Reference photo: illuminated snow monsters and visitors viewing them
Take in snowy panoramas and night illuminations at Zao’s Snow Monsters
From December 25, 2026, to February 28, 2027, you can view the snow monsters along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Station in Yamagata City. Enjoy sweeping snowy panoramas, illuminations, and the Snow Monster Fantasy Corridor tour, which takes you to see the snow monsters aboard a Night Cruiser.
- Venue
- Along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Station
- Admission & participation
- Please check official announcements for admission requirements.
HIGHLIGHTS
Event highlights
How to enjoy the snowy scenery
Snow monsters are a natural spectacle formed by the distinctive weather and vegetation of the Zao mountain range. The event takes place along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Station. Since the area includes both the station vicinity and the route along the summit line, check the official information about the venue’s extent when planning your visit.
The main attraction is the sweeping panorama of snow and snow monsters. The event information also mentions the thrill of skiing through the scenery. First decide whether you mainly want to enjoy the views or also go skiing; this will help you work out what information to check before your visit.
Enjoying the natural scenery and skiing through it are different activities mentioned in the event information for the same period. Decide which you want to focus on, then check your preferred date and any relevant operating information to help plan your visit to see the snow monsters.
Night illuminations and a vehicle tour
At night, you can see the snow monsters illuminated or join the Snow Monster Fantasy Corridor tour, which lets you view them aboard a Night Cruiser. Choose the experience you prefer: seeing the illuminated snow monsters or viewing them from the vehicle.
The event runs from December 25, 2026, to February 28, 2027. If you plan to make the illuminations or tour the focus of your itinerary, check the official information for the dates of operation, illumination times, and tour schedules for your preferred day. The overall event dates do not indicate the operating times or days for individual activities.
Before deciding how to take part, check the official information for tour prices and booking details, as well as ropeway operating hours and fares. As the event venue covers the area along the summit line and around Jizo Sancho Station, also check the venue location and official access information before setting out.
EVENT INFORMATION
Dates & participation
Official title樹氷観賞
| Event dates | 2026-12-25〜2027-02-28 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Along the Zao Ropeway Sancho Line and around Jizo Sancho Station |
| Prices and participation | Check the official information |
| Address | 229-3 Zao Onsen |
Hours, admission rules, and ticket availability are subject to change. Please check the official website before heading out.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE & TICKETS
Official website & tickets
Official website detailszaoropeway.co.jpOfficial website detailszaoropeway.co.jpACCESS
How to get there
Step-by-step guide
Plan your visit around what you want to see
- 01
Choose how to enjoy it
Decide whether you want to take in the sweeping snowy panorama, include skiing in your plans, or focus on the night illuminations or a Night Cruiser tour.
- 02
Check information for your preferred date
Check the official information for illumination dates and times and tour schedules. Confirm prices and booking details before taking part.
- 03
Check the venue and access
Check the venue area along the summit line and around Jizo Sancho Station, and consult the official access information before setting out.
Detailed access info
Check the venue location on the official information and a map before setting out. Please also consult the official access information before your visit.
229-3 Zao Onsen
Please confirm the venue location via official announcements and maps.
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