The skiing here is perfect. There is not widespread English spoken here but with no Japanese we still got by easily for ski hire, ski lessons and ordering food. It would be helpful to have a fluent English speaker on the phone at tourist information for booking a hotel. Not all rooms have a private toilet and shower and many... More

I you are looking for large snowy fields to go skiing/snowboaing on you can find few better places than Zao Ski resort. This area of yamagata bases much of their tourist income on the ski resorts, which means that they are varied and many in number. You will definitely find a slope that suits you. There are so many places... More

It doesn't compare to Whistler or Aspen in terms of mountain height and length of trails. But there's always lots of dry powder snow on those slopes and you can ski right next to those wonderful ice monsters. Don't miss the "Juhyo light up" if you happen to visit in February or on weekends in January. The colourful lights make... More

Went to Zao to ski with a friend for 4 nights and loved it! It was a truly unique experience. I certainly imagine it's not the most challenging mountain to ski (I assume there are better places to ski further North) but its fine for the intermediate level or advanced intermediate. We went to Zao for the snow monsters and... More