Remember the globally popular Frozen that captivated kids a few years back? The icy wonderland is real—and it’s hidden in Northeast Japan. The most famous and grandest display can be found in Yamagata, in the Tohoku region. Every winter, it attracts large crowds of snow enthusiasts. This is truly a breathtaking sight you have to see at least once in your life. Today, travel expert Xiuxiu has compiled all the essential info on the King Yamagata Ice Trees — including transportation, cable car access, activities, and night illuminations. Jot down the key details and get ready to embark on your adventure!
? King Yamagata Ice Trees
Seeing the photos, you might wonder if this is just an artificial ice sculpture exhibit. But no—this spectacular sight is actually a natural gift bestowed exclusively upon Northeast Japan. Around December each year, Mount Zao, located close to the Sea of Japan, experiences a unique mix of warm ocean currents and northwest seasonal winds. This creates large droplets of supercooled water in the clouds that do not freeze even at 0°C. When these droplets hit the green coniferous trees on Mount Zao and are covered with snow, the magical ice trees are formed. Each ice tree is unique, and they are also known as “snow monsters.”
Mount Zao is situated in Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture in Northeast Japan. The Yamagata side offers more complete facilities and larger-scale ice trees. Today, Xiuxiu will focus on the Yamagata side!
Best Time to See the King Yamagata Ice Trees
(Photo by Brother-in-law Wu on Flickr)
The best time to view the ice trees is in February
The King Yamagata Ice Trees typically begin forming around November to December. In January, their shapes and sizes change with the weather. February is when they are most stable and abundant. By March, they gradually melt away—so if you miss them, you’ll have to wait another year. Xiuxiu recommends visiting in February, when the ice trees are all dressed up and ready to meet you.
How to Get to the King Yamagata Ice Trees
(Photo by Official Facebook Page of the King Yamagata Ice Trees)
It’s recommended to purchase the limited winter King Yamagata Ice Trees ticket package at Yamagata Station. This package includes round-trip bus tickets from Yamagata Station to the Zao Onsen area and the cable car up to the top of Mount Zao!
#Package Details
Price: Adults 4,300 yen | Children 2,150 yen
Sales Period: December 1, 2018 ~ March 10, 2019
Sales Hours: 7:00 AM ~ 7:00 PM
Sales Location: Yamagata Station East Exit, Yamagata Kotsu Bus Stop
Bus Schedule:Zao Onsen Official Website
*Tip: If you’re departing from Sendai or other parts of Japan, it’s a good idea to check the weather before you go. If the weather is bad, the cable car may be closed—and tickets are non-refundable.
Basic Transportation to the King Yamagata Ice Trees
(Photo by Zao Onsen Ropeway Official Website)
Most visitors start their journey from Sendai Station. Did you catch the key detail? Be sure to get off at Yamagata Station. From there, you can take a shuttle bus directly to Zao Onsen at the foot of Mount Zao, and then hop on the cable car to see the King Yamagata Ice Trees!
Zao Onsen Ropeway
Taking the ropeway is simple. First, get to the Zao Mountain Base Station and board the ropeway headed toward the Ice Tree Plateau. Then transfer to the one going up to Zao Summit. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll reach the mountaintop to admire the breathtaking ice trees. Along the way, enjoy the changing snowy landscapes of Mount Zao from the ropeway. Once you reach the summit, head to the second floor of the ropeway terminal to take in the white snowy world and the spectacular ice tree “snow monsters.” It’s truly a scene worth capturing with your eyes—and your camera!
#Winter Operating Hours:
December 11 ~ March 31
Zao Cable Car Base Line: 8:15 – 16:45 | Zao Cable Car Summit Line: 8:30 – 16:30
Zao Onsen Ice Monster Travel Guide
Here are some must-do activities when visiting the Zao Ice Monsters, such as taking photos with them, viewing them at night, skiing in Zao, and soaking in hot springs. Let’s take a look together at how to fully enjoy the Zao Ice Monsters.
Photographing the Zao Ice Monsters
This is probably the main reason you came — to take tons of amazing photos that are totally worth the trip. The ice monsters, naturally sculpted by nature, are each one of a kind. They offer different views from afar and up close, and on a clear day, their beauty and grandeur are truly beyond words. I can’t help but want to include more photos, but you’ll just have to see it all with your own eyes.
(Photo by Jiufu Wu on Flickr)It’s really too beautiful. Looking at these photos, I couldn’t help but add another one. After finishing this article, I’m heading out!? See you at the Zao Ice Monsters in person.
