10 Best hotels in Zao Onsen

Zao Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated mountain towns. It is renowned for its rejuvenating sulfuric hot springs and breathtaking winter landscapes, including the famous “Snow Monsters”—trees that transform into surreal, ice-covered sculptures due to natural weather conditions. This picture-perfect village offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking to relax for the weekend in one of its hot springs, ski or snowboard atop its slopes, or simply marvel at the area’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a weekend ski trip, Zao Onsen has a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler's needs. From traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns) to modern hotels, here are the top ten best places to stay in Zao Onsen.

Zao Onsen Sakaiya Morino Hotel Wald Berg is a nature lover’s retreat set slightly away from the busier parts of Zao Onsen. This hotel is perfect for travelers looking for scenic mountain views. Its open-air onsen (hot springs) provides a peaceful soak surrounded by forests. The serene setting is ideal for couples seeking a relaxing, romantic getaway.

Guests of Zao Onsen Sakaiya Morino Hotel Wald Berg can enjoy traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine. There are Western style guest rooms, but others are furnished in a traditional Japanese style, with tatami mat floors and paper-sliding doors, ensuring a truly authentic Japanese experience.

Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan offers a classic ryokan experience with traditional tatami rooms reminiscent of the Taisho era. One of the accommodation’s highlights is the kaiseki dining, where a traditional multi-course meal is prepared on beautiful ceramics using locally sourced ingredients such as Yamagata beef. This makes Omiya Ryokan an excellent option for food lovers looking to indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine.

The ryokan also features an ambient hot spring experience with an open-air bath that sources milky-white water directly from Zao Onsen’s natural hot spring reservoirs. As a bonus, Zao Onsen Omiya Ryokan is conveniently close to the Zao Ropeway, making it easy for guests to access the ski slopes and the famous Zao Onsen Snow Monsters.

Zao Onsen Takamiya Hotel Lucent stands out for its prime location, just a two-minute walk from the Zao Chuo Ropeway Onsen Station, making it perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Large indoor and outdoor hot springs are also available on-site, allowing guests to soak in the soothing waters after a hard day on the slopes. Rooms are available in Japanese or Japanese-western style and come fitted with a tatami seating area for guests to unwind and relax with a cup of tea.

With over 300 years of history, Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso features spacious and beautifully designed rooms, with more premium options equipped with private open-air onsen baths. The intimate atmosphere of this hotel, featuring less than 20 rooms, ensures a personalized and relaxing experience.

The ryokan is home to several unique hot spring baths, all using naturally sourced, mineral-rich spring water known for its therapeutic properties. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor bathing options, with some baths providing peaceful views of the nearby river. For those seeking more privacy, private baths can be booked in advance to be enjoyed by yourself or with a loved one.

For historian buffs who want to experience a piece of Japanese history, Zao Onsen Ryokan Wakamatsuya is an excellent choice. Established in 1655, this historic property is renowned for its natural hot spring water and timeless hospitality. The hotel’s hot spring baths are sourced from natural water sources and are perfect for unwinding after a long day, with private baths available for guests who prefer a more secluded experience. Wakamatsuya offers chic, modern Japanese-Western-style rooms and more traditional Japanese-style rooms. The ryokan is located near Zao Ropeway, giving guests easy access to the ski slopes during winter and the hiking trails during the warmer months.

Zao Onsen Zao Plaza Hotel is a great option for families and groups looking for convenience. Located a few minutes' walk from the Uwanodai Slopes and the Zao Sky Cable, it is a convenient base to go skiing/snowboarding or check out the famous “Snow Monsters” in the Zao mountains. The hotel’s hot spring baths offer a relaxing space after a day of skiing or exploring, and the in-house restaurant features expansive windows so that you can take in picturesque mountain views while enjoying an authentic Japanese meal. Choose between compact Western-style rooms and spacious Japanese-style rooms that fit the budget and size of all kinds of families.

For a luxurious hotel experience,Zao Onsen Zao Kokusai Hotel is one of the top choices in Zao Onsen. The hotel features beautifully designed outdoor baths with award-winning snow views during the winter months. The hotel rooms are spacious, coming in Western and Japanese styles, with large windows that frame a view of the nearby mountains that will take your breath away.

Zao Onsen Takamiya Resort Rurikura is a fantastic choice for adventure seekers and family ski trips. Located right on the ski slopes, this hotel is designed for outdoor activities, just a few minutes on foot from an affiliated ski rental shop and incredibly easy access to the lifts. After skiing or hiking the highlands, guests can relax in the hotel's large indoor hot spring that is open for 24 hours. The hotel also features a swimming pool, tennis court, and a sauna, so you’ll never run out of things to do during your stay!

With its traditional charm and welcoming atmosphere,Zao Onsen Meitoya Sou is a favorite for those looking for a more intimate place to stay. The ryokan features spacious tatami rooms and lovely outdoor hot springs in a garden. The meals at Meitoya Sou are also a highlight, featuring regional specialties such as the highly coveted Zao beef. Its combination of authentic hospitality and comfort makes this hotel an excellent choice for visitors seeking a more traditional Japanese experience.

For a unique, pet-friendly experience,Zao Onsen Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature. This ryokan is known for its pet-friendly rooms, serene open-air baths which include reservable private baths, and incredible mountain vistas. The hotel's rooms are designed with tatami-mat flooring for an authentic Japanese feel, and the restaurant serves up a delicious multi-course meal with an emphasis on Japanese wagyu. If you’re looking for a place to unwind with your furry friend in a quiet and scenic environment, Zao Onsen Mogamitakayu Zenshichinoyu is ideal.