What other travelers are saying about Zao Onsen Dairotenburo, Yamagata
This onsen is surreal. It's surrounded by lush nature and its such a peaceful experience. I went in autumn and getting undressed outside (the are no indoor changing rooms) was not too uncomfortable. It's probably a bit chilly in winter, but nevertheless much worth it. One of the best rotenburo I've ever been to!
The facility operates from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and until 6:00 PM on weekends and national holidays. The bath is closed from late November to mid-April due to heavy snowfall and winter conditions in the mountain valley.
Admission to Zao Onsen Dairotenburo costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children aged 1-11 years. This is a day-use public bath facility that operates on a pay-per-entry basis.
The baths are gender-separated with distinct facilities for men and women. Standard Japanese onsen etiquette applies, meaning bathing is done without swimwear in the designated gender-specific areas.
Visitors should bring their own towels, including a small hand towel for onsen etiquette and a larger bath towel for drying afterward. You must remove all metal jewelry and accessories before entering due to the highly acidic nature of the sulfur spring water, which can cause metal to tarnish or corrode.
Yes, Zao Onsen Dairotenburo is tattoo-friendly and welcomes guests with body art. This makes it an accessible option for international visitors and others with tattoos who may find restrictions at other traditional Japanese onsen facilities.
Stunningly beautiful the river is emerald blue.. this natural hot spring is so good you can even tell its all natural because of the sulfuric smell ❤️❤️❤️
You can't come to Zao Onsen without taking a dip in this iconic outdoor Onsen which unfortunately is not open in winter once the snow falls.
The Ladies' have an overhead covering for one of two baths whilst the male baths are terraced (with waterfall massage spots from the top one to the second.
The Onsen is located between the Sunrise and Nakamori ski slopes.
Note that there are no freshwater washing facilities.
A wonderful setting with really warm water across two pools (for the males) and separate facilities for females. The temperature varied between the two pools. The staff were friendly. The families are basic. Unfortunately, to go to the toilet, one has to exit the baths into the car park. No clothing was worn in the bathhouse.
