[2025 Yamagata ] Travel Guide for Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Updated Apr)

#Cable car Zao Juhyo is a major tourist attraction around Sendai. People fight for these tree monsters even in the cold winter of January. Fortunately, Japan's tourism facilities have always been very good. It only takes 40 minutes to take a bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Starting from Zao Onsen Ski Resort🎿 at the foot of the mountain, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the starting point of the cable car🚡 "Zao Cable Car Sanlu Station". First take a cable car to "Juhyo Plateau Station", then transfer to "Jizo Sancho Station". When you exit the station, you can see a different world full of juhyo! There is also a 2-meter-tall Zao Jizo statue here, remember to take photos👍 💡The Zao Juhyo season is limited to night lighting from 17:00 to 21:00, and the snow monsters instantly turn into various colors. This amazing light scene is listed as one of the Japanese Night View Heritages, and it is definitely worth coming. However, the top of the mountain is very cold at night. It is basically too cold to press the camera when you go outside. Please remember to wear warm clothes and put a heating pack on your mobile phone and camera 📷, otherwise it will run out of power immediately🪫 🎯 Zao Juhyo Cable Car Foot Line 8:15-16:45／Top Line 8:30-16:30 (may be suspended due to weather conditions) You can buy the "Sankou Bus + Cable Car" discount package at Yamagata Station, which starts selling in December every year. Or buy a 2-stage ticket directly at the cable car station 🎯 Four-day flash trip to Tohoku, Japan (Sendai/Ginzan Onsen/Zao Juhyo) Day1 Sendai City/Shopping/Zenjiro Beef Tongue Set Meal Day2 Sendai-Yamagata Yonezawa Beef-Ginzan Onsen (JR Senzan Line to Yamadera Station, many flights) Day3 Yamagata-Zao Onsen/Zao Juhyo (Yamagata Zao direct bus, several flights a day) Day4 Zao City-Sendai Airport (Airport direct bus, several flights a day) #Zao Juhyo #Ski Resort #Mountaintop Cable Car #100 Ways to Travel #Zao Onsen #Sendai #Light Up Event #Juhyo

I really miss the first time I went to Japan to play in the snow. It was so much fun and incredibly beautiful and romantic. Although it was a warm winter that year, I have vivid memories of staying one night at Zao in Yamagata, Tohoku. It started snowing heavily at midnight and continued throughout the night. The next day, we went up the mountain and stayed at the San-Goro Lodge halfway up. The heavy snow continued, and the kids played in the snow all day, not wanting to come inside. They only agreed to leave after we checked out. After leaving, we were incredibly lucky to see the sun come out, giving us a chance to see the beautiful forest. It was like a scene from Frozen, so dreamy! The staff at San-Goro Lodge took us to the Torikabuto Station cable car. This is a ski resort with many skiers. We walked along the path to the Daikokuten Observatory, which was incredibly beautiful. The view from the 1387-meter-high Torikabuto summit was stunning. From there, we could see our lodge, San-Goro Lodge. The wooden cabin in the snow was so romantic, and walking through the forest felt like a scene from Frozen. Tohoku Zao Cable Car Station 〒990-2301 Yamagata Prefecture, Yamagata City, Zao Onsen 229-3

