Make the Most of Highlights Yamagata Proudly Offers in Winter, Japow, “Juhyo” and Onsen

Commencing with “Juhyo” (樹氷), trees covered by fluffy and thick frost that are often figuratively called as ‘Snow Monsters’ (スノーモンスター) because of their appearance, Yamagata has a lot to offer for visitors wanting to fully enjoy the season of snow in Japan, and Zao area known also as one of the best Onsen destinations is an ideal snow resort in the prefecture due to easy access from the city center. In this issue, let’s take a look at how to fully savor Zao area by skiing or snowboarding with Japow, appreciating the magnificent scenery of “Juhyo”, and Onsen bathing.

Every spot in this issue is within a walking distance from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (蔵王温泉バスターミナル) which is a 37-minute ride on Z90 Bus departing from Yamagata Station (山形駅).

“Zao Onsen Ski Resort” allowing you to enjoy variety of slopes including the course lined up with Juhyo

“Zao Onsen Ski Resort” (蔵王温泉スキー場), one of the most recognized destinations for skiing and Japan’s largest as a single ski resort, offers magnificent skiing and snowboarding experiences on its 25 slopes and courses covered by Japow, and with the panoramic view of the world-class beauty created by Juhyo. Enjoying Japow skiing or snowboarding at the resort always has been on the bucket lists of winter sports enthusiasts. The world-famous ‘Juhyogen Course’ (樹氷原コース) originating the summit will have you enjoy the once in a lifetime experience skiing or snowboarding in the middle of the magnificent scenery produced by ‘Snow Monsters’. In order for those who do not ski or snowboard to appreciate the breathtaking view, the open-air deck is installed at the terminal Zao Sancho Station (蔵王山頂駅) of Zao Ropeway Sancho Line (山頂線). Besides, try Yamagata’s local dish ‘Imoni’ (芋煮, taro and beef stew in soy sauce-based broth) in the cozy and warm restaurant attached to the terminal while overlooking the incredible view.

Opening Hours	8:30AM – 5:00PM and 5:00PM – 9:00PM for night skiing / Opened 7 days a week *Early December through to the beginning of May
Address	709-1 Zao Onsen Doai, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
URL	https://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/ski/

A certified Night View Heritage of Japan, “Juhyo Light-up”, a spectacular view showing another charm of Juhyo available only at night

The 360-degree extending panoramic view of the snowfield with countless Juhyo that you can admire from Sancho Station is truly the ever-changing nature work of art created by ice and snow. Only on selected 45 days during the period from the end of December to the end of February, a nighttime lighting-up event is organized where the fantastic scenery created by countless Juhyo colorfully illuminated standing in the true darkness is laid out before your eyes. The scenery is way different from that during the daytime and is sometimes described as a museum of light. Because of its one-of-a-kind beauty, the view is officially named as a Night View Heritage of Japan. As it gets significantly cold in the mountain at night, try ‘Juhyo Illusion Corridor Tour’ (樹氷幻想回廊ツアー) on the special heated snow tractor Nightcruiser (ナイトクルーザー), and enjoy the magical night view up close.

Event Period	5:00PM – 9:00PM on selected 45 days during the period of 25th December to 28th February *Refer to http://zaoropeway.co.jp/zao/winter/lightup.html for details
Tour Fee	4500 yen (incl. Zao Ropeway Sanroku Line return fare and Nightcruiser ride) *Advanced reservation required
URL	http://zaoropeway.co.jp/en/guide.html https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1001267.html

Feel at ease and moisturize your skin by Onsen bathing with 100% pure hot spring at “Shinzaemon no Yu”

Known as the Onsen area having the longest history in Yamagata Prefecture, Zao Onsen offers a hot spring that is the second strongest in acidity and sulfur in Japan, and said to work effectively on smoothing your skin, and healing gashes and burns. At “Shinzaemon no Yu” (湯の花茶屋 新左衛門の湯), you can enjoy an outdoor Onsen experience with the hot spring directly provided from the source. For guests whose skin are not strong enough to enjoy the hot spring with 100% purity, there are baths filled with diluted hot spring placed outdoor and in as well. As a restaurant and a souvenir shop are annexed, you can feel the essence of Yamagata by savoring seasonal local delicacies and shopping local products after fully pampering yourself with Onsen bathing. In case you wish to enjoy bathing privately, you can make a reservation in advance so that you can charter one of the baths. Onsen bathing, while it is snowing, is the experience you should never miss when in Yamagata.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 6:00PM / Closed on Wednesdays (restaurant closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays) *Closed on the immediately following day in case of Wednesday on a national holiday
Admission	800 yen
Address	905 Zao Onsen Kawamae, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	A 5-minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (蔵王温泉バスターミナル)
URL	https://zaospa.co.jp/en/