Northern Snow《Winter》 { Zao Onsen - 蔵王溫泉} ～～

Found by an ancient Japanese samurai, Zao onsen is famous for healing disease and sickness. It is located in the deep forest as a great getaway of the city.

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We lived in the Oomiya onsen resort,
with a warm welcome with Mr. snowman

To the right of the entrance, is a small living room

With their self service home-made sweet sake
 (traditional Japanese rice wine).
Only available at night and feel free To drink more!!

It's non-alcoholic so it is great for the family.

The hotel offers souvenir shop.
Since most of the time, price in Japan are at the same price, therefore no worry for buying more expensive goods at hotel.

The Zao Loft cookie is highly recommended ♡
That's my favourite!!

The hotel snow gear rental.
Everything still new!!

Resting area on the upper floor, with free coffee and massage chair.

The architecture of the hotel is “entertaining”,
floors go up half by half storey -
Simply a maze.

Room size is just right, with the welcoming snacks.

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There are 3 self-service public onsen in Zao, where one of them is just opposite the hotel entrance.

Simply drop in ¥300 into the box and help yourself!

However, if you are staying in either of the hotels, these public onsen are totally free for you!

The onsen is not big, but the quality is great. 

Soft white coloured and scent of sulphur.

Night in Zao is quiet, with smell of sulphur and mist.

Temple is light up at night,
But apprently there's no maintenance for people to visit it during wwinter

Behind the hotel.

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There's is no conventional onsen market in Zao, mostly hotels.

Another public onsen is located in the middle of the street, this one even has a foot bath.

Following the map and hunt for the last public onsen at the edge of the area. 

Probably this one takes harder work, and I found this one with a stronger sulphur smell.

Behind this onsen, is the infamous Zao open-air onsen. Unfortunately, this one close during winter times, from December to March. By the way, most open-air onsen in the hotels are also closed.

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遊覽時間

Seeing the Zao Ice Monsters is the most important itinerary on your schedule.

If time is available, it will be great to arrive to the area in the afternoon, wander around and See the light-up of the Ice Monster. Then, have a rest art the hotel and bath in the onsen, and See the Ice Monster in the morning again!

交通散策
JR Yamagata (山形) 

Buy the bus and cable car combo ticket at the bus ticket office. It is on the left of the bus terminal. 

Walking from Zao Onsen station to the cable station takes around 15 mins. If you want to head back to the hotels, you could kindly ask the staff at the bus station to call a hotel shuttle bus for you. 

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