Zao Tree Ice is located in Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan. This stunning sight is limited to each winter! Tree ice is the ice that attaches to the surface of trees when fog and clouds cooled to below freezing point blow through them. But the weather in winter is more unstable. Those who can go up the mountain in good weather are lucky! This time I also met the blue sky, I was really blessed by God 🫶🏻 📆Viewing Period: Roughly from December to March If you want to visit the tree ice, it is recommended to visit between late January and late February when you can see the beautiful and huge tree ice 🚠Transportation: Arrive from Yamagata Station by bus to Zao Onsen in 40 minutes. "Tree Ice Viewing Pass" is available at the "Yamagata Station-mae Bus Service Office Sales Window" (including a round-trip ticket from "Yamagata Station-mae" Station to "Zao Onsen" Station + a discount package for round-trip tickets from Zao Cable Car "Yan Foothill" Station to "Jizo Summit" Station.) ⛷️ How to play: ⭐️ Take the cable car up the mountain: 360 degrees to see the trees, ice and snow strange ⭐️ "Dilian Peak Station" Observation Deck: Open view, many people take pictures here ⭐️ Tree ice lighting, night parade (not every day, please pay attention to the official website schedule) ⭐️ Ski viewing ‼ ️Precautions ❕In addition to tree ice, Yamagata Zao can also enjoy the Zao hot springs and skiing at the foot of the mountain, and the weather is unstable, it is recommended to stay at least 2 nights. ❕ It’s really super cold in the plateau area! It's minus 10 degrees Celsius. Keep warm, otherwise you'll be too cold to play. It's really too cold. You can go to the restaurant to keep warm first. The view inside is beautiful! #travel #travel #I miss #japan attractions #japan ##one of the must-see attractions in life

♪♪♪Luckily I saw the sun on the top of the mountain✌︎('ω')✌︎ I also got a glimpse of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva A tour guide friend came six times, climbed to the top three times, and only reached the middle of the mountain three times But it was only this time that the sun came out on the top of the mountain Come to Tohoku, Japan to see the Zao frost trees🌲It really depends on the weather conditions So friends who want to come here should keep a normal mind and come more often😄 The way to get to the top of Yamagata Zao is to take the cable car You can enjoy the natural scenery from Zao Hot Springs at the foot of the mountain to the frost trees. It takes about 7 minutes from Zao Mountain Foot Station to Mountain Foot Station, and 10 minutes to take the Summit Line to Jizo Mountain Foot Station. So you have to take two cable cars (Japanese cable cars are very slow and safe👍) It’s also very fun to play in the snow, it’s soft and fluffy♥︎ I will come again if I have the chance☃ #国外游 #亲子好去处 ##familytravel #藏王树冰

It was my first time in Yamagata Prefecture☃️ It was also my first time skiing this season🏂 I wanted to see the famous snow monsters, but the blizzard was so strong that there was a whiteout🤭((too bad But I fell a lot🗿 and I feel like I've gotten stronger lol I came here to snowboard🏂 The foreigners on the gondola were not skiing or snowboarding, but "sightseeing" ↑ I was surprised🫢 I guess they were there to see the snow monsters (frost-covered trees)? I personally recommend it☺️ I hope I can go again someday^_^

Transportation Guide: Must-visit attractions: Zaoonsen, Yamagata, 990-2301 Japan Recommended hotels: Japan 〒990-2301 Yamagata, Zaoonsen, ２−2 Must-eat food: Japan 〒990-2301 Yamagata, Zaoonsen, 上ノ代799 Shopping Guide: Zao Onsen Yutabiya TAKAYUDO The snow trails are wide and varied, with black, red and green lines evenly distributed. It is especially spectacular to slide down the frost along the Kankaizaka from the top of the mountain. In addition, the Zao area is a historic hot spring town, with hot springs, skiing and hot spring towns, all kinds of needs can be met #Local Tour #romanticgetaway #familytravel #beaches #foodie #resident writer

Traveling by bus from sendai station and stop at the Sakuramboekimae , take around 1 hour 20 minutes. Then travel by car to Zao ski resort with some friends. we are doing BBQ party at the noon at the terrace of the forest inn Zao. Talking and drink till drop, having a fun game and it was so memorable. We do visit the the other lodge behind the mountain and using the cable car. it was very convenient and the view was amazing, greenery's scenery from the cable car along the 1000m length, I was enjoyed alot. #staycation #summervacation #summer #japan #yamagata #onsen

#trip2022 I tried snowboarding for the first time in my life! It's not just my first time snowboarding, it's my first time experiencing snow! I was so excited I couldn't sleep the night before ( ・∇・) It felt like a dream, surrounded by powdery snow! I used the school and somehow managed to stand on the boat. When I got on the lift, it was scary. I guess I'm not good with high places after all.

