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The "Snow Monster," as it is also called, is a spectacular sight unlike any other in the world.
Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the largest mountain resorts in the Tohoku region.
In winter, Zao is a mecca for winter sports, and many tourists come to enjoy the "juhyo," or tree ice formed by snow and ice on the trees.
Juhyō is formed when ice and snow repeatedly land on the leaves and branches of the Aomori Todomatsu (Abies mariesii) trees that live nearby.
It is a rare sight that can be seen only in some mountain areas of the O-u Mountains, as it forms only when special conditions such as temperature, wind direction, and snowfall are met. They are called "snow monsters" because of their beautiful yet monstrous appearance.
The best time to view the rime is usually from late December to early March, with the peak season from late January to mid-February.
The best viewing spot is the juhyo field that stretches from the midsection of the Zao Ropeway to the Jizo Sancho Station.
If you take the ropeway, you can enjoy an aerial view of the juhyo field below.
Near the Jizo Sancho station, visitors can experience the powerful scene up close. There is also the summit terrace where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view and a restaurant where you can enjoy the view indoors. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of skiing or snowboarding alongside the juhyo. Check out the limited-time-only illumination events.
Zao Ropeway has been recognized as a "Lovers' Sanctuary," and Zao Onsen, a natural hot spring with free-flowing spring water, so take your time to enjoy sightseeing in Zao in winter.
A rare landscape in the world
Juhyo, also known as the "Snow Monster."
The view from the ropeway is breathtaking.
You can even see them up close.
Light-up events are held
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there services in foreign languages? (If so, please provide the supported languages.)
No, but tablet-based assistance is available.
Q
Is it possible to re-enter the premises?
Re-entry is not allowed.
Q
Is free WiFi available in the facility?
Limited availability in certain areas.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Yes, they are located on the first floor of the Sanroku station.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
Zao's 'snow monsters' (Juhyo) are amazing!
I've visited Zao about five times with tour groups, and this was the luckiest trip—clear blue skies and the mountains full of snow monsters welcoming us. It was so unique and fun.
I'd love to visit during the nighttime illumination and see the mysterious snow monsters at night. Highly recommend checking out the night view if you can!
To enjoy these beautiful snow monsters, you need to take two ropeways:
First: The Sanroku Line (Juhyo Kogen Station)
This is a large ropeway that takes about 7 minutes (fits 53 people).
Second: The Summit Line (Jizo Sancho Station)
Then, transfer to a round ropeway (like the ones in Maokong), which takes about 10 minutes (fits 18 people).
There's a ski area at the bottom, and lots of visitors take the ropeway up and ski down from Juhyo Kogen Station!
※ The temperature at the top ranges from 0°C to -10°C. Be sure to bring hand warmers, gloves, scarves, earmuffs, a warm hat, and a thick down jacket.
There's a café next to the summit station—perfect for a warm drink and a quick break.
The weather at the bottom of the mountain is really different from the top. Visibility was poor, and there wasn't enough moisture for the spectacular rime ice scenery to form yet.
It was an unforgettable trip—got to visit the ski resort, see the world-famous juhyo, and even relax in the hot springs.
