Zao Onsen Ryokan Kinosato

Zao Onsen in winter is a Magical Snowboarding and Hot Volcanic springs resort Village & " Kinosato " Ryokan in my opinion a Premier traditional Japanese luxury hot springs resort. Book Japanese style with dinner & breakfast for the total authentic experience. Comfortable and consistently tranquil and ambient atmosphere - there is an appropriate garment for you to wear throughout the hotel which adds a unique experience for westerners which adds a unique value to your stay. The internal hot springs baths are exquisite and sturdy with your every need catered to in a unique essentially Japanese style and not far away outside are public Onsen spread about the entire village. It is a heavenly place in winter if you love that season and will leave you most certainly intrigued to return in spring or autumn. set on the outskirts of the village it is merely a 5 to 10 min walk into the ski village the lifts and Gondolas. The majority of staff speak only Japanese though they do have a English speaking resort Host at reception who can help Maya, assisted and was just a special young Lady in all regards. My advice is this establishment is for refined travelers who can respect the expectations of Japanese culture - if your loud and looking to party and carry on that would not be acceptable behavior here. They don’t want that & you'd look like an idiot. Couples that want to immerse themselves into a memorable and unique traditional Japanese experience after the day on the slopes this is definitely for you !