Zao Onsen, in Japan's Yamagata Prefecture, is a Winter Wonderland

ZAO ONSEN, Japan - Nov. 7, 2017 - PRLog -- About three hours north from Tokyo, via the JR Yamagata Shinkansen, is Zao Onsen in Yamagata prefecture, one of Japan's largest ski resorts. Here, winter sports are king, thanks to the area's excellent powder conditions and wide range of courses covering a large area. However, what sets this ski resort apart from others in the world, are the natural hot spring onsen baths and the mysterious, natural Juhyo or "Snow Monster" ice sculptures.

Because of Zao's unique weather conditions, trees become completely covered in ice and snow so that they no longer look like trees at all. Instead they look like Snow Monsters! The Juhyo can be seen from morning till dusk if you board the Zao Ropeway (http://zaoropeway.co.jp/en/), which starts at the foot of the mountain. However, they become even more magical and mystical when they are lit up after dark. For 53 designated days -- mostly on weekends -- from Saturday, December 23, 2017 to Sunday, March 4, 2018, the Juhyo will be brilliantly lit against the night sky. Visitors can see them up close on the spectacular "Juhyo Corridor of Fantasy" tour, or they can have a panorama view from the ropeway on the "Juhyo Light Up" tour.

The Zao Astraea Hotel: directly linked to the ski slopes, with guest-only open-air hot spring baths and breathtaking views.

So, where should travelers stay when they are experiencing Zao Onsen? The Zao Astrea Hotel (https://www.zaoastraea.com/english/), at an altitude of 950 meters (3,117 ft), is one of the highest in the area.  From its rotenburo -- open-air hot spring bath called "Zekkeiroten-no-yu," guests can luxuriously gaze out at the Asahi Mountains, while soaking in the mineral-rich water, drawn directly from Zao Onsen's spring source. Then, when they are ready to venture out to ski, snowboard, or commune with nature's snowy white splendor, there's no place more convenient. The hotel is seamlessly linked to the ski slopes and easily accessible to the embarkation point of the Zao Ropeway -- the base point for viewing the Juhyo or taking Juhyo Corridor of Fantasy tour.
Inside, the hotel is warm and comfortable, but it's especially noteworthy for its cuisine.  Carefully selected fresh and local specialties includes prized Yamagata-raised, Yamagata beef (https://www.zaoastraea.com/dinner/) and seasonal, regional vegetables (http://data.yamagatakanko.com/english/food_info/).

Visiting "Zao Onsen" from April through March

After the snow and ice melt and the flowers open their petals wide, "Zao Onsen" is worth another trip (http://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/about/). In summer, adventurers can trek the hills, while meeting the locals and escaping the city heat. In autumn the true identity of the Snow Monsters is revealed, with leaves in hues of gold and crimson that beckon traveler with their colorful beauty.  At the same time, the area's largest outdoor public bath (open April to November), situated stream-side, welcomes and soothes wearing hikers transfixed on mother nature.

For more information on Zao Onsen or to book a ski or snowboarding package at the Zao Astraea Hotel, visit: http://beauty-of-japan.com/tour/ski-tour-package-zao-yamagata/

About …

The Zao Astraea Hotel is a member of the Tobu Railway Group, and Japan travel agency, Beauty of Japan, is a Tobu partner company. The TOBU Railway Group is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in the Kanto region, leading to numerous tourist attractions, including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen in Tochigi -- famous as a world heritage and hot spring sites; Tatebayashi and Ashikaga regions -- known for their blooming flower fields, and Kawagoe -- where the atmosphere of the old Edo era still lives on.  Travelers can explore destinations around the Tobu Railway Group online at TOBU JAPAN TRIP: http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/.

For Press Images visit: Mynewsdesk: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/tobu-railway