Zao Onsen is a hot spring and ski resort area in the Tohoku area of Honshu. Located 880 meters above sea levels on the slopes of volcanic Mt. Zao, the area is popular amongst winter sportsmen and women during the colder months and amongst nature-lovers and hot springs aficionados during the rest of the year.

Three communal baths are scattered around ‘Takayu Street’ in the center, whilst private baths are available from rental at Ryokan’s spread throughout the town. The water at Zao Onsen is known to be some of the most acidic across the nation, with PH values close to 1. This sulfuric water is said to relax the body and refresh the mind.

Usually a Tohoku region tourist hotspot, the town has seen a dramatic decrease in visitors due to the impact of COVID-19.
Teaming up with creative company NAKED, Zao onsen is hoping to boost back tourism and nightlife in the area by promoting socially-distanced night walks using the ‘NAKED Distance Lantern ®︎’.

Lantern bearers are encouraged to practice social distancing by projecting a circular ring of light and shadow onto the ground. The same lantern concept proved it’s worth recently at Aichi Prefecture’s Toyokawa Inari as it celebrated it’s 580th anniversary.

This time the lanterns come in four different star patterned designs attributed to the town’s prominence as a ‘star-gazing area’. The lanterns also feature the logo and hotspring mark of Zao Onsen. Perfect for exploring the traditional town at night, the lanterns are available for free from about 70 accommodation facilities in Zao Onsen.

Zao Onsen x NAKED Stars and Hot Spring Steam Night Walk

Venue: Zao Onsen, 708-1 Zao, Yamagata City, 990-2301
Dates: Monday 2 August 2021 - Onwards
Lanterns available from approximately 70 Zao Onsen Accommodations