Zao

Travel Guide

A snow-covered mountain landscape with a ski lift and a green sign.
A snowy mountain landscape with a ski lift carrying skiers.
A stone statue of a figure with a red and white flame-like backdrop, surrounded by a misty forest.
Photo by Babiesan (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A river winding through a dense forest with varied foliage.
Photo by Tomofumi Sato (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa

Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1-1 Aza-oni-ishihara, Togatta-onsen Zao Miyagi-ken
$62 nightly
The price is $69 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$69 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Zao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Togatta Onsen and Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Doll Hall ...
8/10 Very Good! (491 reviews)
"So lovely. Breakfast was about 3,000 each and dinner was 5,000 each"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2026

Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa
Bardenya Soho

Bardenya Soho

3 out of 5
43-1 Shinchihigashiurayama, Togattaonsen Zao Miyagi
$71 nightly
The price is $84 total per night from Oct 20 to Oct 21
$84 total
Oct 20 - Oct 21
Stay at this ryokan in Zao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Doll Hall and Togatta Onsen are located ...
Bardenya Soho
The OneFive Sendai

The OneFive Sendai

3 out of 5
4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku Sendai Miyagi
$35 nightly
The price is $38 total per night from Oct 18 to Oct 19
$38 total
Oct 18 - Oct 19
Stay at this hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Asaichi Morning Market and Sendai Sunplaza ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (763 reviews)
"Not have enough pillows and the towels are very thin."

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2026

The OneFive Sendai
See all 328 properties in Zao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Tabinoteitaku Zao Miyagi

Tabinoteitaku Zao Miyagi

2 out of 5
4-413 Yatsuyama, Togatta Onsen, Zao-machi Zao Miyagi
Stay at this vacation home in Zao. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Doll Hall and Zao Dairy Farm ...
Tabinoteitaku Zao Miyagi
Tabinoteitaku wa

Tabinoteitaku wa

3 out of 5
4-146 Yumoto, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku Sendai-shi Miyagi
Stay at this vacation home in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and slippers. Popular attractions Sendai Kaleidoscope Museum and Rairaikyo Gorge are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"小さい子どもがいる家族、友人グループで使用するならアリかも！"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Tabinoteitaku wa
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES

Rakuten STAY x EAGLES

3 out of 5
2-11-6 Miyagino Sendai Miyagi
Stay at this apartment in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Sekisui Heim Super Arena and Rakuten Mobile ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (6 reviews)
"施設は最新で素晴らしかったが、エクスペディアを介して来るべきチェックイン方法メールなどが来ず、結局楽天カスタマーサービスへ電話しないといけない事態となった。エクスペディアはこの手の不手際が多い傾向が見受けられるので要注意。"

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024

Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
See all properties in Zao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Zao attractions

Mt. Zao

9.0/10 (18 reviews)
Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mt. Zao during your travels in Zao. Discover the area's mountain views and countryside.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Zao worth visiting?
Zao is worth visiting for its natural attractions and relaxing experiences. Travelers can explore the impressive Mt. Zao and unwind at Togatta Onsen. These spots offer a refreshing combination of scenic beauty and soothing hot springs, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both outdoor exploration and relaxation.
When is the best time to visit Zao?
The best time to visit Zao is from May through September, when the weather is typically mild and enjoyable. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the cooler months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience.
What is Zao known for?
Zao is known for Mt. Zao, a prominent natural landmark, and the striking Okama Crater. Travelers can also experience the relaxing waters of Togatta Onsen. This Japanese city offers a focus on these natural attractions.
What is a good itinerary length for Zao?
A good itinerary length for Zao is two to three days to explore Mt. Zao, Togatta Onsen, and the Okama Crater. For a longer visit of four to five days, you can also enjoy a Miyagi Sushi Making Experience in Zao and delve deeper into the natural beauty and hot springs. See Zao Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Zao?
Zao offers travelers a mix of natural wonders, outdoor recreation, and unique local experiences:

  • Explore the distinctive Okama Crater, known for its vibrant, ever-changing colors
  • Ski or snowboard at Sumikawa Snow Park, a popular spot for winter sports
  • Enjoy a Miyagi Sushi Making Experience, learning local culinary traditions
  • Hike Mt. Zao, the region's prominent mountain, offering scenic trails
  • Wander through Togatta Onsen, an area known for its hot springs.

How do I plan a trip to Zao?
To plan your trip to Zao, search Expedia for flights and hotels. Book popular activities like the Miyagi Sushi Making Experience in Zao in advance. Consider exploring natural attractions such as Mt. Zao and Okama Crater, and visit Togatta Onsen. Remember to have indoor backup plans for outdoor activities, offering flexibility for any weather changes. Booking a rental car ahead of time is also recommended.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Zao?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Zao by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Zao with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Zao trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Zao?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Zao can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Zao trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Zao trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Zao trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Zao trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Zao?
If it's your first trip to Zao, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Zao hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Zao hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Zao

A mountain with autumn foliage and a traditional wooden building on top.

Yamagata

A traditional Japanese building with a pagoda, cherry blossom trees, and a statue.
Photo by Neuropower (page does not exist) (Public domain)

Shiroishi

A town with red-roofed houses and green mountains in the background.

Kaminoyama

A river with cherry blossoms, a pathway, and a hill with a statue.

Ogawara

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