Zao Onsen Ohtaki Ryokan

About

Zao Onsen sits at 880 meters in the Yamagata mountains and is remarkable for two things: its intensely acidic white sulfur spring (one of Japan's strongest, effective against skin conditions and bacteria) and its winter snow monsters — trees encased in thick ice formations called juhyo that cover the mountain slopes. The Ohtaki Ryokan offers traditional tatami rooms, communal sulfur baths, and the best base for exploring Zao's famous outdoor rotenburo shared bath (the largest outdoor mixed-gender onsen in Japan). Winter draws skiers and snow monster trekkers; summer brings hikers to the Okama crater lake. A working-class Tohoku ryokan with genuine character, unpretentious and very affordable.

Key Experiences