I went to Zao for the world-class snowboarding, but I left raving about my hotel. I visited in the heart of winter, from February 18th to 20th, 2025, and the landscape was a perfect, pristine winter wonderland. My stay at Oohira Hotel’s 善七乃湯 (Zenshichinoyu) in Zao Onsen was so much more than just a place to sleep; it was a highlight reel of Japanese hospitality, thoughtful design, and pure, unadulterated relaxation. If you’re planning a trip to Zao, whether for the slopes or the serene snowscapes, let me give you the full, detailed scoop on why this place is so special.
First Impressions & The Cutest Shuttle Service Ever
Our adventure began the moment we were picked up. The hotel offers a shuttle service around the onsen village, but the real star is the transfer to and from Yamagata Station (book this in advance!). We were greeted by the most adorable shuttle vans I’ve ever seen, decorated with cute anime-style stickers of feline and canine characters. It was an instant mood-lifter and a hint of the hotel’s famously pet-friendly ethos. The drivers were incredibly helpful, loading and unloading our heavy snowboard bags with a smile.
A Haven for Pet Lovers (And Their Humans)
Speaking of pet-friendly, this is a well-known hallmark of Oohira Hotel among Japanese visitors, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel doesn’t just allow pets; it welcomes them. They have dedicated zones for guests with furry friends, ensuring everyone is comfortable. Even as someone without a pet, I appreciated the joyful and inclusive atmosphere it created. You could tell the hotel puts real thought into making it a vacation for the whole family.
The Room: A Serene Tatami Sanctuary
We stayed in a traditional Japanese-style room, and it was the perfect sanctuary. The moment I slid open the shoji paper door, the warm, earthy scent of tatami mats welcomed us. The room was spacious and serene, with futons laid out on the floor, offering a truly authentic ryokan experience. Waking up to the view of a picture-perfect, snow-covered mountain from our window was absolutely magical.
The Onsen Experience: Pure Magic, in Many Forms
This is where the hotel truly ascends to another level. The onsens are the heart of the experience, and Oohira Hotel has perfected it.
Diverse Private Onsens (Available to Non-Guests!): The hotel offers several kashikiri buro (reservable private baths), and each one has a unique design and view! I made a point to try a few, and it was like a delightful mini-adventure. One might have a classic rock garden view, while another opens up to a forested snowy landscape. My favorite was an open-air bath where I sat in steaming, sulfurous water, surrounded by walls of pristine snow—a truly surreal and healing experience for my tired snowboarding muscles.
A key tip for day-trippers: You don’t have to be a staying guest to enjoy this! The private baths are also available for non-guests. Just contact the front desk to check availability and pay the fee. It’s a fantastic option if you’re just in Zao for the day and need a relaxing soak.
The “Gram-Worthy” Touch: A wonderfully cute service is the free drink sets you can bring into the onsen. They provide a small tray with a bottled drink (like tea or juice)—perfect for staying hydrated and absolutely perfect for that iconic, relaxing onsen photo. It’s these small, thoughtful touches that really stand out.
The Cutest Yukata Robes: Before heading to the baths, we got to change into the most adorable yukata dress robes provided by the hotel. They were so stylish and comfortable, it felt like we were wearing a piece of Japanese culture. Of course, we had to take a few photos!
The Legendary After-Bath Milk: No Japanese onsen experience is complete without the post-bath milk, and Oohira Hotel’s is legendary. They offer a complimentary milk vending machine with two flavors: rich coffee milk and classic plain milk. The rule is one per person per night, and let me tell you, that cold, creamy coffee milk after a long soak was pure bliss. It’s the perfect, authentic end to the onsen ritual.
Fueling the Adventure: Dinner & Breakfast
Our stay included two incredible meals.
Dinner was a lavish, multi-course kaiseki feast featuring the finest local Yamagata ingredients. From delicate sashimi to savory hot pots and perfectly grilled fish, every dish was a masterpiece in both taste and presentation. It was a culinary journey that felt nourishing and celebratory.
Breakfast was just as impressive—a vibrant spread of Japanese and Western options. Grilled fish, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), miso soup, fresh rice, salad, and yogurt ensured we were fully fueled and ready for a full day on the slopes.
A Snow Glider’s Dream: The Drying Room
For anyone visiting for the snow, this is a game-changer. The hotel has a specially designated drying room for ski and snowboard equipment. After a day in the powder, we could leave our wet boots, gloves, and gear in this warm, ventilated room, and everything would be perfectly dry and toasty by the next morning. No more dealing with damp, cold gear! This single amenity elevated the entire snowboarding trip.
Incredibly Helpful Services for Skiers
As a snowboarder, I found their services incredibly convenient. The hotel offers an equipment rental package at a discounted rate when you book your stay. This saved me the hassle of renting elsewhere and allowed us to get geared up and onto the slopes faster. It’s a seamless service that shows they truly understand their guests’ needs.
Final Verdict: A Stay That Truly Cares
Oohira Hotel (善七乃湯) didn’t just meet my expectations; it completely redefined them. From the incredibly thoughtful services (pet-friendly shuttles! onsen drink sets!) to the practical perks for skiers (discounted rentals, the essential drying room) and the exceptional quality of the onsens and food, every detail was crafted with the guest’s comfort in mind.
It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation: conquer the “Snow Monsters” by day, and surrender to the healing, heartfelt hospitality of Oohira Hotel by night. I’m already dreaming of my next visit.
Have you stayed at a particularly amazing onsen hotel in Japan? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Access Map
Quick Info about Oohira Hotel
Address: 825番地 Zaoonsen, Yamagata, 990-2301, Japan
Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 10:00 AM
Website: http://www.oohira.co.jp/
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