A true hot spring paradise—it's the perfect place for a relaxing soak.
Shima Onsen | Review by Mimi Chang
Other Reviews by Mimi Chang
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Zao Ropeway
The Zao Ropeway is a scenic cable car system located in Yamagata City's Zao Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest and most celebrated hot spring resorts, known for its abundant hot water and highly acidic sulfur springs.
Good weather vs. bad weather makes a huge difference.
When it’s foggy, you really can’t see anything.
Wait times depend on the season—during peak hours in snow season, be prepared to line up. -
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Zao Fox Village
A fox paradise in the mountains of Shiroishi City. More than 100 foxes of seven species, including north foxes , cross foxes , and arctic foxe s, are kept here. Visitors can feed and photograph the free-range foxes outdoors, and even hold a fox cub in their arms.
The flavor is a bit strong, so if you’re sensitive to smells, you might want to brace yourself.
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Ouchi-juku
More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.
The whole street in Ouchi-juku feels straight out of the Edo period—walking in is like time-traveling.
The snowy winter scenery is such a bonus. The thatched-roof houses against the white snow is seriously unreal. -
