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Juhyo (Rime) in Zao (Yamagata Prefecture)

The "Snow Monster," as it is also called, is a spectacular sight unlike any other in the world.

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Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is one of the largest mountain resorts in the Tohoku region.
In winter, Zao is a mecca for winter sports, and many tourists come to enjoy the "juhyo," or tree ice formed by snow and ice on the trees.

Juhyō is formed when ice and snow repeatedly land on the leaves and branches of the Aomori Todomatsu (Abies mariesii) trees that live nearby.
It is a rare sight that can be seen only in some mountain areas of the O-u Mountains, as it forms only when special conditions such as temperature, wind direction, and snowfall are met. They are called "snow monsters" because of their beautiful yet monstrous appearance.

The best time to view the rime is usually from late December to early March, with the peak season from late January to early February.
The best viewing spot is the juhyo field that stretches from the Juhyo Kogen Station of the Zao Ropeway to the Jizo Sancho Station.
If you take the ropeway, you can enjoy an aerial view of the juhyo field below.
Near the Jizo Sancho station, visitors can experience the powerful scene up close. There is also an observatory where you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view and a restaurant where you can enjoy the view indoors. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of skiing or snowboarding alongside the juhyo. Check out the limited-time-only illumination events.

Zao is also famous for its observatory, which has been selected as a sacred place for lovers, and Zao Onsen, a natural hot spring with free-flowing spring water, so take your time to enjoy sightseeing in Zao in winter.

Highlights

  • It is a rare sight in the world that can only be formed under special conditions.
  • The peak season is from late January to early February.
  • There are many viewing spots from the ropeway and observatory.
  • Natural hot springs can also be enjoyed.

Photos

  • A rare landscape in the world

    A rare landscape in the world

  • Juhyo, also known as the "Snow Monster."

    Juhyo, also known as the "Snow Monster."

  • The view from the ropeway is breathtaking.

    The view from the ropeway is breathtaking.

  • You can even see them up close.

    You can even see them up close.

  • Light-up events are held

    Light-up events are held

Reviews

3
  • Top Reviewer

    藏王樹冰(神秘雪怪故鄉)

    帶團來訪,藏王大約5次、最幸運的一次,湛藍天空,滿山遍野的雪怪歡迎著我們的到來,新奇有趣。
    好想造訪夜間點燈,看看夜晚的神秘雪怪世界呢!推薦大家務必要去看看夜間的神秘世界唷。

    欣賞這個美麗的雪怪風光,必須搭乘兩段:
    第一段:山麓線(樹冰高原站)
    這一段是大纜車🚠,運行7分鐘。(乘坐人數:53員)

    第二段:山頂線(地藏山頂站)
    緊接第二段圓形纜車🚡(像貓空車箱一般),運行10分鐘。(乘坐人數:18員)
    山下旁邊就是滑雪場🎿,蠻多遊客是搭乘纜車到樹冰高原站,滑雪下山唷!

    ※山上溫度0度~-10度(暖暖包,手套🧤圍巾,耳罩,毛帽,大羽絨外套)
    山頂站旁有一間咖啡廳,建議喝一杯溫暖,小歇片刻。

  • Alex Lee

    山下的天氣和山上差很大能見度很差,水氣不足還沒能夠形成很壯觀的樹冰奇景。

  • 鄭鈺文

    能夠親臨滑雪場還能欣賞世界知名樹冰美景,也能享受泡湯樂趣,是一趟難忘的旅程。

Details

Name in Japanese
蔵王の樹氷
Postal Code
990-2301
Address
229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture
Zao ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
Telephone
023-694-9518 (Zao ropeway Zao Sanroku Station)
Closed
Open every day
Hours
Daytime: 8:30am - 5:00pm / Nighttime: 5:00pm - 9:00pm (open for a limited period at night)
Admission
Daytime: Adult: 3,500 yen, Child: 1,800 yen
Directions
From Yamagata Station on JR lines, take the Yamako Bus to Zao Onsen Bus Stop and walk about 10 min. (to Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station).
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)