Miyagi Zao Ski Resort Sumikawa Snow Park

A ski resort known for its scenery of plentiful snow and frost-covered trees, there is a variety of slopes for everyone from beginners to experienced skiers. Skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed to your heart’s content, but we also recommend the guided tour of Zao in winter. You can experience all of Zao in winter with activities such as the Frost Tree tour where you can see frost-covered trees, a seasonal phenomenon of the area, the Okama tour with its scenic panoramic view of the mountain peak and a visit to a snow-covered shrine (limited to half a month from mid-March), the Cat tour where you can ski down on deep powder snow, and the Back Country tour where you can get that close experience of the Zao environment (all tours require reservations). Another attraction of Zao is its onsen with its plentiful waters. The nearest hot spring, Toogatta Onsen, has a round-trip shuttle bus operating from the ski resort. There are numerous onsen facilities ranging from day-trip onsen to high-class inns in the town, so it’s also recommended to stay at Toogatta Onsen and then enjoy the skiing.