#skiing #snowscene🏂 💞Recommendation reason: Beautiful snow scenery 🙅🏼♀️Reason for not recommending: Snowboard is not friendly

#2月好地方2025 Around December to March every year is Japan's ski season, and everyone goes skiing like crazy. I recommend you a very suitable "Yamagata Zao Ski Resort" for beginners. 🗓️Itinerary: We stayed in the mountains for 4 days, with a total of 2.5 days of skiing experience. The coach taught us for 1.5 days and we learned leaf drifting, C turn and S turn. 💞Reason for recommendation: Recommendation index 100 points! It's really fun. You will feel a great sense of accomplishment after learning it. It is an activity that we cannot experience in Taiwan. Next time there is a snow season, I would like to come back to experience the fun of skiing. 📍Check-in address: GSQUARE 📍Ski equipment rental place: Best rental pro shop Skiing uses different muscle groups, it is really a sport 💪, and your body will be sore! It will be tiring! But it's fun 👍 #YamagataZao #ZaoSkiResort #JapanSkiing

February is the season with heavy snowfall in Japan. Tourists and skiers who love playing in the snow will start looking for cities in Japan to travel to during the winter. During this time, they will be able to enjoy fluffy and soft snow. In fact, there are many cities in Japan with beautiful snow and beautiful ski resorts. And this is another city that people are interested in visiting because the highlight of the city is the Snow Monster, which is a tourist attraction where people can go up to see the snow monster. It is formed from snow that has been blown on the trees until it has the shape of a monster. It is only at this peak and there are only a few peaks in the world where you can see snow in this shape. Today, let's take a look at the atmosphere around Zao Onsen, a popular city for tourists. Travel Travel Take the train and get off at Yamagata. Take the bus at Yamagata Station to the city for about 30 minutes. #withmyshutter #NewYearNewTrip

#tokyostroll Looking for a snowy escape from Tokyo that has something for both skiers and non-skiers? Yamagata Zao Onsen is the perfect winter wonderland, offering top-tier ski slopes, the famous "Snow Monsters" (Juhyo), and soothing hot springs for ultimate relaxation. 🚄 Getting There from Tokyo Hop on the Yamagata Shinkansen to Yamagata Station (~2.5 hrs), then take a bus (~40 min) straight to Zao Onsen. ⛷️ For Skiers: Powder Paradise 🏔️ Zao Onsen Ski Resort – One of Japan’s oldest and biggest ski resorts, perfect for all levels with long scenic runs and a 7km downhill course. 👀 Ski Through the Snow Monsters – Glide through the surreal frozen trees, a rare natural wonder formed by icy winds. 🌙 Night Skiing – The slopes light up, giving an otherworldly skiing experience. ♨️ For Non-Skiers: Relax & Explore 🔥 Onsen Hopping – After a snowy stroll, soak in Zao’s famous sulfuric hot springs, said to be great for the skin. 🚠 Ropeway to Jizo Sancho Station – Even if you don’t ski, take the cable car up to see the Snow Monsters and breathtaking mountain views. 🏮 Hidden Gem: Zao Onsen Village – A charming traditional town filled with cozy eateries, foot baths, and local shops. 💡 Insider Tips ✅ Best Time to Visit: January–February for peak snow and the best Snow Monster views. ✅ Non-Skiers Should Still Layer Up – Even if you’re just sightseeing, the winds at the peak can be intense! ✅ Try the Local Specialty: Zao Soba & Kaminabe (hotpot) are perfect for warming up. Whether you’re carving down the slopes or just here to unwind, Zao Onsen is the ultimate winter escape from Tokyo! ❄️♨️🏔️

