Find hotels in Zao from $23

Top reasons to visit Zao

• World-Class Skiing: Zao is renowned for its ski resorts, offering thrilling slopes for both beginners and experienced skiers.
• Relaxing Onsen Experience: Unwind in Zao's famous hot springs, providing rejuvenating baths surrounded by stunning mountain views.
• Scenic Hiking Trails: Explore breathtaking hiking paths that showcase the natural beauty of Zao's mountains and landscapes.
• Rich Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in the local culture, from traditional ryokans to regional festivals.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Choose from modern hotels to charming ryokans, catering to every traveler's needs.

Find great hotels in and around Zao

Discover the charm of Zao, Miyagi Prefecture, with a variety of accommodation options that cater to every traveler. Whether you prefer a traditional ryokan experience or a modern hotel with hot spring amenities, Zao offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy pet-friendly options and indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments while soaking in the area's natural beauty at the best Zao onsen hotels. Your ideal getaway awaits in this serene destination.

• Hotel Route-Inn Natori: Nestled 17 miles from Zao, Hotel Route-Inn Natori is a 3-star hotel ideal for business travelers seeking convenience and functionality. This property features a well-equipped Business Center, catering to your professional needs. With comfortable accommodations designed for productivity, guests can enjoy a restful stay while having access to essential services and facilities that support a work-focused vacation experience.
• Hotel Route Inn Natori Iwanuma Interchange: Located 15 miles from Zao, Hotel Route Inn Natori Iwanuma Interchange is a welcoming 3-star hotel that combines comfort with a variety of dining options. Guests can savor delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, with offerings for breakfast and dinner, including complimentary daily breakfast. Entertainment is at your fingertips with a flatscreen TV in every room, making this hotel an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience and leisure.
• Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa: Situated in the heart of Zao, the Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa offers a unique experience with its 3.5-star accommodations. This LGBTQIA-friendly property is perfect for those looking to unwind in a hot spring-themed retreat. With both indoor and outdoor public onsen facilities, guests can indulge in relaxing hot springs. The full-service spa provides a variety of treatments, including massages and aromatherapy, ensuring a rejuvenating stay in a serene environment.

Where to stay near Zao

Experience the thrill of outdoor adventures in Zao, Miyagi Prefecture, where skiing and sports reign supreme. Discover the rejuvenating Zao Onsen, renowned for its hot springs, or explore the breathtaking mountains of Zao for hiking and winter sports. Nearby, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region, making every moment an unforgettable journey through nature and tradition. Zao is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike.

• Kawasaki: Located 5 miles from Zao, Kawasaki is a lively city that offers a rich blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and wellness activities. The city sees a steady stream of visitors year-round, with peak travel occurring from August to October. Travelers flock to Kawasaki for its outdoor opportunities, including motor racing and body treatments. The area is also known for its natural attractions, such as hot springs, onsens, and beautiful lakes, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Obara Onsen: A charming village located 6 miles from Zao, Obara Onsen is renowned for its tranquil hot springs and wellness-focused tourism. Like Kawasaki, it experiences steady visitor numbers throughout the year, peaking from August to October. Obara Onsen is an idyllic destination for those seeking a cultural experience interwoven with wellness and skiing activities. Visitors can enjoy body treatments, explore ski fields, and visit nearby attractions like castles and hot springs, ensuring a memorable and rejuvenating stay.
• Shiroishi: Just 8 miles from Zao, Shiroishi is a city that captivates visitors with its cultural richness and array of wellness and sports activities. The city experiences its peak tourist season in April and from September to October. Shiroishi offers access to ski fields, body treatments, and various sports venues, making it an exciting destination for active travelers. With local highlights such as onsens, hot springs, and a stadium, visitors can enjoy a well-rounded experience that combines relaxation with adventure.

Things to do near Zao

Zao, located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and ski enthusiasts. Popular activities include skiing at various slopes, enjoying relaxing onsen baths, and indulging in body treatments. Visitors can explore stunning sightseeing spots while unwinding in the beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you're hitting the ski fields or soaking in the hot springs, Zao offers a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for an unforgettable vacation.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, visit Sunmall Ichibancho, a vibrant shopping mall 19 miles away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. You can also explore Asaichi Morning Market and Sendai Ginza Street, both located 19 miles away, perfect for unique gifts and local souvenirs amidst a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Kakuda Civil Golf Course offers a fantastic golfing experience surrounded by nature, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a cultural touch, visit Yamagin Kenmin Hall for lively music concerts that entertain and uplift. Lastly, Zao Bodaira Highlands provides a tranquil retreat for relaxation and wellness amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort offers thrilling skiing opportunities with stunning mountain views, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. At Sportsland SUGO, adrenaline junkies can experience high-speed motor racing. The Zao Chuo Ropeway provides breathtaking aerial views, making it ideal for families and adventure seekers alike.

Nightlife

In Zao, Benyland offers an exciting arcade adventure just 17 miles away, perfect for gaming enthusiasts. The Sendai Astronomical Observatory, located 14 miles away, provides a unique entertainment vibe with stargazing experiences, while the Port Flower Ferris Wheel, 25 miles away, presents stunning views of the night sky.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Zao

To save money on your trip to Zao, consider visiting in March or June to July when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, and check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Tuesdays, which are the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future stays.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Zao are March and June to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January to February and August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Zao is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Zao is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Zao is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel experience by choosing your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the least expensive to the most costly, ensuring you find the best deals first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Zao with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Find the best attractions in and around Zao

Zao, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is an ideal destination for ski and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can explore popular attractions such as the Zao Ski Resort and Zao Onsen, while enjoying the area's stunning mountains and relaxing hot springs. Whether you're seeking thrilling outdoor activities or a cultural experience, Zao offers a variety of options, including the best resorts and scenic urban parks, making it a perfect spot for an unforgettable vacation.

• Okama Crater: Experience the stunning beauty of Okama Crater, a breathtaking volcanic caldera known for its vibrant emerald lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and rugged landscapes, this site offers incredible photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.
• Mt. Zao: Adventure awaits on Mt. Zao, where outdoor enthusiasts can hike scenic trails with panoramic views. This mountain is perfect for both summer explorations and winter sports, making it a year-round destination for thrill-seekers.
• Kamasaki Onsen: Indulge in relaxation at Kamasaki Onsen, a tranquil hot spring located 6 miles from Zao. With its serene atmosphere and soothing waters, it's the ideal spot to unwind and rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Best time to go to Zao

The best time to visit Zao can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Zao falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Zao falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.8°F (1.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	34.5°F (1.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
March	41.4°F (5.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	59.5°F (15.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	65.8°F (18.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	73.4°F (23.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	69.1°F (20.6°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	58.8°F (14.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	49.3°F (9.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.0°F (3.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Zao

To visit Zao, Miyagi Prefecture, you can fly into two major airports: Sendai (SDJ) and Yamagata (GAJ). Sendai Airport is 19 miles away, with nearby hotels like The Westin Sendai and Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East, both rated 4 stars and situated 9 miles from the airport. Alternatively, Yamagata Airport is 24 miles from Zao, offering hotel options such as the 3.5-star Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata, 11 miles away, and Tendo Hotel and Takinoyu Hotel, both 4 miles away. Transportation services from the hotels to Yamagata Airport include free airport transportation and 24-hour shuttle service available upon request.