Top Zao Onsen Hotels and Ryokans in 2024 [FOR LUXURY & BUDGET TRAVELERS]

Zao Onsen is an onsen town in Yamagata prefecture, 74 km from Sendai and 374 km from Tokyo. The town is best known for Zao Snow Monster or Juhyo, a natural phenomenon that causes the entire forest to be covered by snow.
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Hotels Featured:
Zao Kokusai Hotel: expedia.com/affiliates/touris...
Zao Shikino Hotel: expedia.com/affiliates/touris...
Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso: expedia.com/affiliates/touris...
Wakamatsuya: expedia.com/affiliates/touris...
Gokan no Yu Tsuruya: expedia.com/affiliates/touris...
How to get to Zao from Tokyo:
The most straightforward way is to take Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata. Next, you will need to take a bus (Yamako Bus) to Zao. Please note that some hotels may provide complimentary shuttle from Yamagata station to Zao as well.
Alternatively, if you visit Zao during winter, you may take a direct overnight bus from Shinjuku to Zao.
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