Ice Monster Snow Hiking – Discover the Winter Magic of Zao’s Untamed Nature! Join a guided hike through a breathtaking white wonderland, complete with complimentary tour photos.

[January - March] The Ice Monsters of Zao: A Winter Miracle Sculpted by Nature Step into the otherworldly realm of the Ice Monsters - a breathtaking winter wonder that can only be seen in Zao. This snow hiking tour takes you through the mystical frozen landscape with an experienced local guide, walking on snowshoe across a world of pure white silence. At Zao Bodaira, deep snow, fierce winds, and freezing temperatures unite in perfect harmony to create the Ice Monsters - an art form born only from nature itself. Each icy figure grows little by little over many days, shaped by the harsh winter elements. Standing before them, you’ll feel the awe and beauty of this living sculpture - a sight so powerful it draws visitors from all over Japan and around the world. But the Ice Monsters are just the beginning. Your guide will lead you through a quiet beech forest blanketed in snow, where sunlight sparkles on frozen branches and the silence feels almost sacred. This is not just a walk through a snow-covered forest - it’s a journey into the heart of nature.Feel the spirit of this land, connect with its stillness, and discover what we call “The True Winter of DEEP ZAO.” At YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE, we offer heartfelt encounters with Yamagata’s nature throughout the four seasons. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides - beloved by many repeat guests - look forward to welcoming you and sharing this unforgettable experience. [Regarding the Current Condition of Juhyo (Ice Monsters)] Due to unseasonably warm temperatures, as of March 1st, the trees are transitioning from their peak winter "Ice Monster" forms into a scenic landscape showing the first hints of spring green. As this is a natural phenomenon, please understand that we may not be able to showcase the fully developed "Ice Monsters" seen in peak season photos. However, this season offers its own unique magic. You can witness the mountain’s fleeting beauty as winter passes the baton to spring. Our snowshoe tours embrace nature exactly as it is—a raw and special experience available only right now. We look forward to sharing the unique charm of Zao’s changing seasons with you. [Tour Highlights] - Direct Access to the Ice Monster Field Take just two lifts to reach the Ice Monster area - no long ropeway lines or crowds. Enjoy a smooth and direct journey into this enchanting winter wonderland. - Guided by Local Professionals Certified guides from the Zao Bodaira Tourism Association will accompany you safely. Perfect even for first-time snow hikers. - Free Souvenir Photos Your guide will capture your smiles and the spectacular scenery during the tour, and share the photo data with you on the same day - free of charge! [Tour Flow] After riding two lifts, the top of the ski area becomes your starting point for the snow hike. Strap on your snowshoe and explore between the Ice Monsters - walk over fresh powder, duck under frozen arches, or even slide playfully down snowy slopes. Since the route mainly descends, it’s an enjoyable and gentle adventure suitable for most fitness levels. [Specialized Equipment Rental (Included in Tour Fee)] All technical gear is included in the tour price. Note: clothing and gloves are not provided - only essential mountaineering equipment. - Snowshoe: ATLAS Helium (not actual shoes, but a special piece of gear worn over your winter boots to walk on deep snow) - Poles: Montbell Fall Line Poles (lightweight backcountry trekking poles) - Seat Cushion: Outdoor cushion to prevent cold while resting during lunch [Important Notes] Participants must be able to carry a backpack and walk for over 2 hours under their own power. - Please consult us in advance if you have any medical conditions or concerns about your fitness. - Pets are not allowed. - Our guides can speak English, so English speakers are welcome to join. [Insurance] Participants are covered by accident insurance in case of injury during the tour. You may consider additional insurance if desired. - Insurance Provider: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Participant Accident Insurance) - Death/Disability: 10,000,000 JPY - Hospitalization: 5,000 JPY/day - Outpatient: 3,000 JPY/day [Changes & Cancellations] - Please check the cancellation policy at the bottom of this page. - Reservation changes are free once until 17:00, 4 days prior to the tour. Changes after this time are treated as cancellations. [Transportation] - By Car The tour finish time may vary by day, so driving is convenient. Parking fee: 1,000 JPY on weekends and holidays; free on weekdays. - Shuttle Service We offer limited free shuttle service for participants from accommodations in Akayu Onsen, JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station, and Zao Bohira pension lodgings. Please indicate your pickup location when booking. We will confirm availability. Guests staying at Tendo Onsen may also book a shuttle from their accommodation: https://www.tendodays.com/tour/icegarden-tour/ - Public Transportation A free shuttle bus (“White Echo”) is available from Kaminoyama Onsen Station. After the tour, you can relax and wait inside the rest house until the evening return bus. Timetable: https://www.zaoliza.co.jp/wntr/dd6c3251f80974debd707ba312a860987d0b272a.pdf - By Taxi From hotels in Yamagata City (approx. 50–60 minutes) Standard taxi (1–4 passengers): JPY 27,500 round trip You can make a reservation via the following link: https://widgets.bokun.io/online-sales/9f5ab76e-1767-4cd3-b3dc-1e58df2bae95/experience/1121865 From the Zao Onsen area (approx. 30–40 minutes) Standard taxi (1–4 passengers): JPY 15,000 Jumbo taxi (up to 9 passengers): JPY 21,840 *Taxi reservations by phone: Kanko Taxi ： +81-23-672-2323 【Estimated Tour End Time & Important Notes】 The tour end time may vary depending on weather conditions, field conditions, and the pace of participants. Normally, the tour finishes around 1:30–2:30 PM; however, an exact end time cannot be guaranteed. If you plan to book a Shinkansen, flight, or other transportation on the same day, please allow sufficient extra time in your schedule. [Private Tours Available] We also offer private tours for couples or small groups. Please note that the price differs from the regular tour. Feel free to contact us if you are interested. Benefits of a Private Tour - Progress at your own pace with a flexible itinerary. - Enjoy a special, personalized experience unique to small groups. - Explore natural formations, wildlife, and mountain faith history more deeply according to your preferences. - Enjoy exclusive guide service and immerse yourself in Zao’s beauty. - Shuttle pickup can include Kaminoyama Onsen and Zao Onsen accommodations in addition to standard areas. - Start times can be adjusted as much as possible to suit your needs.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  4h

