Tourist Attractions

Visible only for a limited time between around the latter half of December and mid-March, Miyagi Zao’s ice crystals provide a photogenic landscape. Depending on the current weather, the sight of the ice crystals change every day, offering a unique scenery to look at day by day.

There is hardly anything more moving than countless of trees blooming in the bright light. This place was chosen as one of the hundred most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Enjoy one of the truest Japanese experiences: the view of the scattering cherry blossoms, which incited many verses. It is recommended to stay until the sun goes down: at night the place is lit up, and the cherry blossoms reflect on the lake’s surface, creating a fairy tale-like experience. The cherry blossom viewing experience starts around April.

Umen is a specialty noodle of Miyagi prefecture that is made without any added oil. This particular noodle shop has a long history: it was established in 1883, the sixteenth year of the Meiji era. Taste these delicious noodles prepared with plenty of vegetables and miso soup! It is also possible to buy the shop's products in the hotel's shop.

You can visit the gorgeous crater lake surrounded by the three peaks of Mt Katta, Mt Kumanodake, and Mt Goshikidake. The mysterious atmosphere surrounding the crater attracts many tourists. Photographers like capturing this unique place.

Kokeshi dolls are traditional handmade products originated in the Tohoku area of Japan, dating back around a hundred and fifty years. The hall displays not only kokeshi dolls, but various toys from all over Japan as well. Try your hand at decorating your own kokeshi doll at the venue! You can also take part in other classes, such as experiencing ceramic painting. This is a good experience to learn more about Japanese art.

This is the largest state-owned park in the Tohoku area. You can find seven historical houses used as an example for architecture from six different prefectures set up within the park. Exploring these houses you can learn about the history of housing in an immersive manner, as well as get an idea of how Japanese people lived in the past. There is also an old watermill on site.

This is the largest ski resort in Miyagi Prefecture, offering ten courses. You can also enjoy a 4.3 km cruise in the powder snow, while feasting your eyes on the view of the Pacific Ocean. Or, appreciate the starry sky from a gondola in the summer time!

Immersive experience for nature lovers! Zao Heartland is located about ten minutes from the hotel by car. Some parts of the farm are open to the public, where visitors can pet and interact with various farm animals. Hands-on activities, such as cow milking, butter and cheese making are also available to try. You can also find a restaurant and a café, offering a taste from the farm’s specialties on site.

Meet cute foxes in your area! The Zao Fox Village is a home to more than a hundred foxes – and several of them have also made guest appearances in TV programmes. It is a safe environment to interact with foxes, as well as several other animals, such as rabbits and goats. In springtime, you can also pet and hold the new-born baby foxes.

The peak harvest time for fruit orchards in Zao is between September and October. Fruit picking experiences are available throughout September and November. The high sugar content of the pears and apples make them supremely delicious. An all-you-can-eat (all-you-can-pick) course is around 500 yen.