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Event Guide · Tohoku

Zao Snow Monsters Light-up

December–FebruaryYamagata, Zao & Yamadera
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Overview

Overview

Zao’s juhyo (rime-covered trees) form in sub-zero conditions when supercooled droplets of fog and cloud are carried by the wind, strike the trees and freeze. They are also known as “snow monsters.” On certain winter nights, the juhyo around the summit station, reached by ropeway, are lit up in colorful lights.

When
The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February
Venue
Around Juhyo Kogen Station and Jizo Sancho Station on the Zao Ropeway (Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Official website
https://zaoropeway.co.jp/winter/juhyo.php
Highlights

Highlights

Giant snow monsters rising out of the darkness in multicolored light are a sight unique to Zao in winter. The juhyo start forming in November–December, grow in January and peak in February. The combination of snow monsters and blue sky in the daytime is also spectacular.

Times

Times

Snow monster light-up17:00–21:00

Official information for the 2025–2026 season. Last ascent departs Zao Sanroku Station at 19:50. Ropeway round trip: adults 4,400 yen, children 2,200 yen

Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour (Night Cruiser)Departs 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00

An approx. 75-minute tour through the snow monsters in a heated snowcat. Meet at Juhyo Kogen Station; advance reservation required. 2025–2026 season: adults 7,500 yen, children 6,000 yen

Times can change from year to year. Check the official website for the latest information.

Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓The light-up is held only on selected days, not every day. Check the official announcement for the 2026–2027 season schedule
  • ✓Depending on weather conditions, the snow monsters may not be visible, and the light-up or ropeway may be canceled due to weather (in the 2025–2026 season, the Night Cruiser tour was canceled on some days over the New Year holidays because snow monsters collapsed)
  • ✓For the most impressive snow monsters, the best season is late January to late February
  • ✓It tends to be very windy around the summit station. Bring cold-weather gear that can cover your face
Access

Getting there

Nearest stations
  • Zao Sanroku Station (Zao Ropeway)About 15 min on foot from Zao Onsen Bus TerminalTake the Sanroku Line to Juhyo Kogen Station, then transfer to the Sancho Line to Jizo Sancho Station
From major stations
  • Yamagata Station: Bus bound for Zao Onsen from the East Exit Bus Terminal to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (About 40 min)
  • Yamagata Station: By car to the Zao Ropeway (About 30 min)
Getting back
  • The descending ropeway can get crowded around 21:00, when the light-up ends
  • Check the time of the last bus to Yamagata Station in advance. Winter roads freeze, so winter tires are essential if you drive
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best timing

Busiest times
New Year holidays, weekends, and the three-day weekend in February
Quieter times
Weekdays
Time needed
Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the ropeway round trip and a look around the summit station
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Evening temperatures
Normals for Yamagata (city area), the Weather Guide’s observation point for this area, are a high of 6.1°C and low of -0.7°C in December, a high of 3.3°C and low of -3.1°C in January, and a high of 4.4°C and low of -3.1°C in February (JMA). Near the summit where the snow monsters are, it is far colder than in the city, with strong winds
What to wear
Waterproof, windproof tops and bottoms like ski wear, a hat, neck warmer, gloves, and shoes for snowy paths. Disposable heat packs are a must too
Rain, snow & typhoons
The light-up and ropeway may be canceled due to weather. Depending on weather conditions, the snow monsters may not be visible
Where to check for cancellations
Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station (023-694-9518), Zao Onsen Tourism Association (023-694-9328)
☁ Tohoku weather in December →☁ Tohoku weather in January →☁ Tohoku weather in February →
Etiquette

Local rules & etiquette

  • !Do not touch the snow monster trees (Aomori todomatsu fir) or break their branches
  • !Do not leave the designated areas. Watch out for ski and snowboard runs
  • !Take your trash home
  • !Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Bring a small bag and take your trash with you.
  • !Smoking while walking is banned in many cities. Use designated smoking areas.
Facilities

Facilities

Toilets
Use the toilets in the ropeway station buildings
Lockers & luggage
Leave large luggage at your accommodation or Yamagata Station before coming
Paying at food stalls
Check ropeway ticket prices in advance and bring cash as well
ATMs
ATMs in Zao Onsen town and around Yamagata Station
Seven Bank ATMs (inside 7-Eleven stores) usually accept cards issued overseas.
Wheelchairs & strollers
You walk on snow around the summit station, so getting around with a wheelchair or stroller is difficult
Food

Food

Local favorites
Tama konnyaku (skewered konjac balls)Jingisukan (grilled mutton)Imoni (taro stew)
Vegetarian & halal
Vegetarian and halal labels are rare, so it helps to look up nearby restaurants in advance
Tours & tickets for this eventPR
🏨 Where to stay during the event

On light-up nights, staying at Zao Onsen makes getting around easier. Book early for the New Year holidays and weekends

Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Zao Snow Monsters Light-upPR

PRSee more places to stay near Zao Snow Monsters Light-up on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Attractions

Attractions in Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera

Aquarium

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium (Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui)

Tohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata

An aquarium in Tsuruoka facing the Sea of Japan, known for its jellyfish exhibits. After a five-month closure, it reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026 under the nickname Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui. It displays about 100 species of jellyfish.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Miyagi Zao Fox Village

Tohoku ・ Shiroishi, Miyagi

A facility in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can see foxes. The foxes roam freely inside, and you walk among them. Admission is free for elementary school students and younger.

See all attractions →
Events

Events & festivals in Tohoku

February

Yokote Kamakura Festival

Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen

From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)

2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)

April–May

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Tohoku ・ Hirosaki

Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)

2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days

August

Akita Kanto Festival

Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen

Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)

August

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda

Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)

August

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)

See all events →

Dates, times and access are based on official and other primary sources. Only dates confirmed by official sources are shown as “Confirmed dates”; otherwise the usual timing is given.

Last checked: 2026-10-02

PRKlookGinzan Onsen & Zao Ropeway Snow Monsters Day Tour from SendaiA winter-only plan to see the snow monsters from the Zao Ropeway and stroll around Ginzan OnsenView