Yamagata Zao, the winter art --- Soft rime.

Take about 2 and half hour by Yamagata shinkansen from Tokyo to central of Yamagata-Prefecture, north east regional of Japan, and change to bus from East Exis of Yamagata Station about 40 minutes will lead us to Zao Onsen.

The picture below is the beautiful natural scenery after get off from the ropeway of Zao Onsen.

There are many huge trees cover with heavy snow standing in front of “Jizousancyou Station” of ropeway, and these trees are “Juhyo” which its spectacular scenery, also called “Soft Rime” and “Ice Monsters”.

In winter, the extremely stronge Northeastern winds and super cool water droplets comes from Siberia, the vapor contains high sea water have changed to clous from snow with strong winds in the slope. Super cool water gradually adheres to the trees, the climate condition is in minus 10~15 degress in order to creates the unique shapes.

Visitor can easily to guess where the wind blows from when seeing these unique and special scenery. The unusual scenery is not easy to be seem, therefore a lot of domestic and international tourists visit this place every winter.

This is Jizou at “Jizousancyou Station”, and was originally built for safety purposes. It has 2 meters and 46 centimeters, but due to the heavy snow visitors can only see its head which looks very cold. The picture reminds us to go and visit Zao hot springs.

This is the scenery from top of the mountain. Due to the weather is quite nice in the day when photos were taken, so we were able to see the clear view from top. However, the view will continually until early March. If possible, please best timing to visit here is in end of February.

This is the scenery from top of the mountain. Due to the weather is quite nice in the day when photos were taken, so we were able to see the clear view from top. However, the view will continually until early March. If possible, please best timing to visit here is in end of February.

Soft rime illumination is held everyday in February, viewing soft rime in other perspective with different angles will create another fantasy. In addition, although its very easy to get to the top of mountain by ropeway, but we strongly suggested please make sure keep yourself warm enough before ride. Furthermore, onsen in Zao is in white which can warm up body and also many healthy effects, as well as enjoy “yukimi onsen”. Zao is a place visitors are able to enjoy the soft rime illuminations, hot springs, and ski activities, therefore stay one night over is also recommended plan for your trip.

writer：makoa187jp
Deep knowledge of railway, and believes trains are not just as simiple as a transportation, also an enjoyment of a journey. Have a lot of experiences writing articles regards railway travel, and high knowledgement of season foliage. Visited about 50 hot springs so far.