The 10 best homestays in Zao Onsen, Japan | Booking.com
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Homestays in Zao Onsen

Find the homestays that appeal to you the most

The best homestays in Zao Onsen

Check out our pick of great homestays in Zao Onsen

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Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte

Zao Onsen

Featuring a garden and a bar, Petit Resort Hotel Der Barte is located in Zao Onsen. The 3-star guest house features mountain views and is 600 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

C
Chong
From
Malaysia
First, the design of the house is super western and super beautiful just right infront of ski slopes. I have a once in a lifetime view from my room and also breakfast area! Second, that's the only hostel comes with private room (as far as I know). Third, I actually paid for the breakfast and dinner and I NEVER REGRET to do so (even though you can have some food out there but is abit far). The dinner is just WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL. Experience yourself and you will know what I meant. It is Extremely exceeded my expectation, even after so many days I am back to my country while I writing this review, I am still so in love of everything I have experience here. Come here during winter, must come. And I'm super pleased to be served by the old couple, so simple, so genuine, soooo awe!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 142 reviews
Price from
US$164.01
1 night, 2 adults

Pension Puutaro

Zao Onsen

Set 500 metres from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Pension Puutaro offers 3-star accommodation in Zao Onsen and features a garden.

s
siu
From
Hong Kong
As well as having a separate entrance to the dry room, the location is very close to the ski slopes.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 228 reviews
Price from
US$164.01
1 night, 2 adults

Polar Bear 藏王白熊民宿

Kaminoyama (Near Zao Onsen)

Situated in Kaminoyama, 2.2 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, Polar Bear 藏王白熊民宿 has ski-to-door access, a shared lounge and rooms with free WiFi access. The property features mountain views.

S
Stefano
From
Italy
Extremely cute place run by the sweetest Taiwanese couple. They speak multiple languages - Japanese, Chinese and English. They were also super helpful with providing us with all of the necessary information, ensuring that we were well taken care of for breakfast (amazing with proper coffee) and transport. The place was so warm and cozy with heated floors in the rooms which is a great plus for us who don’t do well with the cold.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 42 reviews
Price from
US$104.97
1 night, 2 adults

Snowfall Meteor 飛雪流星

Kaminoyama (Near Zao Onsen)

Situated in Kaminoyama in the Yamagata region, Snowfall Meteor 飛雪流星 has a garden. It is located 2.2 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort and provides luggage storage space.

y
yee weng
From
Malaysia
Friendly owner, comfortable place to stay. They provide any help or assistant if needed.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 88 reviews
Price from
US$147.61
1 night, 2 adults

Yamagata Zao Pension Aplon Stage

Kaminoyama (Near Zao Onsen)

Yamagata Zao Pension Aplon Stage is a 3-star property set in Kaminoyama. It offers free WiFi, ski-to-door access, a garden and a restaurant.

Y
Ying Heng
From
Singapore
Exceptional service from the family running the place :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 88 reviews
Price from
US$91.85
1 night, 2 adults

半芸ハウス

Yunohara (Near Zao Onsen)

Set in Yunohara and only 35 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort, 半芸ハウス offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking.

R
Robrecht
From
Belgium
The owner made us feel very welcome, and provided us a lot of tips for activities in the neighbourhood. The house was beautiful, spacious and kids friendly.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 33 reviews
Price from
US$162.96
1 night, 2 adults

Green Season - 民泊 Matsuo House in Zao Onsen - Japanese Style - Private Room

Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen in the Yamagata region, with Zao Onsen Ski Resort nearby, Green Season - 民泊 Matsuo House in Zao Onsen - Japanese Style - Private Room features accommodation with free WiFi and...

w
william
From
Singapore
Everything about this place is warm and welcoming. The family that run it are the sweetest and do everything they can to make you feel at home. Full of recommendations for where to go and what to do in ZAO. The cutest little kid Yui chan and rooms are nice and simple. Cannot recommend any higher. Also great place to talk to other nice people and hang out.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 60 reviews

Winter Season - 民泊 Matsuo House in Zao Onsen - Japanese Style - Private Room

Zao Onsen

Situated in Zao Onsen in the Yamagata region, with Zao Onsen Ski Resort nearby, Winter Season - 民泊 Matsuo House in Zao Onsen - Japanese Style - Private Room features accommodation with free WiFi and...