Snow Monster in Zao Onsen is really amazing. The main plan of this trip is to see Snow Monster or Snow Monster, which is famous and ranked in the world for the ski slopes with many Monsters. With the characteristics of snow that has rested and piled up on trees until it looks like a snow monster, it is a point of attraction for skiers from all over the world to come and see the beauty of Zao Onsen, Japan. Don't worry if tourists want to see it, here, general tourists can buy a ticket to take the cable car to go up to the top of the mountain to see Snow Monster. This makes this ski slope both skiers and general people can go up and take pictures up close with the Snow Monster. Anyone who wants to try to see it must come during the festival where you can see Snow Monster. February is the season when Snow Monster is very big because there is a lot of wind and snow. If anyone comes after this, you have to look at the weather forecast carefully because if it rains, Snow Monster will gradually become thinner and not as beautiful as this. For anyone who is going to come, I recommend booking a ticket to take the cable car in advance because when I came, the cable car was full and the queue was very long, 1-2 hours. It takes a lot of effort to climb up. For those who can ski or snowboard, you can avoid it and take other cable cars and climb up. Then enter the main line of Monster, guaranteed to get beautiful pictures that will make people jealous. For traveling to Zao Onsen You can come from both Tokyo and other areas in the city. Take the Shinkansen and get off at Yamagata Station. When you arrive at the station, go buy a bus ticket first. Then walk to wait for the bus at Platform 1. It takes 30 minutes by bus. #withmyshutter #snowmonster #zaoonsenskiresort #JapanTrip #japantravel #travelblogger #snowboard #snowmonster #bloggertravel #NewYearNewTrip

It takes 5 hours from Chiba to Ginzan Onsen Going to see Zao is a pure white world and it feels great. Day 2 Fox Village was very beautiful but smelly zao-fox-village.com Tickets start at 1500 yen #Zao Zao Onsen Mountain & Snow Resort 709-1 Doai, Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, 990-2301 TEL.023-694-9617 FAX.023-694-9077 Budget per person for Ginzan Onsen - Zao Mountain Ropeway - Fox Village etc: about 40,000 yen

Zao Ski Resort - A stop you can't miss in your lifetime From Yamagata, you can take the Yamagata-Zao Onsen Line directly to Zao Onsen Station (1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children) and walk about 300 meters to arrive (there is also a map outside the bus station to show you how to get to each ski slope) and it will take 40 minutes to arrive. All access to the ski slopes and the top of the mountain is by swiping a cable car ticket. A one-day ticket is generally 6,000~7,000 yen for adults and 4,000~4,500 yen for children; a half-day ticket (after 1pm) is 4,500~5,000 yen for adults. Getting to Zao Ski Resort is also very easy. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : If you feel tired after skiing, you can go directly to Zao Onsen to relax.

[Zao Onsen Ski Resort]⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡⁡ Address: Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture⁡ Parking: Yes, free⁡ ⁡ This is the only one of the three where you can ride the gondola over the frost-covered trees, so you can see a wide range of them✨ It's easier to get close to the frost-covered trees while wearing skis or a snowboard👍⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ･････････････････････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ ⁡ [Moriyoshiyama Ani Ski Resort]⁡⁡ Address: 79-5 Kaginotaki, Ani, Kitaakita, Akita Prefecture⁡ Parking: Yes, free⁡ ⁡ The wait time for the gondola isn't that long, so it's a ski resort that both skiers and tourists can enjoy smoothly💡⁡ The frost-covered area has a slope, so if you're going to walk around, it's a good idea to bring winter mountain climbing equipment such as walking sticks😊⁡ ⁡⁡ ⋈ ･････････････････････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ ⁡ [Hakkoda Ropeway]⁡⁡ Address: 1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori City⁡ Parking: Yes, free⁡ ⁡ It's such a popular spot that the ropeway is often out of service, and even when it is operational, there can be a wait of up to 2 hours❗⁡ You can ski down the side of the frost-covered trees as you go down the mountain, so if you can ski or snowboard, I recommend it🏂However, it's an un-groomed mountain with some steep slopes, so it's only for those who can ski in those places without any problems💡⁡ ⁡ ⁡⋈ ･････････････････････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ ⁡ 【Ski Jam Katsuyama】⁡⁡ Address: 170-70 Yoshino, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture⁡ Parking: Available⁡ ⁡ The largest snow resort in western Japan with a longest run of 5,800m that even beginners can enjoy with peace of mind🏔️⁡ This is not one of the three biggest frost-covered trees in Japan, but if you're within the lift range and the timing is right, you can see the frost-covered trees, so try looking for them😊⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ･････････････････････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ ⁡ That's it, a spectacular view that can only be seen in winter❗⁡ Come and see it🎵 #tripdomestictravel #frost-coveredtrees #photogenicspot #Tohokutrip #Tohokutourism

