Family Adventure and Relaxation at Zao Onsen, Japan

Zao's Summertime Surprises

Another day, another adventure in Zao Onsen! Today was all about embracing the mountain air, taking in panoramic views, and indulging in some seriously good Japanese food. Sophie was especially excited, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Lena and I were just as eager to explore what Zao had in store for us today. We knew we had to make the most of our time here, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Our morning started with a hearty breakfast at Unite Cafe. I opted for a classic Japanese breakfast set, while Lena enjoyed a Western-style pastry and coffee. Sophie, of course, went straight for the pancakes! Unite Cafe had a cozy atmosphere, perfect for gearing up for a day of adventures. I always appreciate a good cup of coffee to kickstart my day, and Unite Cafe certainly delivered. It reminded me of some of the charming cafes back in Heidelberg.


Discover the heartwarming flavors of Japan at Unite Cafe in Yamagata's beautiful Zaoonsen region.

After breakfast, we headed straight for the Zao Sky Cable Uwanodai Station. The plan was to ascend to the top and take in the views. The weather was perfect—clear skies and a comfortable temperature. The cable car ride itself was smooth and offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Sophie was glued to the window, pointing out every little detail. As we climbed higher, the air became crisper, and the views became even more breathtaking.


Discover breathtaking views and thrilling adventures at Zao Sky Cable Uwanodai Station, the perfect gateway to Yamagata's stunning landscapes.

At the top, we spent some time simply taking in the scenery. The panoramic views of the Yamagata Prefecture were incredible. I snapped a few photos, trying to capture the beauty of the landscape, but as always, photos just don't do it justice. You really have to be there to experience it. We even spotted some hikers setting off on the trails. The trails looked inviting, but we had another adventure in mind: the Zao Super Slider.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones you least expect.

After soaking in the views, we made our way to the Zao Super Slider. This was something I was secretly excited about. I mean, who doesn't love a good slide? Sophie was bouncing with anticipation, and even Lena seemed intrigued. The Super Slider is essentially a long, winding slide that snakes down the mountainside. You sit on a small cart and zoom down, controlling your speed with a handbrake.


Experience the thrill of Zao Super Slider, a theme park in Yamagata, Japan, offering breathtaking alpine slides and family-friendly attractions amidst stunning mountain scenery.

The ride was an absolute blast! The wind in our hair, the stunning scenery whizzing by—it was exhilarating. Sophie was laughing the entire way down, and I couldn't help but join in. Lena, surprisingly, was also having a great time, though she did grip the handbrake a little tighter than Sophie and I did. I think it brought out the kid in all of us.

After all that excitement, we were definitely ready for lunch. We decided to try Touen, a local spot known for its ramen. I'm a big fan of ramen, and I was eager to see how it compared to some of the ramen joints back in Germany. Touen didn't disappoint. The ramen was rich and flavorful, with perfectly cooked noodles and tender pork. Sophie enjoyed her noodles, and Lena appreciated the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. It was the perfect way to refuel after our morning adventures.


Discover the true taste of Japan at Touen - where authentic Yakiniku meets warm hospitality in beautiful Zaoonsen.

With our bellies full, we decided to do a little shopping at the Zao Souvenir Center Marushichi. I always like to pick up a few local souvenirs to remind us of our travels. Marushichi had a great selection of local crafts, sweets, and other goodies. We picked up some Zao Onsen soap, which is apparently made with local hot spring water. I also grabbed a bottle of local sake, because why not? Lena found some cute little trinkets for her kindergarten class, and Sophie, of course, insisted on getting some candy.


Discover authentic Yamagata treasures at Zao Souvenir Center Marushichi, your gateway to unique regional crafts and local delicacies.

As the day wound down, we treated ourselves to an early dinner at Sushi Kiraku. I know, sushi in a mountain town might sound a little strange, but I had read some great reviews, and I was curious. Plus, I do love sushi. Sushi Kiraku was a small, cozy restaurant run by an elderly couple. The sushi was incredibly fresh and delicious. I especially enjoyed the local seafood, which had a unique flavor that I hadn't tasted before. Lena, who is usually a bit hesitant about sushi, was also impressed. Sophie, surprisingly, devoured a few pieces of salmon nigiri.


Discover authentic sushi and traditional Japanese dishes at Sushi Kiraku in Yamagata – a culinary delight not to be missed.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll back to Der Barte. The town was quiet and peaceful, and the air was cool and refreshing. We stopped by a local foot bath to soak our tired feet before heading back to our guesthouse. It was the perfect way to end a day of adventures.


Discover a charming guest house in Yamagata, perfect for group travelers and winter sports enthusiasts, with cozy rooms and essential amenities.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much Zao Onsen has to offer during the summer. It's not just a winter ski resort. The mountain scenery is stunning, the activities are fun and exciting, and the food is absolutely delicious. It's a great place to visit with family, and I'm so glad we decided to come here.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Zaomiharashinooka Museum Park and hike up Mount Zaō. I'm looking forward to seeing what other surprises Zao has in store for us. And maybe, just maybe, I'll try another bowl of ramen.

Until then, sayōnara!