Family Adventure and Relaxation at Zao Onsen, Japan

Exploring Zaō's Natural Wonders
Today was a day of venturing into the heart of Japan's natural beauty and savoring its culinary delights. From exploring the vast Zaō Quasi-National Park to indulging in exquisite local cuisine, every moment was a treat for the senses. Sophie was particularly excited, and her infectious enthusiasm made the day even more special. It's days like these that remind me why we embarked on this journey, seeking both adventure and relaxation in this serene corner of the world.


Explore Zaō Quasi-National Park: A breathtaking sanctuary of stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and rejuvenating hot springs in Japan's Yamagata region.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Unite Cafe. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, while Lena enjoyed a Western-style pastry with coffee. Sophie, of course, chose the cutest-looking pastry she could find. The cafe had a lovely, cozy atmosphere, perfect for starting the day. The large windows offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making our breakfast even more enjoyable.


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

After breakfast, we headed to the Zaō Quasi-National Park. The park is a sprawling expanse of natural beauty, and we were eager to explore as much of it as possible. We decided to start with a leisurely hike, taking in the lush forests and serene lakes that the park is known for. Sophie was fascinated by all the different plants and insects we encountered along the way. I tried my best to explain everything to her, drawing on my limited knowledge of botany and entomology. Lena, ever the patient one, helped fill in the gaps in my explanations.

The air was fresh and clean, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. It's amazing how being surrounded by nature can have such a calming effect on the mind. I found myself feeling more relaxed and at peace than I had in a long time. It was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives in Heidelberg. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from hiking in the summer to skiing in the winter. I can imagine this place would be magical blanketed in snow.

The best journeys are those that lead us back to ourselves.

After our hike, we decided to visit Ginzan Onsen. This quaint little town is nestled in the mountains and is known for its picturesque streets and traditional ryokans. It felt like stepping back in time as we wandered through the town, admiring the charming wooden buildings and gas lamps. Sophie was particularly enchanted by the small bridges that crossed the river running through the town. I could see why Ginzan Onsen is such a popular destination; it's a truly unique and special place.


Explore the serene beauty of Ginzan Onsen, a traditional hot spring town in Yamagata, perfect for relaxation and cultural immersion.

We explored the town, peeking into souvenir shops and enjoying the ambiance. Although it was warm, I could imagine how beautiful Ginzan Onsen must be in the winter, with snow blanketing the town and the hot springs offering respite from the cold. The town has a nostalgic atmosphere, reminiscent of a small Japanese town from the early 1900s.

For lunch, we stopped at Sushi Kiraku, a local sushi restaurant known for its fresh, high-quality sushi. The restaurant had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. We ordered a variety of sushi rolls and sashimi, all of which were expertly prepared and absolutely delicious. Sophie, who is usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring several pieces of sushi. It seems her taste buds are becoming more adventurous as we travel through Japan.


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

In the afternoon, we did a bit of shopping at the Zao Onsen Tourist Association Information Center chuo ropeway. I was hoping to find a power adapter, as I had forgotten to pack one, but no luck. I guess I'll have to rely on charging my devices at the hotel for the rest of the trip. Lena picked up a few souvenirs for her kindergarten class, and Sophie got a cute little stuffed animal. The center is conveniently located next to the Chuo Ropeway station, making it easy to access.


Uncover the wonders of Zao Onsen at the Tourist Information Center, your guide to adventures in this breathtaking Japanese hot spring destination.

Before dinner, we took some time to relax at our accommodation, Der Barte. Sophie enjoyed playing in the kids' area, while Lena and I took a short nap. It was a much-needed break after a busy day of exploring. Der Barte has been a great choice for our family; it’s cozy and has all the amenities we need [TravelDestinationReason].


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

For dinner, we decided to try Zaonoie, a ramen restaurant in the Zaoonsen area. The restaurant is known for its authentic ramen dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. I ordered their signature ramen, while Lena opted for a vegetarian option. Sophie, of course, wanted the same as me. The ramen was absolutely delicious, with a rich, flavorful broth and perfectly cooked noodles. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Zaonoie, Yamagata's premier ramen restaurant nestled in the scenic Zaoonsen area.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through Zao Onsen, enjoying the cool evening air and the peaceful atmosphere. The town is particularly charming at night, with its illuminated streets and cozy shops. We stopped at a local sweets shop for some dessert before heading back to our accommodation. I am really loving the food here in Zao Onsen, simple but elaborate.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today. Zaō Quasi-National Park and Ginzan Onsen are both incredibly beautiful places, and I'm so glad we had the opportunity to explore them with Sophie and Lena. These are the moments that make traveling as a family so rewarding.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Zaō Fox Village [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. Sophie is particularly excited about this, as she loves animals. I'm also looking forward to experiencing Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu, a traditional hot spring [Itinerary of Tomorrow]. I've heard it's a great place to relax and rejuvenate, which is exactly what I need after all this exploring! Maybe I'll find some relief for the forgotten power adapter there.

Good night from Zao Onsen!