Zao Onsen is a small resort town in the mountains, about a 40 minute bus ride from central Yamagata City. The town is compact with narrow, steep roads. Everything in town, from hotels and ryokan to ski rental shops and lifts is accessible on foot.
From Tokyo
By train and bus via Yamagata
Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata (2.5 hours, 11,000 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 980 yen, one bus per hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the bus ride is not.
By train and bus via Sendai
Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (100-130 minutes, 10,000 yen, frequent departures) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (100 minutes, 1500 yen, two buses per day, seat reservations required, operates in winter only). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the bus ride is not.
By direct bus
During the winter months, there is one daily overnight bus from Tokyo (Shinjuku Station) to Zao Onsen. The one way journey takes about eight hours and costs 4500 yen. Round trip tickets are available for 8000 yen. In the opposite direction, from Zao Onsen to Tokyo, the bus runs during the daytime. Seat reservations are mandatory.
From Sendai
By direct bus
During the winter months, there are two direct buses per day between Sendai and Zao Onsen. The one way journey takes 100 minutes, costs 1500 yen and is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Seat reservations are mandatory.
By train and bus
Take the JR Senzan Line from Sendai to Yamagata (70-90 minutes, 1110 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 980 yen, one bus per hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, but the bus ride is not.
