Zao Onsen

Like most of the resort, the accommodation options here are largely steeped in tradition, with guests having a large range of traditional Japanese ryokans and simple pensions. There are also a handful of larger hotels with western-style rooms, and western food is available at some of the restaurants, but be prepared to sleep on tatami futon bedding and enjoy some delicious Japanese food should you pay a visit.  

The hotels and ryokans on the right side of Zao have easiest access to the slopes, but the left side caters to a more aesthetic crowd with stunning traditional designs and architecture you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Almost all of the ryokans and hotels offer stunning onsens free for guest use, too. As the resort is quite spread out, a lot of places will offer shuttle buses or transport services, and this can be a great help getting around in the snowy weather. 

Hotel Hammond Takamiya

  • Hotel
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Onsen Village
  • 350m to Zao Sky Cable

Hotel Hammond Takamiya has got a lot going for it - fantastic onsens, spacious rooms, close access to ski slopes. Guests enjoy their stay at Hotel H... more

Hotel Lucent Takamiya

  • Hotel
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Onsen Village
  • 50m to Zao Chuo Ropeway

This beautiful hotel might not look like much from the outside, but on the inside, tasteful design and clever construction has been put to use to crea... more

Meitoya So

  • Hotel
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Onsen Village
  • 400m to Zao Sky Cable

This gorgeous ryokan offers you a relaxing and rejuvenating stay in the utmost elegant surrounds. From entering the grand ryokan lobby, you feel a sen... more

Miyamaso Takamiya

  • Ryokan
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Onsen Village
  • 300m to Zao Sky Cable

This traditional ryokan is as authentic as it is beautiful. First opened to guests in 1716, the facilities have been continually updated to maintain m... more

Takamiya Rurikura Resort

  • Hotel
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Onsen Village
  • 75m to Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line

The hotel strikes a bold figure in the Zao landscape, and, being the tallest building in the area, is subject to some of the best views you're going t... more