Zao Onsen has a history of 1,900 years. Strolling here, you can smell the strong sulfuric mineral scent. The town's traditional inns and souvenir shops, combined with the charming snowy scenery, are truly unforgettable. Public transportation: You can take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Yamagata, and then take a bus from Yamagata Station. If you are using public transportation, it is recommended to stay at Yamagata Station, visit Zao for one day, and Ginzan Onsen for another day. At Zao, you can ski, take a cable car to see the ice trees, and enjoy day-use hot springs on the onsen street. ​

Zao Onsen ♨️ Underneath the frost-covered trees #ZaoOnsen #ski #skiing #Kimura

A super beautiful ski resort, you must visit it once in your life. The white world is really relaxing. It is a classic ski resort. Some places are a bit flat for snowboarders, so you may need to wear slippers to walk around. But once you get to the mountain and see the beautiful scenery, it is completely worth it. And after skiing every day, you can go to the hot springs, which is really comfortable. #Zao #Zao Tree Ice #Zao Hot Spring

#Cable car In winter, the most famous thing about Zao in northeastern Japan is the frost trees. To see the frost trees, you have to take the cable car up the mountain. From Zao Route, you have to take two cable cars: "Zao Mountain Station" → "Juhyo Plateau Station" → "Zao Mountain Station". King Peak Station It was a warm winter when we went there, and there was almost no snow at the foot of the mountain that day. As a result, when we took the cable car to the top of the mountain, it was a blizzard and the visibility was extremely poor. It was all white and extremely cold! Because of the mild winter, the frost on the trees was not yet obvious, and the landmark Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva statue was only covered with snow up to the toes. But the kids are so happy to play in the snow! We had a meal and a rest at the mountaintop restaurant before going back to playing in the snow outdoors. However, the wind was so strong and cold that we couldn’t stay there for too long! Zao Cable Car 〒990-2301 Yamagata Prefecture Yamagata City Zao Onsen 940-1 #Japan #Tohoku #Zao #Tree frost #Mountaintop #Cable car #100 ways to travel #familytravel

Zao Onsen Ski Resort, located in Yamagata Prefecture in northern Japan, is one of the country’s oldest and most renowned ski destinations. Known for its excellent powder snow, extensive ski terrain, and unique natural phenomena, Zao Onsen offers a memorable winter sports experience coupled with traditional Japanese hospitality and hot springs. #travelanywhere #japan #yamagata #snow

The happiest thing when planning a trip to Tohoku, Japan earlier this year was that I was so lucky to be able to take the limited opening of the "Tree Ice Fantasy Corridor"! ! ! Seeing the frost trees was already a dream, but I didn’t expect to be able to see them up close. Every year Zao announces the time for the Fantasy Corridor, but most of the time it takes place from the end of December to February, depending on the weather. This year's snowfall conditions were not ideal in the later period, so the number of snow monsters seen was relatively different. The "Tree Ice Fantasy Corridor" is only open on Fridays and Saturdays during the period, but reservations are very convenient. Online reservations are available. Just click on the page, press the date and time, fill in the form and you will receive a confirmation email. When you arrive at the site on the day, your name will be called out for ticket collection and you will get the ticket. This ticket must be shown when taking the cable car back and forth, so don't lose it~ First take a cable car 🚡 to the plateau station and then transfer to the snowmobile. Although the snowmobile is full and completely fills up the entire space (super full), everyone is looking forward to it so no one complains (?) It took about 10-15 minutes. Because the car was very fast and there were so many people without oxygen, I didn’t know how long it took. You will start to see snow monsters appear along the way later on. It’s so exciting~ After arriving, we were very happy to fly. Of course, the staff would watch over us to prevent us from running too far, and time was limited, so we had to be quick and accurate in taking photos. Especially since the weather was cold, our hands were very cold after taking off our gloves, but we still couldn't stop wanting to record everything. One of the Japanese uncles is really good at taking photos. I hope everyone can meet him^o^#日本 #日本自由行 #藏王树冰 #藏王温泉