• Adult/Child (ages 6+)

  JPY 14,000

• What's Included

  • Guide Fee
  • Rental of essential gear (snowshoe, poles)
  • Insurance
  • Consumption tax
  • Lift fee

• What's Not Included

  • Parking fee (1,000 yen on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays)

• Requirements

  • First-time snow mountain climbers are welcome to participate, but you will need the stamina to walk for more than two hours on your own with a backpack. There are some steep descents and climbs.
  • Participants may be refused entry if proper clothing or equipment is not provided.
  • Target age: 6 years old and above

• What to Bring

  • --- Things you definitely need to prepare ---
  • Cold-weather clothing (cold-proof/waterproof tops and bottoms such as ski wear. Please bring warm enough clothing in case of weather below -10 degrees Celsius)
  • Climbing shoes (high cut, cold and waterproof. You can also participate in winter boots or snow boots, but you will need to wear thick socks or two layers of socks to prevent your feet from moving too much inside the shoes.)
  • Knit cap (covers the ears)
  • Gloves (warm ones, such as ones for skiing. *Cotton gloves and woolen gloves are not good because they get wet and allow wind to pass through)
  • A backpack (20 liters or more recommended). Each participant must bring one.
  • Lunch (bread and cup noodles, etc. Hot water will be provided)
  • Drinks (water bottles filled with warm drink. Plastic bottles may freeze)
  • 　
  • --- The following are things that are good to have ---
  • Gator spats (things that are attached to the ankles to prevent snow from getting into the shoes)
  • Down jacket or fleece (for use during breaks)
  • Thin gloves or work gloves (for use when eating)
  • Heat pad
  • Sunglasses

• Cancellation Policies

  • Until 17:00, 8 days prior: 0%
  • Until 17:00, 4 days prior: 10%
  • Until 17:00 the day before: 30%
  • After 17:00 the day before: 100%