Night Illumination of the Zao Ice Monsters
(Photo by Zao Ice Monsters Official Website)On certain days between December and March, the Zao Mountains are illuminated at night, lighting up the ice monsters. The originally snow-white ice takes on a completely different vibe under the lights, becoming even more majestic. If you catch the night illumination during peak season, it’s a sight you’ll never forget — it’s like looking at one sculpture after another. But be warned: it gets extremely cold at night, with temperatures around -10°C to -20°C, so dress warmly. Also, check the cable car’s last operating time before heading up, or you might get stuck on the mountain.
# Night Illumination Period:December 22, 2018 – March 3, 2019
# Night Illumination Hours:5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
*Note: Illumination only occurs on 46 specific days during the period. For more info, please seeZao Mountain Official Website
# Bonus: Ice Monster Fantasy Corridor Special Night Tour
(Photo by Jiufu Wu on Flickr)If you’re only interested in seeing the night illumination, consider joining the official special night tour. It has limited spots and time slots. The highlight is that you can ride a snow vehicle on Zao Mountain, gliding through the colorful ice monsters for 30 minutes — an experience you can’t normally get.
?Departure Times: Zao Base 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM
?Price: Adults 3,800 yen | Children 3,100 yen (includes cable car fare)
?Night Illumination Tour Info:Zao Ice Monsters Official Website
Not Just Ice Monsters — Go Skiing Too
Besides viewing ice monsters via cable car or on foot, skiing enthusiasts are also highly encouraged to visit. Zao Ski Resort is one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts. The area’s characteristic cold winter temperatures and frequent snowfall ensure stable snow conditions and high-quality powder. Plus, you can admire the ice monsters while skiing — making it a long-time favorite ski destination. The resort is also vast, featuring 15 different zones with runs for all levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
Please note: due to weather conditions, the ski resort may occasionally close. Be sure to check the official website before your trip for the latest skiing availability.
Official Website:Zao Ski Resort Official Website
King Yamato Onsen (Tennō Onsen) Hot Springs
(Photo by King Yamato Onsen Association Official Website)King Yamato truly has many treasures. Beyond the snowy forests and mountain scenery, the sulfate springs at the foot of the mountain are also one of Japan’s rare treasures. The hot springs in King Yamato are rich in iron, giving them a milky white color, with temperatures ranging from about 48 to 65 degrees Celsius. When you bathe in them, they have a slippery feel. It’s said that soaking in them can nourish your skin and improve certain skin conditions. After finishing your tree ice tour, don’t leave King Yamato right away—remember to soak in the hot springs before you go. If you don’t want to stay overnight here, you can also opt for the public baths, soak in the hot spring, enjoy some delicious food, and relax your fatigue.
*A Gentle Reminder: If you have any illnesses or skin-related conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before soaking in the hot springs.
Precautions
(Photo by King Yamato Tree Ice Official Facebook)The tree ice is beautiful, but there are some precautions to follow when viewing it, so you can enjoy the experience happily while ensuring your health and safety. Safety is the most important rule of travel.
Beware of Altitude Sickness
Although Mount Yamato is only about 1,841 meters high and not extremely tall, the temperature can drop well below zero, and the air becomes thinner. It’s recommended that you don’t get too excited and run around or charge upward nonstop while viewing the tree ice. Walk slowly, conserve your energy, and you’ll be able to last until the evening light-up.
Be Aware of the Gondola Closing Time
When you reach the mountaintop and see the snow-white world, don’t get too excited. Be sure to check the gondola’s final operating time (extremely important). Although the posted hours are set, they may change depending on weather and snow conditions, so please double-check.
Dress Warmly
Remember to dress warmly. The average winter temperature at the mountaintop is around minus 10 degrees Celsius—it’s really freezing. Add in the occasional snowfall or wind, and it feels even colder. Make sure to keep warm and avoid catching a cold.
Watch Your Steps
Although the snow on Mount Yamato is thick and solid, there are still some areas where it might give way. Be mindful of your steps while walking—otherwise, getting out of deep snow can be quite strenuous.
Choose a Fine Weather Day
It’s recommended that when planning your King Yamato tree ice trip, you arrange a full northeastern Japan itinerary so you have flexibility to adjust and choose the day with the best weather to go. A blue sky with sunlight shining on the tree ice—what could be more beautiful than that?
That’s all for the special feature on King Yamato tree ice, nighttime light-ups, transportation, and travel tips, as compiled and reported by Tripresso Travel Cafe. King Yamato, home to hot springs, a top skiing destination, and the wondrous sight of tree ice, is truly a place you must visit once in the winter. Such stunning scenery can only be truly appreciated by seeing it in person. Don’t miss out this winter—let’s head there together.
Text by Katrina.C | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team