Zao Onsen and Snow Monsters Course

Using the historic Zao Onsen as a base, this route rides the ropeway to the snow monsters at the summit. You can fully enjoy the famous strong sulfur springs and dynamic snowscapes in a single day.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Zao Onsen Set off from the heart of the hot spring town. Passing the public baths scented with sulfur, you feel the journey begin. From Yamagata Station you can reach the town by Yamako bus bound for Zao Onsen.

9:30 Board the Zao Ropeway Ride from Zao Sanroku Station via Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo Sancho Station. Changing between the lower and upper lines, the upper line reaches Jizo Sancho Station at an elevation of 1661 meters in about 10 minutes. The snowfields and ranges spreading below are full of impact.

10:30 Walk the snow monster field Stroll across the field of snow monsters around the summit station. The trees cloaked in snow and ice, like white beasts, are a stunning sight.

12:00 Back to the base for lunch Return to the hot spring town and warm up with the local grilled mutton or ball konjac.

14:00 Warm up at a public bath Soak in the milky, strongly acidic water at the public baths scented with sulfur (Uwayu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu). Since the riverside open air bath operates from spring to autumn, in winter the springs are enjoyed at the public baths or the inns.

16:00 Amble through the town Wander among foot baths and souvenir shops, enjoying the charm of the spa town to finish.

Highlights

Zao Onsen is a strongly acidic sulfur spring known as a bath for beautiful skin. The snow monsters seen at the summit in winter are natural sculptures created by moisture laden wind and freezing temperatures, a scene that represents Zao itself.

Access and Tips

It is about forty minutes by bus from Yamagata Station. The snow monsters are usually at their best from late January into February. The summit is far colder than the base, so solid winter clothing and non slip shoes are essential.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: viewing the snow monsters by ropeway takes about half a day round trip, and with a stroll and a bath in the town it makes a comfortable full day.
• Transport: the Yamako bus from Yamagata Station is the standard way to Zao Onsen. In winter road conditions can lengthen the ride, so plan with time to spare.
• Ropeway: from Zao Sanroku Station you change through Juhyo Kogen Station to reach Jizo Sancho Station on two lines. The winter snow monster season is crowded, so an early morning ride is more comfortable. Check fares and operating status in the official notices on the day.
• Bathing note: the water is a strongly acidic sulfur spring (around pH 1.6), so those with sensitive skin may rinse with fresh water after bathing. The public baths are Uwayu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu, and there is a foot bath near Shimoyu.
• Open air bath season: the riverside Zao Onsen open air bath operates from spring to autumn and is closed in winter, so in winter enjoy the public baths or the inns.
• Snow monster season and gear: the snow monsters are usually at their best from late January into February, and clear days show them off best. The summit is far colder than the base, so winter clothing and non slip shoes are essential.

A Quick Tip

Choosing a clear day makes the snow monsters especially beautiful. The nighttime illuminated version is dreamlike too, so visit if the timing works out.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Assumptions for this course (time required and transport)

• A one-day trip. Allow about half a day for the round trip to see the juhyo (snow monsters) by ropeway; adding a stroll around the hot spring town and a bath makes a comfortable full day.
• It takes about 40 minutes from Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen on the Yamako bus. In winter the journey can take longer depending on road conditions.

Opening hours and closing days of each facility

• Zao Ropeway: Sanroku Line 8:30-17:00, Sancho Line 8:45-16:45 (both subject to change). The last upward service for Jizo Sancho Station leaves Zao Sanroku Station at 16:00. Operation may be suspended depending on the weather.
• The Sancho Line of the Zao Ropeway was out of service from May 7 to May 29 in 2026 for inspection and maintenance (only the Sanroku Line operated during this period). A spring inspection period is set in some years, so checking in advance is recommended.
• Zao Onsen large open-air bath: In 2026 it opened for the season on April 25. Weekdays 9:30-17:00 (last reception 16:30), weekends and public holidays 9:30-18:00 (last reception 17:30). Closed for the winter from late November until around late April.
• Communal bathhouses (Kami-yu, Shimo-yu and Kawara-yu): Open all year round. For opening hours, follow the notices on site.

Guide to costs

• Zao Ropeway (Jizo Sancho Station): round trip 4,400 yen for adults / 2,200 yen for children; one way 2,200 yen for adults / 1,100 yen for children.
• Zao Ropeway (Juhyo Kogen Station): round trip 2,200 yen for adults / 1,100 yen for children; one way 1,200 yen for adults / 600 yen for children.
• Zao Onsen large open-air bath: 850 yen for adults, 400 yen for children (aged 1 and over but under 12).
• Hoshizora Dai-rotenburo, the starry-sky open-air bath (night opening; in 2026 on designated days from June to early October): 18:30-21:00 (last entry 20:30), 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.

Access

• About 40 minutes from in front of JR Yamagata Station on the Yamako bus bound for Zao Onsen; get off at the terminus, "Zao Onsen Bus Terminal."
• Zao Sanroku Station of the Zao Ropeway is within walking distance of the bus terminal.
• Take the Sanroku Line to Juhyo Kogen Station, then change to the Sancho Line for Jizo Sancho Station (altitude 1,661 m).

Parking

• The Zao Onsen large open-air bath has a car park for users only (60 spaces).
• There are also car parks in the hot spring town and around the ropeway, but in winter the number of spaces is limited by snow. Studless winter tires are essential.

What needs to be reserved

• There is no advance booking for the ropeway. The ticket offices get busy during the juhyo season, so an early-morning visit is recommended.
• The winter juhyo illumination (night services) and the starry-sky open-air bath operate only on limited days. Check the dates in advance.
• Accommodation and snowcat tours to view the juhyo require reservations.

Cautions and safety notes

• The water is a strongly acidic sulfur spring; the source of the large open-air bath is published as having a source temperature of 50.8 degrees and a pH of 1.9. Those with sensitive skin can rinse off with fresh water after bathing for peace of mind.
• If you fall under the published contraindications, such as having sensitive skin or mucous membranes or an acute illness, please refrain from bathing. If you are unsure, consult a doctor.
• The summit is far colder than the foot of the mountain, and the wind is stronger. Solid warm clothing, gloves and non-slip shoes are indispensable.
• The juhyo are usually at their best from late January through February. When visibility is poor, do not force your way into the juhyo field, and keep to the route marked by the ropes.

Note: The details given here are subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest information before you set out.

(Sources: Zao Ropeway official website / Zao Onsen Kanko Co., Ltd. "Zao Onsen Dai-rotenburo" official website / as of July 2026)