature

Nestled in the mountains, overlooking the Zao town, stands the "Zao Grand Open-Air Bath." Here you'll find one of the largest open-air baths in Japan, capable of accommodating up to 200 people at once.

This large open-air bath is built along a stream known locally as "Oyu no Kawa" (the river of hot springs). If you look down slightly, you can see the vibrant green riverbed and the steaming stream, giving you the feeling of being immersed in nature.

The bath is filled with crystal-clear spring water that looks like a milky white with a hint of jade green. A faint scent of sulfur wafts from the surface of the water, reflecting the sunlight filtering through the trees. Due to the characteristics of Zao, which has a strong acidic water quality and strong antibacterial properties, there are no showers or soap in the large open-air bath. Therefore, first rinse yourself off with the water to let your body adjust, and then enjoy a relaxing soak.

This open-air hot spring, offering panoramic views of the sky, provides a blissful experience where you can easily lose track of time. In spring, you can enjoy the fresh greenery; in summer, the sounds of insects; and in autumn, the breathtaking autumn foliage, allowing you to connect with the nature of Zao. (The Zao Open-Air Bath is typically closed during the winter season, from late November to mid-April.)

The best times to visit are right after opening or during lunchtime. On busy days, as many as 500 people visit, so it's a good idea to check the parking situation before you go.

Additionally, the women's bath has a covered area, providing peace of mind even on rainy or snowy days.

There's a waiting area where you can meet up, so families and couples can enjoy bathing with peace of mind. It's a representative hot spring that you should definitely visit first when you come to Zao.

Zao Open-Air Bath

853-3 Zao Onsen Arashiki, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301

This large open-air bath is built along a mountain stream. Guests can enjoy the highly acidic sulfur spring water free-flowing hot spring, and the natural scenery that changes with the seasons is also a major attraction.

100% free-flowing hot spring! "Mogami Takayu Zenshichi no Yu" boasts 7 types of private baths.

It takes about 15 minutes to walk up "Kami-no-Tainan Street" from the Yamako Bus Terminal. "Mogami Takayu Zenshichi no Yu" is located on a hilltop within the hot spring town.

Zenshichinoyu's commitment lies in its uncompromising use of free-flowing hot spring water. Of the 12,000 hot spring inns nationwide, only a handful are said to be able to provide hot spring water without adding water, recirculating it, or disinfecting it. Zenshichinoyu goes even further, using fresh water within 5 minutes of drawing it out, creating an environment that maximizes the therapeutic effects of the hot spring.

Of course, you can experience this dedication even on a day trip to the hot springs. Reservations are required between 10:00 and 21:00, and you can enjoy a 50-minute private session, having the abundant hot spring water all to yourself.

Among them, we especially recommend "Fukurokuju," where the greenery of Zao and the blue sky stretch out before you. As you gaze at the endlessly flowing hot spring water trickling down the stones, you'll naturally find yourself relaxing. You can enjoy a bathing experience that feels like you're in the middle of a forest, surrounded by the rustling of trees, the sound of water, and the scent of the wind.

The spacious bathtub, large enough for adults to stretch out their legs, is perfect for couples or families to reserve for private use.

For an additional 1,000 yen per person, you can also use the indoor bath with a shower and the mixed-gender open-air bath. Combined with the private bath, you can fully enjoy the hot spring water at Zenshichinoyu.

Zao Zenshichi no Yu

Zao 825, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301

This hot spring inn is committed to using free-flowing hot spring that is neither diluted nor disinfected. Day-trippers can also use the private open-air bath, enjoying a soak while admiring the natural scenery of Zao.

"JURIN" is a hotel with plenty of activities that can be enjoyed by families with children and couples.

For a stay enjoying the natural beauty of Zao, we recommend the wood-fired resort hotel "JURIN". Located on a Takaharu at an altitude of 900m, you can enjoy a variety of activities, from skiing in winter to trekking, stargazing, and herb picking in summer.

The first thing that greets you in the lobby is the "Wood-Fired Lounge," where you can enjoy coffee or beer while watching the flickering flames.

The guest rooms come in a variety of styles, including modern Japanese-style rooms and bedrooms, allowing you to choose according to your preferences. They are characterized by their spacious layout, making them ideal for families and couples.

Dinner is a half-buffet style meal featuring Zao beef as the main course, along with side dishes and desserts. You can enjoy Yamagata's local specialties, including special lamb curry, imoni (taro stew), and a salad bar.

In particular, the Zao beef is characterized by its powerful flavor, with the rich umami of the lean meat concentrated within. Enjoying it with local sake will allow you to experience Yamagata's rich food culture even more deeply.

After enjoying a gourmet meal, a luxurious hot spring experience awaits. JURIN offers two types of baths: a highly acidic bath that is expected to have skin-beautifying effects, and a mildly alkaline artificial hot spring that is less irritating to the skin, so you can enjoy the one that suits your preference.

