A Guide to Local Eateries in Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen is a picturesque mountain onsen town famed for stunning landscapes and winter sports, but is also a treasure for food lovers. From cozy lodges to modern cafes, the dining scene here offers a delicious mix of local flavors and unique dishes. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit restaurants that showcase the best of Zao Onsen’s culinary offerings.
1. Sangoro Lodge
Sangoro Lodge is an iconic A-frame landmark located at an altitude of nearly 1,300 meters. Opened in 1975, this lodge not only serves as a cozy mountain lodge for skiers but is also a summer retreat for those seeking cooler mountain air. Known for its breathtaking seasonal views, Sangoro offers a diverse menu that includes vegan options, ensuring something for everyone. Signature dishes include the baked keema curry, served steaming hot in a cast iron dish, accompanied by a side salad and soup. The wild vegetable pizza, features local greens on a crispy thin crust with a creamy white sauce, or you can opt for your vegetables in the wild vegetable udon for a more classic Japanese dish. For a taste of local tradition, try the Yamagata imoni stew, a filling soup made with tender Yamagata beef and taro.
When dining at Sangoro and exploring the surrounding area, the best value is definitely the Chuo Ropeway and lunch combination ticket for just 4,000 yen, which allows you to enjoy a scenic ride and a satisfying meal with just one ticket. The lunch set comes with a soft drink bar as well, featuring sodas, tea, and coffee. And if you have a furry friend, bring them along because dogs and pets are welcome on the ropeway and in Sangoro, which has a dog run and pool in the summer.
2. Shibamama Cafe
Located on the main street near the Chuo Ropeway, Shibamama Cafe has been a staple in Zao Onsen since opening in 2009. Originally a ski and snowboard rental shop business, the cafe followed later and emphasizes healthy meals made from locally sourced ingredients, including their specialty bamboo shoots, which feature prominently in many dishes during summer. The menu is thoughtfully designed, offering a variety of set lunches that include a choice of rice—brown or white—and options for regular or tofu hamburg patties. Diners can also opt for comforting curries, including green curry with their choice of noodles or rice, and flavorful vegetable soups with soy sauce broth and a noodle choice of ramen, udon or pho. The menu encourages creativity, allowing you to mix and match to create a new dish each time you visit. This makes it an easy shop to repeat meals at, even for the locals.
3. Otochaya
With a cozy, grunge ambiance that would feel right at home in Tokyo’s trendy neighborhoods, Otochaya is another favorite among locals and visitors alike. This charming cafe restaurant delivers comforting classics, including Japanese curry, soup curry, and hearty rice and vegetable bowls of Zao beef and lamb. The Zao beef bowl, topped with vegetables and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, is both filling and flavorful. In the winter, the warming soup curry, served with a mix of seasonal vegetables and customizable spice levels, is a must-try. Otochaya also features a selection of craft beers that can’t be found in most Zao shops. In the warmer months, they serve whimsical flavors of Japanese-style shaved ice—a refreshing treat to cool off after a day of exploring. There’s also a freshly baked dessert of the day that I’m somehow never too full to not try, despite the generous portions. It’s also good to note that Otochaya is child friendly with high chairs and child utensils for you to use as you like, and the mild Japanese curry is generally a hit with kids.
4. Kiraku Sushi
While sushi may not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting a mountain town, Kiraku Sushi’s offerings are as fine as what you will find in the city. It might be an unexpected meal for the area, but Kiraku Sushi is much beloved by the community and if you want to mingle and chat with the locals, this is the place to do it. In a cozy room with counter seating or tatami mats, Zao Onsen locals stop in for a fresh meal as much as tourists. It’s run by an elderly couple and aside from sushi, they offer seasonal hot pots and soups that make use of local vegetables and are cooked to perfection. The sushi menu is diverse and colorfully plated, a feast for your eyes and your stomach. They even have a selection of vegetarian sushi that is just as delicious as the standard choices. Consistently highly rated and listed as one of Yamagata’s treasured restaurants, Kiraku Sushi is a must go-to for dinner.
5. Hachiman Yakiniku
Located on the old district street, Takayu Street, Hachiman is easily accessible and invites diners to enjoy a cozy yakiniku experience with outstanding flavor. Hachiman itself might be a newer restaurant to Zao, but the owners are long-time residents of Zao Onsen who previously ran the izakaya Touen. Touen was forced to shut down with the closure of the Zao Center Plaza, and Hachiman opened soon after. Hachiman showcases some of Yamagata’s most famous ingredients- Zao beef, lamb, and Yamagata pork. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of options, from lunch sets that are budget-friendly to an extensive à la carte selection with yakiniku classics like Korean cold noodles and bibimbap. The lunch menu strikes a balance, offering just the right amount of meat with a selection of sides, making it ideal for a satisfying midday meal that won’t weigh you down during your explorations.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal after a day on the slopes or a refreshing lunch in the summer sun, these restaurants promise to deliver unforgettable meals. While this article focused on some of the mainstays of Zao restaurants, stay tuned for another feature on some of the newer fixtures that deliver tastes just as memorable as the older establishments. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the flavors of Zao Onsen on your next visit!
