Even within Japan’s snow country, Zao Onsen and GALA Yuzawa each offer completely different charms of winter.

Yamagata’s famous hot spring resort, Zao Onsen, boasts over 1,900 years of history since its opening.
The strongly acidic “beautifying hot spring” produces rising steam that fills the air of the old-fashioned town, where traditional inns and public baths are scattered along stone-paved slopes—creating a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere.

The “juhyo” (snow-encased trees that look like snow monsters), symbolic of winter, present an awe-inspiring view that can be admired from the ropeway.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort, where you can ski while gazing at these icy trees, is one of the largest ski areas in the Tohoku region and well worth a visit at least once.

By contrast, GALA Yuzawa in Niigata is about 75 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
The station is directly connected to the ski center, making its accessibility one of the best in Japan.

The slopes are suitable for beginners and families with children, featuring a well-equipped kids’ park and snow play areas.
With daycare facilities and ski schools available, families can enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
The latest rental services and facilities for “hands-free skiing” are also appealing, allowing visitors to hit the slopes right after arrival without having to worry about luggage—convenience at its best.

After skiing, you can relax your chilled body in the on-site hot springs while gazing at the snowy scenery.

If you want to immerse yourself in a traditional hot spring town and the grandeur of nature, Zao is the place to be.
If you value comfort and convenience, GALA Yuzawa is your choice.
Which snow country will be the perfect match for your winter journey?

When it comes to winter in Zao Onsen, hot springs and snow monsters (juhyo) are essential highlights.

We have carefully selected five hotels that cater to travelers who wish to “relax in hot springs,” “stay at a traditional Japanese inn,” and “enjoy a culturally rich experience.”

In addition to the quality of the hot springs and the availability of private baths, we also focused on whether the stay allows guests to feel the essence of Japanese culture, as well as the convenience of access to major attractions such as Zao Onsen Ski Resort and the Juhyo Ropeway.

Here, we introduce accommodations that embody the essence of Zao Onsen—places where simply staying becomes a memorable part of your journey.

A hot spring inn with 300 years of history where you can experience Japan’s timeless beauty and its signature milky-white waters

Among Zao Onsen’s many accommodations, this long-established ryokan stands out with a history of over 300 years, representing the region’s heritage.

While other lodgings emphasize modern facilities or a resort-like atmosphere, this inn continues to preserve its traditional wooden architecture and garden, creating a special ambiance where guests can fully experience authentic Japanese culture simply by staying here.
About twenty stone steps lead up to the entrance, and its purely Japanese-style appearance exudes an air of dignity that captivates many guests.

The hot springs are directly sourced from the inn’s private spring, featuring cloudy white sulfur water rich in beneficial minerals. Guests can enjoy this healing water in multiple baths.
The private and open-air baths, especially those offering views of the snowy landscape, evoke a uniquely historic charm that makes them ideal for couples celebrating anniversaries or families seeking a moment of relaxation.

Meals incorporate Yamagata’s seasonal ingredients, prepared using traditional local cooking techniques that bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient.
One highlight is the “Zao Beef Ceramic Plate Steak,” a superb dish featuring rare branded beef raised in Zao’s fertile environment, grilled to your preferred doneness.
Private dining rooms and in-room meal service are also available, which is an added delight.
The presentation and tableware are carefully chosen, allowing guests to savor both culinary artistry and traditional aesthetics—an experience unique to this inn.

A free shuttle service is available from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, ensuring easy access.
The inn is also conveniently located within walking distance of the ropeway, making it an excellent base for viewing the snow monsters or enjoying skiing.

It is a beloved inn often described as “the face of Zao,” where guests can fully enjoy history, culture, hot springs, and nature all in one stay.

A peaceful retreat surrounded by forest, offering open-air hot springs and kaiseki cuisine for a relaxing stay

This relaxing hotel is especially popular among guests seeking a quiet and calm stay.
As its name suggests, it offers beautiful scenery that changes with each of the four seasons. From guest rooms and open-air baths, guests can enjoy the lush green forests or snowy landscapes that define Zao’s majestic nature.

The hotel features two hot spring areas: the main bath “Shirakaba no Yu,” open 24 hours, and the annex bath “Hyappo,” which boasts an open-air bath with breathtaking views.
The main bath uses a mild alkaline mineral spring that is gentle on the skin, while the annex bath offers Zao’s signature milky-white sulfur spring directly sourced from the spring—allowing guests to experience two different types of hot springs.

The facility also provides a secure ski and snowboard locker room with key locks. Rental services are available, and guests can freely use the parking lot, hot springs, luggage storage, and changing rooms even before check-in.
The hotel offers excellent support for winter activities, including viewing the snow monsters and enjoying other seasonal adventures.

