Villa Zao - Zao Sansuien / Gaia Resort

One of the World’s Largest and the First in Tohoku: Albergo Diffuso Certified

Villa Zao is a private rental villa with an open-air hot spring bath where you can stay with your beloved pets.

? For Guests Staying with Pets
Please check the following conditions if you wish to stay with your dog:

Up to 3 small dogs or 2 medium-to-large dogs allowed.

Dogs must be indoor pets.

Basic training is required (e.g. potty trained, no excessive barking or jumping).

Must be vaccinated (including rabies).

Must be treated for fleas, ticks, and parasites.

Dogs in heat are not allowed.

Leaving pets alone in the villa is strictly prohibited.

Please bring everything your dog needs for their stay.

? About the Villa
Villa Zao is a single-story private rental villa designed in a minimalist style with white tones, harmonizing with the scenic landscape of the Zao mountain range—offering a peaceful and slow-paced retreat.

The spacious living-dining-kitchen area features a horizontal window over 7 meters wide, blending the outdoors with the interior. The elegant, modern furnishings create a luxurious and extraordinary atmosphere perfect for groups.

On the balcony, you’ll find a private open-air hot spring bath surrounded by fresh mountain air and trees—perfect for soaking, dining, or sipping drinks.

Note

Please read and adhere to the “House Rules and Restrictions” before making a reservation.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property. Thank you for your cooperation.

Comes with a special cash voucher usable at nearby restaurants and cafés like Sakai Coffee.

? Facility Overview
Villa Zao is a 3LDK single-story private villa with an open-air hot spring bath. It features two separate bedrooms and a Japanese-style raised tatami space, accommodating up to 6 guests.

Living & Dining
Step inside the all-white villa to find a warm wooden floor living and dining space. Floor-to-ceiling windows on one side allow in abundant natural light.

Relax freely on floor cushions or in the tatami "koagari" space, which can also serve as an extra bedroom with two futons.

The dining area is furnished with a table for four.

Note

Curtains are not installed on the living room windows. Removable curtains are available for guests to install if desired.

A pellet stove is available and pellets are provided free of charge.

Kitchen
Equipped with a 3-burner gas stove, microwave, rice cooker, cookware, and tableware for your use.
Please bring your own ingredients, seasonings, and cooking oil.

Requests

Bringing in appliances like hot plates is prohibited. Please cook only in the kitchen. Avoid strong odors or grease residue.

Please wash and return all used cookware and tableware. Report any breakages to the Gaia Resort Management Office or Visitor Station.

Balcony & Open-Air Bath
The balcony features a private open-air hot spring bath with a roll curtain for privacy.
BBQs, smoking, and late-night conversations on the balcony are not permitted.

Bathroom (Indoor)
The indoor bath uses standard heated water (not hot spring water).
A washing machine and dryer are available, making long stays convenient.

Bedrooms
Two independent Western-style bedrooms each have two single beds.
For groups of 6, use 4 single beds and 2 futon sets in the tatami space.

Toilet
1 unit with a warm-water bidet function.

Additional Amenities
Free Wi-Fi

Air conditioning in the living room and both bedrooms

?️ About Your Stay
Villa Zao is a fully private rental that accommodates up to 6 guests. Meals are not included.

The rate is fixed for up to 4 people. A per-person surcharge applies for the 5th and 6th guests.

Child Policy
There is no special rate for children. Guests aged 2 and older are charged the adult rate.

Children under 2 can stay for free, but no futon or towels will be provided unless included in the guest count.

Amenities
Towels and toothbrushes will be placed in the room upon arrival.
One towel per person is provided for every 2 nights.

Note

Please do not take the towels home.

Additional towels: Bath towel rental (¥330), face towel purchase (¥220) available at the Visitor Station (9:00–20:00).

Razors, cotton swabs, body towels, and hairbrushes are available at the Visitor Station. (Self-service only)

? Check-In
Check-in time: 15:00–20:00
Late check-in is possible after 20:00, but some times may not be available.

Check-In Locations
Details will be provided after booking:

15:00–20:00 → Visitor Station

After 20:00 → Gaia Resort Management Office

Villa Zao is located inside the gated resort community of Zao Sansui-en. A remote gate key will be provided at check-in.
Please do not go directly to Villa Zao before checking in.

It takes about 7 minutes by car from the gate to Villa Zao.
No pickup or taxi service is available—please come by car.

Important Notes

Villa Zao is in a residential area. Please avoid loud conversations outdoors at night.

In case of serious complaints from neighbors, immediate eviction may occur.

Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property.

? BBQ Information
Fire usage (BBQ, fireworks) is prohibited in Zao Sansui-en.

If you'd like to BBQ, please use the "Gaia Village BBQ" facility, 1-minute by car from the resort gate.
Reservations are required (up to 3 days in advance).
Hours: 11:00–14:00 / 16:00–19:00
Contact us after confirming your stay for further details.

? Access
We recommend arriving by car for ease of travel and dining.

About 15 minutes from Tohoku Expressway Shirakawa IC or Murata IC

About 15 minutes from Yamagata Expressway Miyagi Kawasaki IC

About 30 minutes by car or taxi from Shinkansen Shiroishi-Zao Station

Parking
Space for 2 regular-sized cars is available.
For 3 or more cars, please use a nearby temporary parking area.

You will have access to two Western-style bedrooms and a raised tatami-floored area.

Western-style bedroom: 2 single beds

Western-style bedroom: 2 single beds

Raised tatami area: 2 sets of Japanese futons