D
David Sui
From
United States
I stayed at Zao Onsen for 3 nights during my solo travels in Japan in early 2025. The walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Matsuo House was about 5 minutes and allowed me to get a feel for the small onsen town: from the quaint shops and restaurants, to the scent of sulfur from the hot springs, and the ski resort towering over you from almost every angle. I immediately fell in love with it. Matsuo House was the perfect accommodation to complement such a magical destination. The hosts and their charming young daughter were more than happy to converse with and assist their guests, speaking in several languages. All guest rooms were on the second floor, lined with tatami mats and large windows that offered views of the snowy streets outside. The futon provided was warm and comfortable, perfect for a good night's rest after skiing. Upon check-in, one of the hosts provides two maps and helps you learn the layout of the town, offering tips and tricks to ensure the best possible experience. They provide onsen passes and discounts, recommendations and discounts for local ski rental shops, and essential information on what to do and where to go. The ski resort is about a 10-15 minute walk from Matsuo House, and you can find at least 10 onsens within a 15-minute walk. The town's only 24-hour convenience store (combini) is also less than a 10-minute walk away. If you're seeking a getaway from the crowds and wish to experience Japan's countryside beauty, visit Zao Onsen and stay at Matsuo House to truly immerse yourself in the culture and natural splendor. I can't wait to come back!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 61 reviews

Lodge Christmas Rose Zao

Zao Onsen

Lodge Christmas Rose Zao has mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Zao Onsen, less than 1 km from Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

G
Gulati
From
India
The people running it were amazing, so helpful, drove us around everywhere in zao and took care of every need!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 234 reviews

Zao Base スキー場から徒歩1分

Yamagata (Near Zao Onsen)

Situated in Yamagata with Zao Onsen Ski Resort nearby, Zao Base スキー場から徒歩1分 features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking, as well as access to a hot tub.

S
Sophie
From
United States
We particularly love its antique Japanese taste. The inside bedroom and restrooms are super clean. The location is super good. Easy to travel within the village. You may feel the setting of the entrance passage looks like a movie setting. It will give you special memories years later when you look back now.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 33 reviews
All homestays in Zao Onsen

Looking for a homestay?

Travellers on a budget looking to experience a place like a local will enjoy homestays. This simple accommodation is in a private home, where the host also lives. All facilities are shared and in most cases breakfast is included.

Most booked homestays in Zao Onsen and surroundings in the past month

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Homestays that guests love in Zao Onsen

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  • Avg. price/night: US$88.57
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 60 reviews
    The accommodation is great and the host family is super nice! Great place to stay when skiing. They helped us out a lot and gave us lots of good advice that allowed us to enjoy Zao Onsen to the max.
    Guest review by
    Magnus
    People with friends
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 61 reviews
    Great place to stay Taka, Oraphin and Yui are great hosts and we really enjoyed our time in Zao. The location is perfect easy access to #3 and restaurants in the village.
    Guest review by
    Rob
    Solo traveller
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 61 reviews
    Lovely hosts, great location, clean spacious traditional rooms, electric heater available, nice view from the window, well appointed kitchen, and friendly dining room.
    Guest review by
    Katia
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: US$88.57
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 60 reviews
    Oraphin and Taka (and of course the little one) are the most lovely hosts! Location is excellent and you are basically within a 10 min walk to all onsen and ropeways. One of the public baths is literally 20 seconds away! The space heater is also amazing and the first floor common space is always toasty :) Matsuo house is a must stay if you want a homestay-like experience in Japan :)
    Guest review by
    カビヤ
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$157.45
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 228 reviews
    Lovely host.
    Guest review by
    TSUNG-YING
    People with friends
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.6
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 61 reviews
    I really liked how welcoming and cozy my stay was! the owners were very helpful in recommending things to do! as I don’t ski, I went snow shoeing and it was super fun. I was also able to use the local onsen for free as the owners of the property gave me a locals card. overall I had a great time!
    Guest review by
    lauren
    Solo traveller