Dinner features kaiseki cuisine made with local seasonal ingredients, highlighting mountain delicacies such as Yamagata beef and wild vegetables.
The dining area provides a calm atmosphere, perfect for savoring the natural flavors of each dish. Guests can enjoy an indulgent dining experience celebrating Japan’s four seasons through exquisite cuisine.

A free shuttle bus is available from Yamagata Station. The Zao Ropeway, the entrance to the snow monster viewing area, is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel, making it convenient for evening visits to see the illuminated snow-covered trees.

The gateway to snow monsters and skiing — an onsen resort where you can experience all of Zao

Highly rated as one of the top snow resorts in Zao Onsen, this hotel offers the perfect location near the slopes of Zao Onsen Ski Resort — an ideal base for skiing and snowboarding in winter.

The property provides full facilities for leisure travelers, including ski and snowboard set rentals, wear rentals, lockers, and a laundry room, making it especially recommended for beginners. Its greatest charm is the convenience of being able to return to the hot spring anytime between activities.

The onsen features Zao’s signature milky-white sulfur spring, available in multiple baths such as the spacious indoor public bath, the open-air bath, and a cypress bath filled with the scent of wood.
There are also three types of private baths — cypress, granite, and barrier-free — allowing guests to enjoy a private hot spring experience. Thanks to the spring’s properties, it is particularly effective for improving skin and relieving fatigue, making it ideal for relaxing after a long day on the slopes.

Dinner features kaiseki cuisine showcasing Yamagata beef and seasonal mountain vegetables, offering a variety of dishes rich in local flavor. Breakfast is served buffet-style, where guests can enjoy as much as they like.
The hotel’s beef curry made with Yamagata beef is especially popular for its deep flavor, accompanied by freshly baked bread, eggs cooked to order, and gentle dishes such as rice porridge — a healthy and satisfying start to the day.

The hotel offers eight types of guest rooms, both Western and Japanese-style, suitable for families and groups of friends.
Located about a 5-minute walk from the ropeway station, it serves as a convenient base for viewing the snow monsters in winter and for trekking or exploring the highlands in summer.
A free shuttle bus from Yamagata Station makes access smooth and easy.

A charming small ryokan filled with Japanese warmth, seasonal cuisine, and beautifying hot springs

Uta no Tado Wakamatsuya is a long-established ryokan with over 100 years of history in Zao Onsen.
Amid the larger resort hotels, this inn continues to quietly operate in a peaceful corner of the hot spring town, cherishing the essence of Japanese hospitality and human warmth.

The onsen is, of course, 100% natural flowing water sourced directly from Zao’s famous strong acidic sulfur spring, known since ancient times as a “beautifying” and “medicinal” bath.
In the private wooden bath or indoor bath, guests can enjoy the milky-white water filled with natural minerals, with fine “hot spring flowers” (yunohana) floating on the surface. The silky feel of the skin after bathing is exceptional.

The guest rooms feature a traditional Japanese style with modern touches throughout, creating a comfortable and serene atmosphere.
This refined blend of tradition and comfort is particularly popular among solo female travelers and visitors interested in experiencing Japanese culture.

Dinner showcases Yamagata’s seasonal cuisine with kaiseki dishes that include Yonezawa beef and local sake, beautifully presented to reflect each season’s flavors.

One of the hotel’s special features is its convenient shuttle service to several of Zao’s well-known day-use hot springs — including the famous Zao Dai Rotenburo (open-air bath, closed in winter) and Genshichi Roten no Yu.
Depending on the season, guests can enjoy a hot spring-hopping experience, which is especially delightful for onsen enthusiasts.

A free shuttle bus is also available from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. The inn is conveniently located with easy access to Zao Onsen town and the public bath “Kamiyu,” making it a great base for sightseeing.

The attentive and considerate service soothes travelers, offering a sense of comfort as if you had “returned home.”
Among Zao’s many inns, Wakamatsuya stands out for its high-quality hot springs and warm, genuine hospitality.

A ski-in onsen retreat where you can soak in natural hot springs right after hitting the slopes

Located in one of the most convenient spots in Zao Onsen, this inn enjoys direct access to the ski slopes just steps away.
After a day of skiing or snowboarding, guests can soak in the open-air bath while admiring the magnificent snow-covered Zao mountain range.

The strongly acidic sulfur spring is known for its restorative effects, helping to relieve fatigue after skiing.
The baths use 100% natural hot spring water directly from the source, both in the indoor and open-air baths, with “hot spring flowers” (yunohana) floating on the surface.
The rich, authentic onsen quality rivals even that of large resort hotels in the area.

Meals feature Japanese-style cuisine that makes full use of local ingredients, including Yamagata beef, seasonal mountain vegetables, and fresh sashimi.
You can also enjoy shabu-shabu made with premium local pork, offering a satisfying balance of taste and presentation.

Inside, the hotel retains a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere while maintaining cleanliness and comfort.
Spacious Japanese-style rooms are ideal for groups, families, or ski travelers with lots of gear.

