Information for the year 2024! Fantastic Winter Scenery in Zao, Yamagata [Juhyō Light-up] Juhyō Fantasy Corridor Tour is also available!

  • Yamagata
  • Sightseeing
Juhyō Light-up
Have you ever seen the "snow monster" juhyo (frost covered trees) in Zao, Yamagata Prefecture? Zao's juhyo is a work of art made of ice and snow created by nature. It is world famous and a popular sightseeing spot to visit in winter to see the mystery and miracle of nature.
The Zao Ropeway is the best way to see these snow monsters! The "Zao Ropeway" connects Zao Sanroku Station at an elevation of 855 meters to Jizo Sancho Station at an elevation of 1,661 meters via Juhyokogen Station. 35 days only, mainly on weekends from Friday, December 27, 2024 to Sunday, February 23, 2025 (national holidays). The ropeway will be lit up for 35 days, mainly on weekends from December 27, 2024 to February 23, 2025.

A spectacular view created by nature in winter! What is "Juhyo"?

Generally, juhyō refers to the growth of frozen particles of water that have fallen below 0°C and stuck to cold trees. The juhyō in Zao is formed by snow and ice covering the Aomori Abies sachalinensis, a coniferous tree that grows in the subalpine zone, and usually begins to be covered with snow and ice in December.
Juhyo shines under the blue sky
You can enjoy a panoramic view of these ice trees from the Zao Ropeway. Take the Zao Ropeway to the top of Mt. Jizo, and you will be greeted with a powerful group of ice trees right in front of you! Many tourists who do not come here for skiing or snowboarding also come to see the juhyo.
Ropeway and Juhyo

Colorful illumination "Juhyo Light-up

The juhyō will be illuminated for a limited period of 35 days, mainly on weekends, from December 27, 2024 (Friday) to February 23, 2025 (Sunday, national holiday). The viewing spot for the lights is from Juhyokogen Station to the top of Jizo Mountain. The appearance of the ice floats in the quiet and pitch-black darkness with colorful lights, which is completely different from the silvery white glow during the daytime, creating an atmosphere of being lost in a fantasy world.
Juhyō Light-up

Juhyō Light-up Tour Details

The lighting up of the juhyō starts from 5:00 p.m. during the festival period, and is limited to 35 days, so be sure to check the dates on the pamphlet or the official website before visiting! Check the pamphlet or the official website before you visit!
<Light-up Period〉
Total 35 days from December 27, 2024 (Fri.) to February 23, 2025 (Sun., holiday)
<Time>
17:00 - 21:00 (Last train up departs from Zao Sanroku Station at 19:50)
<Fare>
Zao Sanroku Station⇔Jizoyama Summit Station (round trip)
Adult 4,200 yen Child 2,100 yen
*The juhyo (ice coating) may not be seen depending on weather conditions.
*The tour may be cancelled due to weather conditions.
Juhyō Light-up" leaflet
For more information on the Juhyō Light-up Tour, visit

Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour" on the Night Cruiser

During the same period as the "Juhyo Light-up," the "Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour" will be held on the Night Cruiser! This tour allows you to enjoy the juhyo floating in the darkness up close. →The tour starts and ends at Juhyokogen Station, and turns around at the top of the No. 4 pillar of the summit line, taking about 30 minutes. Advance reservations are required, so please check the website in advance if you are interested.

*Please note that the tour may be cancelled due to the collapse of the ice at the cruising location due to weather conditions, and you may not be able to see the ice.
*The tour will not go to the Jizo summit station.
Night Cruiser

Juhyō Gensō Kairo Tour

<Tour Dates〉
Total 35 days from December 27, 2024 (Fri.) to February 23, 2025 (Sun., national holiday)
〈Reception・Meeting Point〉
Zao Sanroku Station counter *Advance reservation is required
〈Departure Time from Zao Sanroku Station〉
■17:00 ■18:00 ■19:00 ■20:00
※Please gather 20 minutes before departure
〈Capacity〉
Maximum 36 people per flight
〈Fare〉
Adults 7,000 yen
Children (1 year old to elementary school student) 5,000 yen
(Ropeway Sanroku Line round trip + Night Cruiser)
*You may not be able to see the tree ice due to weather conditions
*Pre reservation is required
*Season tickets and other discounts may be cancelled due to weather
Season tickets and other discounts are not available.
Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour flyer
For reservations for the Juhyō Fantasy Corridor Tour, visit
For more information on the Juhyō Fantasy Corridor Tour, visit

Visit Zao this winter to see Juhyo!

We have introduced the Zao Ropeway, an easy way to see the juhyo and its charms. You should not miss both the snow reflecting and sparkling in the sunlight and the romantic atmosphere of the juhyo (ice on trees) illuminated by lights. Why not visit Zao to enjoy the winter scenery?
Juhyo at the time of my visit (early February)

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

You can create your own original trip!

The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + lodging "Yamagata Area" reservations, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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