Zao Kokusai Hotel

Zao Kokusai Hotel is a resort hotel in Zao Onsen, reached by taking a 40-minute bus ride from JR Yamagata Station and getting off at the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. The hotel’s pride is its natural free-flowing sulfur hot spring, “Hachiuemon-no-Yu.” In an open, spacious atmosphere with a ceiling height of up to 6.5 meters, soaking in the milky-white water with floating “yunohana” mineral deposits feels truly luxurious. It warms you from the core and thoroughly relieves everyday fatigue. Hachiuemon-no-Yu consists of an indoor bath with glass walls, two tubs at different temperatures, and an open-air bath where you can see the Zao mountains and blue sky. There is also a footbath outside the bathing area, which is convenient for meeting up after bathing. As with the hot springs, the meals also strongly appeal to travelers. Seasonal kaiseki cuisine featuring Yamagata specialties—“Haenuki” and “Tsuyahime” rice, Yamagata beef, mountain vegetables, pickles, and more—is popular across many age groups. Some guests even come specifically looking forward to the breakfast curry made with tenderly simmered Yamagata beef.