zao onsen: milky onsen baths
temples and baths all in one tiny hamlet
zao, on the yamagata-miyagi prefectural border, is a mountain park centered in the zao mountain range. zao-onsen hot spring at the mouth of zao national park is one of the best hot springs where you can enjoy an open-air bath and sample the public hot baths, such as the large open-air bath that can accommodate 200 people at a time.
http://data.yamagatakanko.com/english/sightseeing/zao.html
http://www.pref.yamagata.jp/ou/shokokanko/110012/kokusai/foreign/englishtop.html
we will pass out handmade “deborah” maps of the town, highlighting our favorite baths and cafes. you’ll have two whole days to wander town and bathe before we meet again in the evenings for dinner. this town has the “onsen meguri” pass system, for discounts on bathing and ease of visiting multiple baths. you can buy this discounted pass and simply show it to each bath you wish to enter (barring one that doesn’t participate in the promotion). feel free, weather permitting, to wander around from bath to bath in your yukata robe-----but as always don’t forget to take your towel, unless you want to buy them as a souvenir at each place you visit.
our traditional inn is run by a family who has become our family over the years: the okamisan (head mother) will greet you warmly at every turn. she decorates all the rooms and public areas, adds her warmth to each and every space. the head chef is famous in japan for his traditional banquet feast of local specialties, and we will enjoy his efforts on our arrival night to the inn.
this area is most famous for its baths, but as you will notice it also encompasses a massive ski area. there are trams that go from the base in town all the way to the top if you want to experience the gorgeous views and a little hiking on your own.
on the 3rd evening we venture down into the valley for a day trip to a local sake factory, which should be at the height of the brewing season. afterwards, dinner will be the highlight of the trip for many of you: SHABU KING! the most incredible version of shabu shabu in the country, made by the sweetest old man (the “king”) who is famous for aging his own locally raised beef. this meal is optional and not included in the tour. those who wish to opt out can find great options back in zao.
optional culture:
take class in making local kokeshi doll, the regional icon (please let us know if you would like to do this, as reservations are necessary).
www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/attractions/facilities/traditional_handicrafts/83dn3a000000ekj5.html
optional hike:
few have been brave enough to make it all the way to the caldera, but the rewards are huge for those who have! ropeway to mountain top,1 hour hike to volcanic crater lake (pictured above in first large image). cost is 2,200 yen round trip for ropeway.
