If you visit Miyagi and Yamagata in winter, one thing you definitely want to see is the juhyo (frost-covered trees), known as “Snow Monsters.” This natural phenomenon, created from snow and ice, can only be seen during winter in limited locations in Japan.
Please note that the area near the mountaintop, where you can see frost-covered trees, can get colder than minus 10 degrees Celsius. Make sure to take proper precautions against the cold while enjoying the view. In Miyagi Zao, you can typically enjoy the frost-covered trees from around January to mid-March, and in Yamagata Zao, usually until late March.
Miyagi Zao
At the “Sumikawa Snow Park (MOUNTAIN FIELD MIYAGI ZAO SUMIKAWA)” in Miyagi Zao, you can take a snowmobile from the ski resort to view the frost-covered trees. Afterwards, why not stay at the nearby Togatta Onsen? Togatta Onsen is a historic hot spring town with over 400 years of history, and its flowing hot spring water, known as Gensen Kakenagashi is popular among locals and tourists alike. “Gensen Kakenagashi” refers to hot springs that draw water directly from the source without any dilution, heating, chlorine disinfection, or circulation filtration for temperature adjustment.
| Hours | Early December to mid-March, 9:00–16:00 (about three runs a day) |
| Closed | No holidays during business period (Snowmobile runs are suspended in the case of stormy weather and a shortage of snow.) |
| Admission | Adults: From 5,300, Elementary school-age and under: 4,400 (Children 2 and under are free.) |
| Access | Shuttle bus to/from Sendai Station (Reservations required. Charges apply.) 40 minutes by car from Murata IC of the Tohoku Expressway. |
| TEL | 0224-87-2610,0224-85-3055 (Soft rime tour, shuttle bus) |
| Address | Gelände House, Aza-Kuraishidake-kokuyurinnai, Togatta-onsen, Zao-machi, Katta-gun, Miyagi Prefecture |
Yamagata Zao
Yamagata, which borders Miyagi, also has many popular winter spots. In addition to the popular Ginzan Onsen and Yamagata Zao Ropeway, there are plenty of other attractions to explore! “Kaminoyama Onsen,” a hot spring town that overlooks the Zao mountain range, is also popular. The Yamagata Zao Ropeway, which has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, allows you to transfer between gondolas to see the frost-covered trees. The Zao Onsen hot spring town where the ropeway is located is also a popular destination. Additionally, the frost-covered tree tour at Zao Liza World, which is done wearing snowshoes, is quite popular.
| Hours | [Sanroku Line] 8:30 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. [Sancho Line] 8:45 a.m. ~ 4:45 p.m. *Winter Season (Juhyo Season): Night operation for the limited-time Juhyo illumination is available from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Check the Juhyo Illumination schedule here:https://zaoropeway.co.jp/winter/en.php *Last ascent departs Zao Sanroku Station at 7:50 p.m. |
| Closed | Open daily (Year-round operation) *Operations may be suspended due to severe weather conditions. |
| Admission | (Round Trip: Zao Sanroku Station ~ Jizo Sancho Station) Adult: ¥3,500 / Child: ¥1,800 Night Illumination Hours Fee (Round Trip) Adult: ¥4,400 / Child: ¥2,200 |
| Access | From Yamagata Station: Take the Yamako Bus bound for Zao Onsen (approx. 40 min) → Get off at Zao Onsen Bus Terminal → About 15 minutes on foot to the Zao Ropeway Sanroku Station. By Car: About 30 minutes from Yamagata Kaminoyama IC. |
| TEL | 023-694-9518 |
| Address | Zao Sanroku Station 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan |