Last Updated on 2026-03-06 by Tsubaki
Hi! I’m Tsubaki, a freelance contributing travel journalist who has lived in Japan for 10 years! When people mention “Zao Onsen” in Yamagata Prefecture, the first things that come to mind are usually the spectacular winter “Zao Juhyo” (Snow Monsters) and the 1,000-year-old highly acidic sulfur springs that leave your skin feeling silky smooth. While most visitors head straight for the ropeway to the summit, many miss out on the local flavors. There are 5 must-eat specialties and local delicacies in Zao Onsen that are essential pieces to completing your travel puzzle!
From century-old traditional Wagashi to the legendary birthplace of a famous grilled meat dish, the hot spring streets are hidden with mouth-watering treasures. In this article, I’ll round up the top 5 “absolutely can’t miss” foods in Zao Onsen!
★Recommended reading to pair with this article:
“Transportation: How to Get to Zao from Tokyo”
Switch language：English
Must-Eat 1: Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) BBQ
Said to be one of the birthplaces of the dish
When you visit Yamagata, you will almost certainly encounter Genghis Khan (ジンギスカン).
Actually, many people assume Genghis Khan is only famous in Hokkaido (myself included); anyone who has been to Sapporo has likely tried it. However, Zao Onsen in Yamagata is also considered one of the earliest birthplaces of Genghis Khan in Japan! It is said that in the early Showa era, local artisans used iron-casting techniques to create a specialized grill with a raised center. Cooking mutton alongside abundant local vegetables became a signature Zao dish.
This dish typically features fresh, thick-cut mutton without any gamey odor. As the meat grills at the top, the sweet juices flow down the sides of the dome-shaped pan, allowing the cabbage and bean sprouts at the bottom to soak up all the essence. Pair it with a special apple-soy dipping sauce, and it’s incredibly satisfying with rice!
Many worry about the “sheep smell,” but the mutton served in Sapporo or Zao is handled so well that there’s almost no gaminess. After a long day of skiing when you’re cold and hungry, sitting in a warm restaurant for a plate of this is pure bliss. If you only have one night, I highly recommend arranging this for lunch or dinner.
Many guesthouses provide Genghis Khan; if yours doesn’t offer meals, there are several specialized restaurants in the Zao Onsen streets.
Where to eat Genghis Khan in Zao Onsen:
・Oshokujidokoro Robata (お食事処 ろばた) Google Maps
・Dosanko Zao no Ie (どさん娘 蔵王のいえ) Google Maps
・Rikyu (利久) Google Maps
・Casheren (かしぇる) Google Maps
・Jingisukan Lodge (ジンギスカンロッジ) Google Maps
・Oshokujidokoro Tomitaya (食事処 とみたや) Google Maps（I don’t personally recommend this one; while the food is okay, the iron pans are often not cleaned well, causing charred debris to stick to fresh ingredients immediately.）
Must-Eat 2: Igamochi
A traditional Zao dessert with an extremely short shelf life!
Walking through the streets of Zao Onsen, you’ll see many shops displaying cute little treats wrapped in bamboo leaves. This is Zao’s unique “Igamochi”. Its history dates back to the Edo period and it remains a “must-buy” souvenir for travelers visiting the springs.
Igamochi consists of sweet red bean paste wrapped in snow-white mochi. What makes it special are the few grains of yellow-dyed glutinous rice on top, resembling flowers blooming on rice ears. It sits on a fresh Kumasasa leaf (a type of bamboo leaf), which imparts a subtle, refreshing fragrance.
You can usually find these at Wagashi shops along the hot spring street, but they often sell out by the afternoon. Since they contain no preservatives, the shelf life is usually only one day! I recommend enjoying them right there on the street or taking them back to your ryokan to pair with green tea.
Where to find Igamochi:
・Igamochi no Sato Ogiya (稻花餅の里 おおぎや) Google maps
・Igamochi no Sato Sanbe (いがもちの里 さんべ) Google maps
Must-Eat 3: Tama Konnyaku
One of Yamagata’s Soul Foods (玉こんにゃく)
At every corner of the Zao Onsen streets, in souvenir shops, or at ropeway stations, you’ll spot steaming pots filled with round konnyaku simmering in a savory soy-based broth.
A single skewer usually holds three to four springy, round konnyaku balls that have been slow-cooked in a special soy dashi until they turn a beautiful dark amber from the inside out. When eating, it’s tradition to smear on a generous amount of hot yellow mustard; the sharp kick of the mustard blends perfectly with the salty-sweet soy aroma. (Though personally, I’m not a fan of yellow mustard, so I usually ask the shop to put it on just one piece, haha!)
※ To be honest, while my boyfriend loves it, I’m not particularly fond of this kind of konnyaku myself!
Must-Eat 4: Yamagata Soba
Yamagata is one of Japan’s most renowned buckwheat (soba) producing regions. The Zao area, blessed with pure water from one of Japan’s “100 Famous Mountains” and a climate with significant temperature shifts between day and night, produces high-quality agricultural products.
When in Zao, it’s the perfect time to find a local soba shop and take your time enjoying a meal. Cold soba is refreshing and chewy, while hot soba feels exceptionally comforting on a snowy day. Some shops use locally grown buckwheat flour to make their noodles fresh, resulting in a distinct aroma and firm texture. If you had BBQ the night before or are still feeling the chill after skiing, a bowl of soba is exactly what you need to warm your stomach.
Where to eat Yamagata Soba in Zao Onsen:
・Zao Mendokoro Soba Rian (蔵王麺処 そば梨庵) Google maps
・Yukemuri Yatai Tsumami (湯けむり屋台 つまみ) Google maps
・Oshokujidokoro Tomitaya (食事処 とみたや) Google maps
Must-Eat 5: Yamagata Beef
If your budget allows, do not miss the chance to taste the top-tier Wagyu, “Yamagata Beef”!
Yamagata Beef is famous for its fine marbling and tender texture. Various restaurants offer it as Yakiniku (BBQ), Sukiyaki, or Gyudon (Beef Bowls). Sitting indoors during winter, watching the beef slowly change color on the grill while looking out at the white snow, creates a truly memorable travel atmosphere.
Where to eat Yamagata Beef in Zao Onsen:
・Yakiniku Hachiman (焼肉八幡) ★ Google maps
・Oto Chaya (音茶屋) Google maps
・Woodpecker (ウッドペッカー) Google maps
・Yunohana Chaya (湯の花茶屋) Google maps
・Yukemuri Yatai Tsumami (湯けむり屋台 つまみ) Google maps
・Inaka Ryori no Mise Kiwa (田舎料理の店 貴和) Google maps
・Sugenoya (すげの家) Google maps
・Hahnenkamm Cafe Alpina (ハーネンカム カフェカフェ アルピナ) Google maps
Final thought
To be honest, there aren’t an overwhelming number of restaurants in the Zao Onsen area, but because the options are so concentrated, it’s actually quite easy to check all the signature specialties off your list in one trip!
Coming to Zao isn’t just about skiing and seeing the snow monsters; these flavors will become a lasting part of your travel memories. Every time I think of Zao, I don’t just see the snow, I hear the sizzle of the Genghis Khan iron grill and picture the cute little Igamochi. Let these local specialties and the beautiful scenery combine to become your best travel highlights!
5 must-eat in Zao Onsen: FAQ
Isn’t Genghis Khan BBQ a Hokkaido specialty? Why is it recommended in Zao?
Actually, Zao Onsen in Yamagata is considered one of the “birthplaces of Genghis Khan” in Japan! Since the early Showa era, local artisans have been using custom-made cast iron grills paired with non-gamey thick-cut mutton and a signature fruity soy sauce. Its historical background and unique preparation differ slightly from the Hokkaido style, making it an unmissable local experience.
If I get hungry while skiing, can I find these specialties near the slopes?
Absolutely! The Zao Onsen streets are closely integrated with the ski resort area. Many restaurants nearby serve Genghis Khan and Yamagata Soba. As for the heart-warming Tama Konnyaku, you can usually find it at the snack counters of major ropeway stations (like the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station), it’s the perfect hot snack to recharge your energy mid-ski.
If I don’t eat mutton or beef, are there other food options in Zao Onsen?
Yes! Many traditional diners in the village offer affordable Japanese set meals (teishoku), ramen, or pork cutlet bowls, so you won’t go hungry. However, keep in mind that because there aren’t many shops, they fill up quickly, and most places close by 19:00.
Can I use credit cards or Apple Pay at the restaurants and snack stalls?
While electronic payments are becoming more common, many traditional shops, Igamochi stalls, and Tama Konnyaku vendors in Zao Onsen still accept cash only. I highly recommend carrying enough Japanese Yen cash just to be safe!
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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