Ropeway Operation
Visit the summit to experience the awe-inspiring power of nature with all your senses.
Spring is a lovely time, which allows us to encounter newly-awakened animals and plants. In summer, the night sky sparkles with countless stars. Autumn covers the mountains with red leaves and their aroma. Winter brings forth the frost, painting the trees white and creating a wondrous silver and white scenery. All four seasons offer soul-shatteringly beautiful, mighty vistas. Besides, each of them provides an opportunity for various activities. Visit Zao to experience the breath of mighty nature with all five senses.
Winter is the essence of Zao’s attractions. Visitors come unceasingly from around the world to see the frozen trees,
and the stars glimmering in the clear winter night skies. Zao in winter becomes a fantastic world of mystery and wonder,
silently spreading across the landscape. And of course, we offer a rich selection of
activities available only in winter, from skiing to snowboarding, to snowshoe trekking.
From long downhill courses extending for 10km at their longest, to the “Wall of Yokokura,” with its maximum incline of 38 degrees, the winter attractions of Zao are concentrated in these epic and diverse ski slopes. Everyone from beginners to experts can have their fill of winter sports.
The frost covered trees, called “Juhyo,” are labeled the “Snow Monsters.” Zao is known throughout the world as a land where, among the many such places in Japan, especially large and beautiful juyho can be viewed. The annual “Zao Juhyo Festival” is a must-see event.
With easy access to the ropeway, this natural hot springs hotel links directly to the ski slopes. The view from the outdoor hot springs at the highest elevation of Zao are simply spectacular. It’s a location that offers a breathtaking panorama to be enjoyed to your heart’s content. We also boast wonderful omotenashi(a unique Japanese word meaning “hospitality”) service from our staff and fine dining prepared by our experienced chefs using locally sourced ingredients.Visit Website
The Juhyo of Zao, which boast as one of the world’s largest, are a mystic wonder of nature, with the Aomori white fir trees, a member of the conifer family growing in the subalpine zone, covered in blankets of snow and ice. As cloud droplets(supercooled water droplets) within snow clouds come into contact with branches and leaves, they freeze, forming shrimp tail-like shapes, and snow builds up in between the gaps, gradually hardening. As this phenomenon repeats itself, the creation of a masterpiece takes shape.
A light up of the Snow Monsters, the “Juhyo”. The sight of these Juhyo, lit up and glowing with rich color, quietly and in the black of night, contrasts with their brilliant white and silver glimmering during the day, creating an atmosphere lost in the magic of a fantastically beautiful world. Riding on the specialized new model snowmobile “Nightcruiser,” equipped with heating, you can experience the night spectacle of the lighted Juhyo from close up.
Instructors who know everything about Zao in winter will properly share their knowledge about how to enjoy the slopes. Take their motto, “if the skiing is good, then everything is good,” to heart, because their light-hearted and enjoyable instruction is one of our many attractions.
At the ski center, we offer rentals for everything from skis and snowboards, to combination sets featuring snow gear and accessories. Rentals for half-days and discounts for consecutive days are available as well.
Enjoy find dining with breathtaking views of nature, ever-changing with the seasons, from our restaurant featuring scenic views, “Sancho(The Summit).” During ski season, the hearty and filling ski slope restaurants “Todomatsu,” “Kurohime,” “Yokokura,” and “Ōmori” are also popular.
| Destination | Classification | One way | Round trip | Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jizo Sancho Station Altitude:1,661m |
Adults | ¥2,000 | ¥3,800 | Zao natural botanical garden（Mt. Sanpokojin） Zao Jizoson Trailhead to Jizosan, Kumanodake and Kattadake |
| Children | ¥1,000 | ¥1,900 | ||
| Juhyo Kogen Station Altitude: 1,331m |
Adults | ¥1,000 | ¥2,000 | Iroha-numa swamp, Kansho-daira |
| Children | ¥500 | ¥1,000 |
※Adults: more than junior high school students / Children: Elementary / Infant: preschooler
※Ticket refund fee: 100 yen per sheet
| Winter（11 Dec. – 31 Mar.) |
|---|
| Sanroku Line 8:15-16:45 Sancho Line 8:30-16:30 |
During the summer season, small-sized pets only will be allowed if kept completely inside a hard case cage, etc., and will be admitted for the price of a child’s fare.
No pets will be admitted during the winter season.
Assistance dogs (seeing eye dogs, hearing assistance dogs, service dogs for the disabled), in accordance with “The Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons,” will be admitted free of charge.
Zao Ropeway
229-3 Zao onsen, Yamagata-city Yamagata-prif.
TEL：+81-23-694-9518
FAX：+81-23-694-9143
