Zaoonsen Hotels, Yamagata

Two of the best hotels in Zaoonsen that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are the Gokan no Yu Tsuruya and the Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso.The Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, with an exceptional 9.4 rating, offers stunning mountain views and features both indoor and outdoor public hot springs. Guests frequently praise the friendly service. It is conveniently located near the Zao Chuo Ropeway, just 0.3 km away.Another highly regarded option is the Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso, which also boasts an impressive 9.4 rating. This hotel provides excellent access to skiing nearby and offers both indoor and outdoor public hot springs. Travellers often highlight the incredible and delicious breakfast served here. It is also well-situated, being only 0.4 km from the Zao Chuo Ropeway.

For families travelling to Zaoonsen, excellent choices include Wakamatsuya, Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte, and Zao International Hotel.The Wakamatsuya, with a superb 9.6 rating, offers on-site hot springs, both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen, and thoughtful amenities like slippers for children. It is conveniently located just 0.2 km from Zao Chuo Ropeway.Another great option is the Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte, rated 9.4. This resort includes free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, and is very close to ski facilities, with Zao Sky Cable just 0.2 km away.The Zao International Hotel, with a 9.2 rating, provides free rollaway extra beds, making it ideal for families. It features on-site hot springs with both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen, mountain views, free WiFi, and complimentary self-parking. It is also close to Zao Sanroku Ropeway, only 0.2 km away.

For excellent spa hotels in Zaoonsen, consider Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel, Omiya Ryokan, Wakamatsuya, and Takamiya Rurikura Resort.The Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, with a superb 9.4 rating, offers an onsite spa that provides daily services and massages, along with a full-service spa and hot tub. Guests can also enjoy the natural hot springs, with both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen experiences, all set against a backdrop of beautiful mountain views. It's conveniently located just 0.6 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.Another fantastic choice is the Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel, rated 9.2. This hotel features a full-service spa with daily services and massages, as well as indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities with hot and mineral springs. Guests frequently praise the cosy and spacious rooms, the kind and helpful staff, and the incredible breakfast. It is situated 1.2 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.The Omiya Ryokan also boasts a 9.2 rating and provides a full-service spa with daily services and massages. Guests will appreciate the complimentary toiletries and free self-parking. Visitors often praise its great location, cozy rooms, and friendly staff. It is just 0.3 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.Wakamatsuya, a hotel with an outstanding 9.6 rating, offers a wonderful spa experience with onsite hot springs, including both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen with hot and mineral springs. Massage services are also available. It is located 0.5 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.Finally, the Takamiya Rurikura Resort, rated 8.8, provides massage services and onsite hot springs with indoor public ryokan onsen. Guests can enjoy mountain views, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. This hotel is 1.2 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.

For highly-rated budget hotels in Zaoonsen, consider Omiya Ryokan, Wakamatsuya, Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel, and Takasagoya Ryokan.The Omiya Ryokan, with a 9.2 rating, offers free WiFi and complimentary toiletries, along with free self-parking. Guests can enjoy both indoor and outdoor public onsen baths, making it a wonderful choice for experiencing traditional hot springs. It is conveniently located just 0.6 km from the Zao Super Slider.Wakamatsuya, a hotel rated 9.6, provides free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. This hotel features both indoor and outdoor public onsen, ensuring a relaxing stay with its hot and mineral springs. It is situated 0.7 km from the Zao Super Slider.Another excellent option is the Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel, which holds a 9.2 rating. Guests benefit from free WiFi, complimentary toiletries, and free self-parking. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor public onsen baths, and its cosy, spacious rooms and incredible breakfast are frequently praised by guests. It is located 1.4 km from the Zao Super Slider.Finally, Takasagoya Ryokan, with a great 10.0 rating, is a top choice for budget travellers. It provides free self-parking, complimentary toiletries, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy the indoor public ryokan bath and the on-site hot springs. This ryokan is just 0.7 km from the Zao Super Slider.

For a romantic stay in Zaoonsen, consider Gokan no Yu Tsuruya or Wakamatsuya, both highly rated by couples.The Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, with an excellent 9.4 rating, offers a wonderful mountain view and features onsite hot springs, including both public indoor and outdoor ryokan onsen baths. Guests often highlight the friendly service. It is conveniently located just 0.6 km from Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort.Another excellent choice is the Wakamatsuya, boasting an impressive 9.6 rating. This hotel provides a beautiful mountain view and has onsite hot springs with public indoor and outdoor ryokan onsen facilities. It is very close to Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort, only 0.5 km away.

For excellent hotels in Zaoonsen located conveniently near Zao Chuo Ropeway, consider Wakamatsuya, Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso, Omiya Ryokan, and Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel.Wakamatsuya is a hotel with an outstanding 9.6 rating. It offers on-site hot springs with both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities, superb for relaxation. This hotel is exceptionally close to Zao Chuo Ropeway, just 0.2 km away.Gokan no Yu Tsuruya, rated 9.4, is a hotel featuring mountain views and onsite hot springs with both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities, as well as a spa. It is conveniently located only 0.3 km from Zao Chuo Ropeway. Guests often mention the friendly service.Another highly-rated option is the Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso, with a 9.4 rating. This hotel provides free self-parking and free WiFi. It boasts onsite hot springs with indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities. It is just 0.4 km from Zao Chuo Ropeway, and guests frequently praise the incredible and delicious breakfast.Omiya Ryokan, a hotel with a 9.2 rating, offers free WiFi, free toiletries, and free self-parking. Guests can enjoy onsite hot springs with indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities. It is located 0.4 km from Zao Chuo Ropeway, and travellers often remark on its great location, cosy rooms, and friendly staff.The Zao Onsen Zao Shiki No Hotel, rated 9.2, offers mountain views, free WiFi, and free self-parking. It features both indoor and outdoor public ryokan onsen facilities with hot and mineral springs. Situated 0.5 km from Zao Chuo Ropeway, guests appreciate the cosy and spacious rooms, kind and helpful staff, and incredible breakfast.

The best time to visit Zaoonsen depends entirely on whether you're seeking a winter sports holiday or a summer escape.For those keen on skiing, snowboarding, or experiencing the famous "Snow Monsters" (Juhyo), the prime time is between late December and early March. During this period, the slopes are covered in deep, powdery snow, and the unique ice formations on the trees are at their most impressive. January and February typically offer the best snow conditions and the most spectacular Juhyo.If you prefer hiking, exploring the volcanic landscape, and enjoying the cooler mountain air, the best time to visit is from June to October. The spring thaw in May brings fresh greenery, while July and August offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities. The autumn months of September and October are particularly beautiful, with the mountainsides ablaze with vibrant foliage.