Zao Holidays

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Your Zao Holiday

With a holiday package to Zao, say goodbye to endless planning and hello to hassle-free adventure. Every detail of your getaway has been taken care of before you go, so you can get on with experiencing this exciting city. Zao Fox Village, Togatta Onsen and Kamasaki Onsen are just a few of the attractions worth checking out during your trip to Zao. Stop dreaming and start adventuring. Explore the multitude of options on Expedia today and put your Zao holiday plans in motion!

Things to do in and around Zao

Zao, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a fantastic destination for sports and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and relaxing in onsen after a thrilling day on the slopes. With its excellent ski runs and night skiing opportunities, Zao offers an unforgettable winter holiday experience, making it ideal for both ski and snowboard holidays.

Shopping

The Asaichi Morning Market, located 30.6km away from Zao, offers a vibrant atmosphere for local produce and unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, explore Sunmall Ichibancho and Sendai Ginza Street, both 30.6km away, where you'll find a mix of shopping, entertainment, and family-friendly activities.

Recreation

Experience tranquility at Zao Bodaira Highlands, where serene landscapes offer a perfect escape for relaxation and rejuvenation. Engage in sports activities at Sendai Gymnasium, or enjoy family entertainment at Sendai Astronomical Observatory, where stargazing adds a touch of wonder to your visit.

Adventure

At Sportsland SUGO, located 16.1km from Zao, experience the thrill of motor racing amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere. For skiing enthusiasts, Sumikawa Snow Park offers fantastic slopes right in Zao, while the Zao Super Slider, 17.7km away, promises exhilarating tobogganing fun for families and adventurers alike.

Nightlife

Zao's nightlife offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. Visit the Zao Onsen area for soothing hot springs and quaint izakayas serving local delicacies. For a lively atmosphere, enjoy karaoke at a local venue or sip sake at a charming bar nestled in the mountains.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Zao

Zao, located in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, is an ideal destination for sports and adventure enthusiasts, particularly during the ski season. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Mount Zao, and Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort, which offer breathtaking scenery and outdoor experiences. With its combination of hot springs, mountains, and urban parks, Zao provides a rich cultural and scenic experience for all types of travellers seeking adventure and relaxation.

  • Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Doll Hall: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan at this charming museum dedicated to Kokeshi dolls. With exquisite craftsmanship on display, visitors can learn about the history and significance of this traditional art form, making it a delightful experience for art enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.
  • Okama Crater: Experience breathtaking scenery at Okama Crater, known for its stunning emerald-coloured lake nestled within a volcanic caldera. The panoramic views from the surrounding trails provide an unforgettable photo opportunity, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Mt. Zao: Adventure awaits at Mt. Zao, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking and skiing on its diverse terrain. The mountain offers spectacular vistas and a chance to connect with nature, making it an ideal destination for thrill-seekers and scenery admirers.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.8°F (1.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April49.8°F (9.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June65.8°F (18.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
August75.7°F (24.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September69.1°F (20.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Zao

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Zao during the low season (March and June to July) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Zao Essential Information

Language
Japanese
Currency
Japanese yens
Local Welcome
Konnichiwa
Local Goodbye
Sayōnara
Closest Airport
Sendai Airport (SDJ)
Max Temp Winter
2ºC
Max Temp Summer
27ºC
Top Sights
Zao Fox Village, Togatta Onsen and Akiu Otaki Falls

Top hotels in Zao

Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa

Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1-1 Aza-oni-ishihara, Togatta-onsen Zao Miyagi-ken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £48 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
£48
1 Sept - 2 Sept
additional charges may apply
8/10 Very good! (454 reviews)
"So lovely. Breakfast was about 3,000 each and dinner was 5,000 each"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026

Mercure Miyagi Zao Resort & Spa
APA Hotel TKP Sendai-Ekikita

APA Hotel TKP Sendai-Ekikita

3 out of 5
201-1 Nakakecho, Miyagino-ku Sendai Miyagi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £38 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£38
31 Aug - 1 Sept
additional charges may apply
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,112 reviews)
"Perfect budget hotel in ideal location."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2026

APA Hotel TKP Sendai-Ekikita
The OneFive Sendai

The OneFive Sendai

3 out of 5
4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku Sendai Miyagi
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £29 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£29
31 Aug - 1 Sept
additional charges may apply
8.8/10 Excellent! (696 reviews)
"Nothing not to like here! It was amazing. So clean, very comfortable beds, an awesome bathroom with separate handbasin and separate toilet. Breakfast was so good we didn't need lunch. We'll be back!!!"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2026

The OneFive Sendai
See all 494 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.

Zao Ski Holiday Packages

If you hear the mountains calling, land a pile of savings with one of our Zao ski holiday packages. Slice through the snow during the day, check out the après-ski scene after hours and do things your way with Expedia. Zao is one of Japan's leading skiing destinations. Around 14 ski runs of varying levels operate between December and February each year. Head to a beginners' area and work on your skills before going downhill skiing. If you need some gear, you can rent it at the ski village. When you're ready to hang up your skis, head over to the day spa here. It's an ideal spot to soothe tired muscles after a busy day of downhill action. The whole gang will be kept busy on your family ski holiday in Zao, with fun activities such as tobogganing, snowboarding and night skiing also on offer.