It is the Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata, Japan, famous for its frost trees. The photo was taken in early March 2022. There was a lot of snow and the weather was not cold. On a sunny day, the blue and white are distinct It is a real visual enjoyment to slide down the tree ice sightseeing route from the top of the mountain But there wasn't much snow on New Year's Day this year We couldn't see such majestic frost trees, and the weather was not good, so it was still a matter of luck to take good photos. By the way, I would like to recommend food and accommodation: p10-11 Takamiya Hotel Jurin The hotel is right next to the cable car, so skiing in and skiing out is very convenient. The hotel also has its own rentals There are indoor and outdoor hot springs. Although they are not big, you can enjoy the snow scenery. p12-13 The Great Chiyan of Kurao The beef tendon curry rice at the restaurant next to the Kaminodai cable car station is especially delicious It's really satisfying to eat a hot curry after skiing in winter

I am very lucky that it is still snowing in Zawang at the end of March. The last time I came, it snowed too heavily and I couldn’t find Zawang. This time I finally saw Him. I prayed in front of Him for everyone’s safety. There was sleet along the way. I was so excited. I don’t know when I will come next time. May Zawang bless everyone with safety.

I had an unforgettable time in the exotic atmosphere of Zao Onsen Ski Resort. Skiing in the gorgeous snow scenery is exciting and challenging; hot springs allow me to enjoy comfort and relaxation after the cold. Recommended to all travelers who love winter activities, this place combines skiing fun and hot spring treatments to bring you the best winter experience. #zaohotsen #skiresort #firstskiexperience #zaohotsenskiresort #zaojuhyo

#thingstodo I went end of March and the weather was perfect! but the snow was a little bit harder this time of year. Getting around the mountain is very easy with the Sky Lift cable cart systems and variety of slopes to go down. It's very tourist friendly and getting to the mountain was very easy by bus from Yamagata station. Cost about 1000yen for a round trip on the coach bus.

It was my first time visiting Tohoku in winter and I was attracted by this silver world. I sincerely recommend that you come to see the Zao Juhyo at least once in your life. You will definitely be attracted by this unique landscape. Although I was unlucky that day and the mountaintop line was suspended, I was still amazed by this magnificent landscape. I suggest you line up before 8 o'clock, otherwise it will take an hour just to buy tickets and wait for the cable car, and you have to wait outdoors, it will be really cold~ Finally, I hope everyone can be lucky enough to see the beautiful scenery

-4 for skiing. I recommend this place. Excellent service in a Japanese style.

Yamagata Zao has a vast area and is lush and green in spring and summer. It is an excellent mountain-viewing spot in Yamagata Prefecture. In autumn, the green mountains gradually change into orange, yellow, and red autumn clothes. The warm-toned painting of nature is rich in layers and will amaze you no matter how many times you see it. Take the Zao Cable Car at the Zao Cable Car Foothill Line to overlook the entire autumn scenery of the earth from a high altitude. The red, orange and yellow interlaced leaves on the entire mountain are bright and shocking. In addition, the red leaves begin to gradually move from the top of the mountain to the foot of the mountain, so the period for appreciation is very long, bringing a different charm. When you arrive at Zao Juhyo Station, you don't need to rush to the top of the mountain. You can walk around Kansatsudaira and Iroha Numa instead. There are observation seats on Guansongping, where you can look out over the autumn scenery of the distant mountains. The withered yellow grassland on the hillside in front of you, accompanied by the setting sun in the afternoon, also gives you another sense of autumn loneliness. Ticket purchase guide: You can buy a package ticket at Yamagata Station, which includes round-trip bus tickets between Yamagata Station and Zao Onsen Bus Terminal and round-trip tickets for the ropeway cable car. #Japan and Korea City Attractions #Japan Hiking #Japan Must-Visit Check-In Spots #Overseas Travel #JapanZao #JapanZaoOnsen #JapanFreeTravel #JapanTravel #JapanAttractions