The hotel is within walking distance of the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station, making it an excellent base for sightseeing and outdoor activities such as snow monster (Juhyo) viewing and trekking.
Zao Plaza Hotel is especially recommended for travelers who want to fully enjoy both the onsen and the active side of Zao, rather than a quiet retreat.

The nearby “Uenodai Slope” — right next to the hotel — is historically known as the birthplace of the Zao Onsen Ski Resort and remains one of the most popular slopes for visitors today.

Just about 75 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, GALA Yuzawa offers direct access from the station to the slopes — the ultimate “hands-free” ski trip experience.
This snow resort is designed for travelers who want to enjoy skiing easily and comfortably, without the hassle of transfers or heavy luggage.

In this section, we’ve selected hotels that emphasize convenience — with excellent access to Echigo-Yuzawa Station and the GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort, relaxing hot springs or private baths to ease tired muscles, and environments perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes.
Discover the ideal accommodations for a seamless, stress-free ski getaway.

A serene hot spring inn just 3 minutes from the station — where snow and steam embrace you in warmth

Located just a 3-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this cozy hot spring inn welcomes guests with the scent of snow and gentle steam the moment they arrive.
The interior combines the warmth of natural wood with a modern Nordic-meets-Japanese design, creating a tranquil space that soothes the senses after travel or skiing.

The inn’s natural hot spring is a gentle, colorless, and transparent alkaline spring renowned for its soft touch on the skin — ideal for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
On the top floor, the main bath area offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, letting you admire Niigata’s four seasons while soaking in comfort.
The tatami flooring ensures safety for children, minimizing slips and falls — a thoughtful detail for family travelers.

In addition to the main bath, three private onsen baths are available for those who prefer a more personal experience.
Couples and families can enjoy the snow-view baths in privacy, surrounded by calm and steam.

Dinner showcases the local bounty of Niigata, with dishes featuring Uonuma-grown Koshihikari rice, mountain vegetables, and “snow-stored” produce, beautifully arranged in traditional Japanese style.
Guests can also enjoy Dormy Inn’s signature “Yonaki Soba” (late-night ramen) and complimentary ice cream service — a delightful treat after the bath.

GALA Yuzawa Ski Resort is only about 5 minutes away by taxi, making it an excellent base for skiing or snowboarding.
After a day of winter activities, unwind in the lounge with a cup of sake or amazake, gazing at the quietly falling snow — a peaceful, heartwarming moment in the heart of Echigo.

A classic Japanese-style ryokan with just 16 rooms — surrounded by the scent of wood and hot spring steam

Perched on a small hill overlooking the Yuzawa hot spring town, this charming ryokan offers peaceful seclusion surrounded by snow.
It’s an 8-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station and about 10 minutes from GALA Yuzawa via the station, making it both quiet and convenient.

Though it has a history of over 90 years, the renovated interiors are bright, clean, and comfortable.
With just 16 rooms, the inn provides a warm, personal style of hospitality that’s hard to find in larger hotels.

The alkaline simple hot spring water has a silky, smooth texture, leaving your skin soft and refreshed after bathing.
The private open-air bath offers an unobstructed view of the snowy townscape, with the faint glow of evening lights shimmering through the steam.
A private stone sauna is also available, allowing guests to warm up deeply from the winter chill.

Dinner features kaiseki cuisine highlighting local ingredients from the Echigo region — freshly cooked Uonuma rice, tender Echigo beef shabu-shabu, and seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Homemade desserts and pickles prepared by the landlady add a heartfelt touch, creating the comfort of visiting an old friend’s home.

Guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style spaces with tatami mats and shoji screens, offering the pure tranquility of classic ryokan living.
Stretch out, sit on the tatami, or simply relax while taking in the serene atmosphere of a true Japanese stay.

A tranquil hot spring retreat with a beautiful garden — an oasis of relaxation just steps from the station

Located just a 2-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, this classic hot spring resort combines convenience with tranquility.
Despite being right by the station, the hotel offers a calm, peaceful atmosphere, complete with a spacious Japanese garden and multiple onsen facilities.
Behind the hotel lies the “Ipponsugi Snow Park,” adding to its appeal as a winter resort.

The sodium-calcium chloride spring water retains warmth well and provides deep relaxation.
From the open-air garden bath, guests can admire the snow-covered trees and the serene garden scenery.
Private baths, stone baths, and saunas allow for a variety of bathing experiences.

The hotel also features numerous amenities: a ski rental room for guests, coin laundry, free coin lockers, a relaxation corner, and even a game area — making it a comfortable choice for families.

Dinner options include seasonal Japanese kaiseki cuisine or a buffet with a live kitchen.
In winter, the menu highlights delicacies such as crab, Echigo beef, and regional dishes that pair perfectly with local sake.
Rooms come in a variety of styles — from spacious family-friendly Japanese rooms to special suites with open-air baths.

