Ski Resorts in Zao Onsen

I chose this place based on the ratings and it did not disappoint. It was great for foreigners but it would help to have some Japanese or access to Google translate. Definitely do the hike to the outdoor Onsen on the mountain while you’re there and you can call a cab if you need to make an earlier train. The room was incredibly clean and the tatami mats were among the most beautiful I have ever seen. The futon they use for your bed is thick and actually comfortable. You do not feel like you’re sleeping on the floor at all and the pillow was fabulous. Since the yen is so weak in November 2022, I considered buying a futon from their supplier - no lie. The food portions are large so skip lunch if you need to or learn some phrases in Japanese to apologize if you cannot finish it. Please try every dish though even if you can’t eat all of it. This is one of the best value ryokan in Japan with the meals included. You can’t beat this and Zao Onsen seems like it is underrated compared to Kusatsu. I would prefer Zao any day over Kusatsu and it isn’t so crowded. I will absolutely be back. What a gem. I would not have found this if it weren’t for booking.com and the over 9.2 rating. Privilege to stay here.

I rarely write reviews, but when something is really out of the ordinary, I do. THE STAFF WAS REALLY HELPFUL. They are quick to respond when you want help. They also speak very good English.

One of the best ryokans we’ve stayed at in Japan. The location feels straight out of a Ghibli movie, with over 300 years of history and an amazing atmosphere. We stayed for 3 nights and enjoyed some of the best Japanese food each day at the ryokan restaurant. Since both me and my partner have tattoos, we booked the private onsen every evening through reception. The real highlight was the staff. They went above and beyond to make our stay special, spoke good conversational English, and checked in daily to ensure everything was perfect. Highly recommended for an authentic, cozy ryokan experience!

Very beautiful onsen. Mix bath and private onsen

Big spacious room, provided everything you dont need to bring anything

Everything about this place is warm and welcoming. The family that run it are the sweetest and do everything they can to make you feel at home. Full of recommendations for where to go and what to do in ZAO. The cutest little kid Yui chan and rooms are nice and simple. Cannot recommend any higher. Also great place to talk to other nice people and hang out.

We had an excellent stay, food and presentations were exquisite. We admired the thought that went into presenting food in dishes that are compatible with the “mood” of the food. Only 5 minutes walk to the lift. Staff were professional, rooms were comfortable and clean. We really enjoyed our stay.

The ryokan provides transport pick up n drop off from the Zao Onsen bus terminal. All staff from driver, front desk to dining employees were very polite, obliging and provided very good customer service. Dinners n breakfasts were excellent and hosted in private rooms. Snow boots were loaned free. We used the private family onsen (first come first serve basis) for 40 mins and thoroughly enjoyed the sulphur spring water.

The amazing Onsen experience and the meals.

In the heart of Zao Onsen village and a short walk to the main "ropeway" or cable car. The room was beautiful with a table and cushionbs and a cupboard with futons to put out. We went western style and left our futons out all the time we were there and had some of the cushions as a makeshift bedhead against the cupboard. The food was absolutely amazing - we had a shabu shabu hot pot dinner that was cooked on our table and it was difficult to stop eating although despite the very generous serving. Breakfast was also plentiful and nutritiously so well balanced that we could go on skiing for hours without a break. The owner is charming and although we hired a local guide for going back country we should have just talked to the owner. He has been skiing is Zao all his life and was a champion giant slalom skier and is a volunteer search and rescue patrol guy too. The mother has a shop downstairs and her delicious sweet dumplings get sold out everyday. Don't worry about not having a private bathroom (I normally prefer this) as the facilities are scrupulously clean. There is a lovely communal bath (one for men, another for women) and the best onsen in town just opposite (free voucher available from the front desk). Felt really well looked after. Will definitely come back!! Zao Onsen is like a ghibli world. There are snow rabbits running about in the breathtaking scenery of the snow monsters and apparently giant foxes and (musasabi) giant flying squirrels with 1.6m wingspan (very rare to see though). Just lovely! Zao also has a new excellent music bar/restaurant called Takiyama Studio. The chefs drum and play guitiar and various instruments and a waitress sings - it was amazing, especially the qualilty of the waitresses singing and guitar playing. The chef's singing was not my cup of tea but he knew his way around an axe!