How To Get Around

Many visitors who book one of our Zao holiday packages jet into Yamagata. From there, it's 45 minutes before you're crisscrossing your way down the slopes of Zao's favourite runs. From the middle of Zao, the ski runs are around 15 minutes away by car and free parking is available. In winter, we recommend carrying snow chains. With season-pass, weekend-pass and full-day ticket types, planning your ski holiday is as easy as working out the option that suits you. One more thing that's easy? Building the escape you've been dreaming about with Expedia. With one of our Zao ski package deals, you can combine your flights, hotel, car rental and more.

Zao Resort Ski Info

Average yearly snowfall
39 ft
Elevation of lowest ski lift
2,559 ft
Cost of 1-day lift pass
Under £45
Easy runs
14
Moderate runs
14
Advanced runs
7
Longest run
6.2 mi
All Inclusive Holidays
All Inclusive Holidays
Beach Holidays
Beach Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays
Family Friendly Holidays

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

Why should I book my Zao holiday with Expedia?
Expedia has you covered for all aspects of your next Zao holiday. You'll always land the best prices around, but when you bundle your accommodation, airfares and/or car hire into a holiday package, you'll score even more savings. Looking to truly make the most of your break? Add some awesome tours and activities to your package. Expedia offers flexible cancellation policies on almost all bookings, so there's no need to worry if your plans change. Head over to our Customer Service Portal link to discover more.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Zao?
If you want to experience the vibe of Zao during the high season, book your escape for May, July and October. April, August and December are typically the quietest months of the year. With daytime average temperatures of 0ºC, January is the coolest month in Zao. The warmest time of year is August, when you can experience average temperatures of 24ºC throughout the day. Whatever the temperature, you'll find plenty to keep you busy here.
What is the top hotel for my holiday in Zao?
Mitsui Garden Hotel Sendai is an ideal base for a wonderful holiday in Zao, offering all the conveniences you need.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Zao?
One of the easiest ways to save cash (and time) is to bundle your bookings with Expedia. Flights, hotels, hire cars and activities — we've got it all. Pick and choose a combination that suits you and see your savings pile up. Of course, holidays are never a one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer over 400 partner airlines and 321,000 properties globally, which lets you customise your Zao holiday your way. Learn more about how you can save money on your next holiday when you book a flight and hotel together with Expedia.
What should I do on my Zao holiday?
Make sure your next holiday in Zao is a memorable one by checking out its most popular attractions. Zao Fox Village, Mt. Zao, Okama Crater and Togatta Onsen are just a few of the things we recommend seeing while you're in the city.
What is the best area to stay in when on holiday in Zao?
An escape to Zao isn't complete without checking out Mt. Zao. Why not book a stay near this fantastic attraction?
Do I need a visa for my Zao holiday?
Research the most up-to-date information on official government websites. Your nationality and whether you're travelling for study, leisure or business will determine if you'll need a visa for Zao. Make yourself familiar with the application process, including any required documentation, fees and turnaround times. Submit your application well in advance to allow sufficient processing time. Some visas can take several weeks or even months to obtain, depending on the country.
What should I wear on my Zao holiday?
Though everyone's fashion style is different, it can be useful to have some guidelines for what kind of clothes to wear during your holiday in Zao. We recommend looking up style blogs before you head off so you can blend in like a local. Daytime temperatures during January, Zao's coolest month, average around 0ºC. August marks this city's warmest month when the average reaches 24ºC. Our suggestion? Take the guesswork out of what to pack and check the local weather forecast.
What does an Expedia Zao holiday include?
Flights, car hires and hotels, or any combination of them — it's totally up to you. Whether you're headed to Zao with the entire family or travelling solo, there's a bundle to suit your budget and style. Once you've made your booking, why not add on some tours or activities? Expedia features different types of properties, with the most popular in Zao including hotels and private holiday homes. With Expedia, you'll always enjoy the flexibility and freedom to personalise your holiday any way you like.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Zao holidays?
Expedia has joined forces with online lender Klarna to make booking your next getaway easier on the purse strings. Paying in instalments means you can spread the costs of your next big adventure, leaving you with more cash to splash while you're travelling. Klarna has several payment plans to pick from, so you're sure to find one that fits into your budget. Consider these flexible payment options:

  • Pay monthly holidays: If paying small amounts each month sounds right for you, Klarna offers just that! Paying in several transactions will make your holiday dreams possible.
  • No-deposit holidays: If no upfront fee for your trip makes pressing that "book now" button more stress-free, opt for a no-deposit holiday plan with Klarna so you can Book Now, Pay Later!

Can I choose my airline with a Zao Expedia holiday?
Yes — that's the beauty of an Expedia holiday package. You get to decide. We have access to more than 400 partner airlines around the world, so you have lots of choice when creating your Zao adventure.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.