After skiing, enjoy a warm drink in the post-bath lounge, or spend the night sipping a quiet drink at the snow-view bar.
Located just about 5 minutes by taxi from GALA Yuzawa, this hotel offers the perfect combination of hot springs, gourmet dining, and easy access — an ideal base for enjoying the best of Japan’s snow country.

An intimate hideaway with only four suites — each featuring a private natural hot spring bath amid a tranquil snowy forest

Nestled deep in a snow-covered forest, Four Seasons Yuzawa QUATTRO is a luxurious retreat with only four guest suites — each designed to offer the ultimate private onsen experience.

All suites are maisonette-style, with a bedroom upstairs and a living room and bath downstairs, creating a sense of space similar to a private villa.
Every room comes with its own open-air bath and a glass-enclosed indoor bath fed by 100% natural hot spring water, allowing guests to enjoy the snowy forest scenery right from the bath.

Step out onto the spacious terrace connected to the living area and find yourself surrounded by untouched snow — the only sounds are the gentle murmur of the hot spring water and the whisper of the winter wind.
It’s the perfect sanctuary for guests seeking deep relaxation after a day on the slopes.
The interior design blends modern Japanese aesthetics with natural wood textures and soft indirect lighting, creating an atmosphere of calm sophistication.

Dinner features exquisite creative kaiseki dishes crafted from seasonal Echigo ingredients — from Uonuma-grown Koshihikari rice to fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and mountain vegetables.
Each course is artfully presented and can be paired with fine local sake or wine for a memorable dining experience.

Breakfast is a beautifully prepared Japanese-Western set meal served beside large picture windows, where guests can gaze out at the peaceful snowy landscape while savoring the fresh flavors of handpicked ingredients.

Located just a 7-minute walk from Echigo-Yuzawa Station and a 5-minute drive to GALA Yuzawa, this luxurious hideaway combines accessibility with serenity.
It’s an ideal choice for couples and guests celebrating special occasions who seek the elegance of privacy and the quiet beauty of Yuzawa’s winter.

A full-scale ski-in resort with premium comfort — ideal for families and winter travelers seeking style and convenience

For those who want to enjoy the winter of Echigo-Yuzawa in style, NASPA New Otani offers an elegant stay with top-tier facilities and direct access to the slopes.
This resort is managed by the world-renowned Hotel New Otani brand and is directly connected to NASPA Ski Garden, a ski-only slope, meaning guests can enjoy a calm, safe skiing experience away from the crowds.
You can even compare runs with the slopes at GALA Yuzawa, just minutes away.

After skiing, relax in the hotel’s natural hot spring baths or the open-air onsen with views of the snow.
The simple thermal spring water is gentle on the skin and known for easing fatigue from travel and winter sports.
Private onsen baths with natural spring water are also available, making this an excellent choice for families or small groups.

The hotel’s facilities go far beyond hot springs — including an indoor pool and spa area, mist sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness gym — ensuring fun and relaxation for both parents and children.
Rooms are primarily Western-style, featuring sophisticated interiors, with larger rooms and family-friendly spaces available.
Laundry facilities, rental baby items, and other thoughtful amenities make traveling with children stress-free.

For dinner, guests can choose between fine French cuisine and elegant Japanese kaiseki, both prepared with the highest attention to flavor and presentation.
The hotel is only about a 3-minute drive from Echigo-Yuzawa Station, with a free shuttle bus provided for added convenience.

With skiing, onsen relaxation, gourmet dining, and modern comfort all in one place, NASPA New Otani delivers the ultimate winter resort experience in Yuzawa.

Whether you choose Zao Onsen or GALA Yuzawa, each destination tells its own unique winter story.

At Zao Onsen, the breathtaking snow monsters and the nostalgic warmth of its hot spring town offer a truly authentic Japanese winter experience. Staying in a traditional ryokan, soaking in an outdoor onsen while watching the snow fall — it’s the essence of Japan’s winter charm.

Meanwhile, GALA Yuzawa offers convenience and comfort — just 75 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen, with direct access from the station to the slopes. With full facilities including rentals and hot springs, it’s a perfect resort for everyone from beginners to seasoned skiers.

Whichever you choose, you’ll find stunning snowscapes and heartfelt hospitality awaiting you.
Find the perfect stay that matches your travel style — and create your own unforgettable winter story.

Don't worry if the recommended hotels introduced in this article are fully booked. There are other attractive hotels in the Zao and Yuzawa areas that have received positive reviews. Why not book a hotel that suits your travel style?

Once you've decided where to stay, why not explore some popular experiences during your trip to Zao and Yuzawa? Book special activities like tours of popular tourist spots or snow activities unique to Zao and Yuzawa to create unforgettable memories.