The 2025 version! Enjoy fantastic winter scenery with "Juhyo (ice coating on trees) Light-up" and "Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour" in Zao, Yamagata!

  • 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 m to Jizo Sancho Station at an elevation of 1,661 m. It is limited to 36 days mainly on weekends from Saturday, December 27, 2025 to Sunday, February 22, 2026. The ropeway will be illuminated during this period.

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 by a large and powerful group of ice trees right in front of you! Many tourists who are not 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 36 days, mainly on weekends, from December 27, 2025 (Sat.) to February 22, 2026 (Sun.). 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 Juhyō Light-up begins at 5:00 p.m. during the festival period, and is limited to 36 days, so be sure to check the dates on the pamphlet or official website before you visit! Check the pamphlet or the official website before you visit!
<Light-up Period>
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - Sunday, February 22, 2026, for a total of 36 days
<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 4,400 yen Child 2,200 yen
*The ice may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
*Sightseeing 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 cruiser's location due to weather conditions.
*The tour will not go to the Jizo summit station.
Night Cruiser

Juhyō Gensō Kairo Tour

<Tour Dates〉
Saturday, December 27, 2025 - Sunday, February 22, 2026 for a total of 36 days
〈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〉
per flight Maximum 36 people per flight
〈Fare〉
Adults 7,500 yen
Children (1 year old to elementary school student) 6,000 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 more information on the Juhyō Fantasy Corridor Tour, visit

Visit Zao this winter to see Juhyo!

We have introduced the charms of juhyo, which can be seen by the Zao Ropeway. On a clear day, you should not miss both the snow reflecting off the juhyo and sparkling in the sunlight, and the romantic atmosphere of the juhyo lit up. Why not visit Zao to enjoy Yamagata's winter scenery?
Juhyo at the time of my visit (early February)

Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!

You can make your own original trip!

JR East View Dynamic Rail Package is a variable-price individual travel product available only on the web, allowing 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! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.

Click here for details

For train + accommodations in Yamagata Area, book the JR East View Dynamic Rail Package.
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