Zao Onsen ski resort

YAYU ADVENTURE | YAYU SNOW

A winter escape in Tohoku.

Ski and snowboard lessons in Zao Onsen, plus private tours across northern Japan — from your very first turns to the most captivating slopes and culture in the region.

Book a trip

In winter, at Zao Onsen,

we ride into a silver world guarded by frozen trees.

Every run leaves a track that belongs to the season.

We travel the resorts of Tohoku, each with its own character,

moving between different mountains and different snow,

feeling the terrain change underfoot.

This is more than skiing.

It is a journey through the winter landscape of northern Japan.

Come with YAYU,

and collect the rarest snow memories Tohoku has to offer.

YAYU Tohoku snow scene 01
YAYU Zao frozen trees 02
YAYU Tohoku snow scene 03
YAYU Tohoku snow scene 04
YAYU Tohoku snow scene 05


Ski/SB beginner lesson rates

SNOWBOARD / SKI

人數 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days10%off
1 person ¥80,000 ¥160,000 ¥216,000
2 people ¥90,000 ¥180,000 ¥243,000
3 people ¥100,000 ¥200,000 ¥270,000
4 people ¥110,000 ¥220,000 ¥297,000
5 people ¥120,000 ¥240,000 ¥324,000

5 hours per session, 8:30–14:30, including a 1-hour lunch break. Prices are per group in JPY. 1–5 guests per lesson.。

Book a lesson

YAYU advanced lesson rates

SNOWBOARD / SKI . 2-HOUR SESSIONS

Guests 1 session 2 sessions 3 sessions10% off
1 ¥32,000 ¥64,000 ¥86,400
2 ¥36,000 ¥72,000 ¥97,200
3 ¥40,000 ¥80,000 ¥108,000
4 ¥44,000 ¥88,000 ¥118,800
5 ¥46,000 ¥92,000 ¥124,200

Each session runs 2 hours, scheduled 3:00–5:00 PM. Prices shown are the total per group in Japanese yen. Lessons run from 1 guest, with a maximum of 5 guests per lesson.

Book a lesson

First time on snow: buy a point ticket for day one, then a day pass for days two and three.

Already have experience: go straight for a day pass.

※ Any questions, get in touch: YAYU official LINE: @yayusnow

We recommend this rental shop in Zao Onsen, Yamagata:
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Best Rental Pro Shop
Show this screen for ¥500 off
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Rental checklist

  • Available at the shop: snowboard, skis, outerwear, helmet, goggles, gloves.
  • Worth bringing yourself: protective gear (knee, wrist and hip pads, helmet — Decathlon is a good source), waterproof insulated gloves, goggles.
  • There are relatively few rental shops in Zao. We strongly recommend collecting your gear before 08:00 so you can make the 08:30 meeting time and avoid the queues.
  • If you arrive the day before, stop by in the evening to try gear on and reserve it, then simply pick it up the next morning (subject to the shop’s cleaning schedule).

Rental tips and process

  • Shops usually accept both card and cash.
  • Prepare your details in advance: for larger groups, have the organiser gather the following to speed things up
    • Equipment type: snowboard or skis
    • Number of days, name (in Roman letters), height, shoe size
    • Outerwear (jacket + pants) and helmet needed?
    • Accessory set (goggles + gloves + beanie) needed?
    • Name of your hotel

Storage and return

  • For multi-day rentals you can take gear back to your hotel or leave it at the shop.
  • On your last day, please return everything before 17:00.

Rental shop staff handle everything you need — choosing equipment, confirming sizes and showing you how to put it on.
Before the lesson starts, your coach will check that all your gear is adjusted correctly and run through a pre-lesson briefing so you can begin with confidence.
If you would prefer your coach to be with you for the rental, we are happy to help; please note that the time spent at the shop counts towards your lesson time.

Zao has coin-operated lockers.
The Sky Cable station (lift station No. 4) also offers storage for large luggage.

We do not currently run a shuttle. We suggest asking your hotel front desk to call a taxi to the meeting point.

Yamagata Zao Taxi
Tel: 023-694-9611

Meeting point
The plaza in front of Best Rental, Uwanodai area

Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/knquwx8xvQ5ZQmQe7?g_st=ic

YAYU Photo Wall v5
Zao winter season Zao resort scenery YAYU snow school coach Students on the slope Trip candid Activity candid Trip documentation Snow trip record Winter mountain scenery YAYU snow school coach Group photo on the mountain Winter mountain view

YAYU

From Zao Onsen
into Japan’s hidden snow country

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Activity candid Group photo on the mountain Zao resort scenery Snow trip record Students on the slope Winter mountain view Zao winter season Winter mountain scenery Trip candid YAYU snow school coach YAYU snow school coach Trip documentation
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