Zao-kokutei-kooen Things to Do Tips by 123Sophie

Dai Rotemburo

Closed during winter season, unfortunately. It was free to enter still few years ago and believe me that a dip in natural hot spring after you get off your ski feels heaven.
Opened from end of April till October.
Admittance fee is JPY 450, no soap provided, only natural spring water containing lots of sulfur, no indoor facilities, no electricity (yeah, we used to bring flashlights…). Opening hours: 6~till daylight lasts, closed between November and April.

Directions: Head for Taihei or Sunrise Hotel and then turn right towards tennis court and you`ll find a big parking area with many drink wending machines. Cross the parking, walk towards the Kamoshka bridge and the entrance of the rotemburo is on your left.

Soak in Hot Springs

Ever feel like bathing in snow ? I guarantee you would after dipping in rotemburo (outdoor hot spring).
Acidic sulfur hot springs of Zao Onsen smell like hell but are very good for skin.

Ski, Ski, Ski and Ski

The first bigger snowfall comes usually during a first half of December and the vast quantities of snow keep coming steadily for several months. I`ve seen people skiing on last remains of snow during Golden Week holiday in the beginning od May.