The two main baths where you can enjoy Zao are "Jurin no Yu" and "Kamoshika no Yu." The men's and women's baths switch at different times, and both face the mountainside, allowing you to feel close to nature.

After washing your body and soaking leisurely in the hot springs, you'll experience a blissful time where you'll want to close your eyes and drift off to sleep. The unique sulfurous scent of Zao, the refreshing breeze, and the still air of a moonlit night—everything about the environment gently soothes the soul of every visitor.

When you hear "highly acidic hot spring," you might imagine that you'll feel flushed long after getting out of the bath, but in reality, the sweat subsides quickly, leaving you surprisingly refreshed. The non-sticky feel and comfortable experience, even during hot weather, are unique charms of Zao.

Breakfast is a buffet style mainly featuring Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy local dishes such as "dashi," a regional dish from Yamagata made with finely chopped vegetables, and "tamakonnyaku," a soul food of Yamagata, while recharging your energy.

At JURIN, you can refresh your mind and body by enjoying the famous hot springs as many times as you like during your stay, and receive warm hospitality with local cuisine. This Takaharu resort is perfect for a rewarding trip to heal your daily fatigue in nature, or for a family trip where you want to enjoy activities.

JURIN

Zao Kaminodai 814, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-2301

This resort hotel is located at an altitude of approximately 900m. It features Zao hot spring baths and a wood-fired lounge, and guests can enjoy meals that utilize Yamagata ingredients such as Zao beef.

Tips for enjoying Zao even more

Zao is famous for its winter attractions such as "frost-covered trees" and "skiing," but the festival held in autumn is also a major highlight.

Expressing gratitude to the gods of hot springs – What is the "Zao Festival" held in October?

Zao boasts a history spanning over 1900 years. To pass on the blessings of its abundant hot springs and the hot spring culture nurtured and preserved by our ancestors to future generations, we are holding the first-ever "Zao Festival"! Centered around the "Hot Spring Dedication" ceremony, which expresses gratitude to the hot springs, the festival will allow you to experience the unique charm of Zao through hot spring culture, history, nature, food, and interactions with people.

From Shinto rituals at Sukawa Onsen Shrine to walking tours of the town, experiences that allow you to connect with local culture and nature, local cuisine, and illuminations that light up the hot spring town at night, there are plenty of unique Zao activities to enjoy from day to night.

This festival aims not to be a one-off event, but to "connect the hot spring culture to the future." We invite you to experience the new charms of Zao while immersing yourself in the history and culture that breathes beyond the rising steam, and the warm hospitality of the people.

Dates: October 2nd (Fri), 3rd (Sat), and 4th (Sun), 2026

*Further details will be posted on the Zao Tourism Association's official website . Please check it out!

Access information to Zao

When using trains and buses (public transportation)

root	How to access
From Tokyo to Yamagata Station (Yamagata Shinkansen route)	Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Tokyo by Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" train.
From Sendai to Yamagata Station (JR or highway bus route)	It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by JR Senzan Line, or about 70 minutes by express bus ( Miyagi Kotsu/ Yamagata Kotsu) departing from Sendai Station.
From Yamagata Station to Zao	Take a local bus (Yamagata Kotsu) for approximately 40 minutes one way (get off at "Zao Bus Terminal").

*Please check the official websites of each public transportation provider for the latest information on fares and schedules.

When using a car (rental car or personal car)

root	How to access
From Tokyo to Zao	The route is approximately 360-390 km and takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, via the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Circular Route, Tohoku(or Joban Expressway), etc.
From Yamagata Station to Zao	Approximately 17km, about 30 minutes using regular roads.
From Sendai Station to Zao	Approximately 75 km via the Yamagata Expressway, etc., approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

[Getting Around] Zao Share Cycle: An Easy Way to Explore, Even on Hills

For getting around Zao, electric-assist shared bicycles (for a fee) are a convenient option! For details on port locations and how to use them, please see " Zao Shared Bicycle " (Yamagata City official website).
*Please note that service will be suspended from late November to April due to the winter season.
*Bicycles used within the Zao area can only be used within the Zao area. Please note that you will not be able to return the bicycle if you leave the designated area.

Zao Zao overflowing with charm throughout the four seasons.

Zao is famous as a winter ski resort, but from summer to autumn, it's also a perfect place to escape the everyday and heal your mind and body. Its renowned hot springs boast exceptional water quality, and its rich natural environment and culinary culture continue to attract travelers from both Japan and abroad. From refreshing baths surrounded by nature to warm hospitality at hot spring inns, a truly exceptional time of refreshment awaits you here.

Please do visit Zao, which welcomes you with different kinds of beauty in each of the four seasons.