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Continue reading →: Sukawa Onsen ShrineSukawa Onsen Shrine is one of the historical center pieces of Zao Onsen and you can’t visit the town without making a visit to this shrine as well. It is said to have been founded around 834-847 and has a fascinating history that spans centuries. At the end of Takayu…
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Continue reading →: Shibamama CafeThis week’s restaurant review is a Zao Onsen staple, Shibamama Cafe. With an emphasis on local vegetables and their specialty bamboo shoots, the menu is full of healthy and flavorful choices. They aim for a variety of around 30 vegetables in one meal! Shibamama Cafe is located on the main…
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Continue reading →: Dokkonuma PondThe most prominent ropeways in Zao Onsen are the Chuo Ropeway and Zao Ropeway, but there’s also a gondola that can take you to the top, called the Zao Sky Cable. Note, if you’re visiting Zao with kids in the summer, it’s a good trip to pair with the Super…
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Continue reading →: cafe chottoOne of the things I’m most excited for when it comes to this blog is getting to eat my way through Zao and introduce the best places to enjoy a meal. First up is my absolute favorite cafe, chotto. It’s a fairly new addition to the Zao restaurant scene, having…
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Continue reading →: AccessIt might look far on a map, but Zao Onsen is a straightforward trip from Tokyo. The easiest and most common way to get here is via the Yamagata Shinkansen, also called the Tsubasa. From Tokyo Station, it’s a 2.5 hour trip that is quite scenic. Note that all of the…
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Continue reading →: Miyamaso TakamiyaTake a stroll down the old district street in Zao Onsen and at the end you’ll come upon the centuries old Miyamaso Takamiya ryokan. It was founded in 1716 by Yaheiji Okazaki and his descendants are still at the head of inn today. It also remains in the original spot,…
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Continue reading →: Zao Onsen, YamagataWhat’s the start of a blog without an introductory post and the historical background? Honestly, these general facts are easily found if you search Zao Onsen. However, the majority of the information on Zao Onsen is also centered around winter- ski and snowboarding, the breathtaking Snow Monsters, and onsen life.…
Hello,
Welcome to all things Zao Onsen and sometimes Yamagata, Japan. I’m here to give you an in-depth and personal look at an often overlooked part of Japan. Hope to see you here!
Zao Onsen 