Icefall Snow Trekking in Yamagata – Explore a Breathtaking Winter Wonderland! Join a guided trek into a spectacular world of ice, with essential technical gear provided

[January - March] Icefall Snow Trekking in Yamagata – Explore a Breathtaking Winter Wonderland! Join a guided trek into a spectacular world of ice, with essential technical gear provided [January - March] Join a snow trekking adventure in Yamagata’s Zao region to witness its magnificent icefalls. Every winter, the entire waterfall freezes, forming icefalls approximately 30 meters high and tens of meters wide. The sheer scale and beauty are impossible to capture in photos. As you walk through this cinematic ice world, you may also encounter massive frost-covered trees known as “monsters” along the route. This is a popular YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE tour where you can enjoy the icefalls, frost-covered trees, and learn about Zao’s mountain faith traditions. Step into a dazzling silver world and discover Zao’s hidden winter landscapes! [Comprehensive Support - Highly Praised by Participants] - Safety Measures The route to the icefalls includes steep ascents and descents. Our experienced guides, certified by the Zao Bohira Tourism Council, ensure a safe trekking experience. With over 40 tour days per season and an exceptional track record of reaching the icefalls, safety is our top priority. We take careful route selection and create snow steps to prevent slips and falls. - Portable Toilets Even in areas without restrooms, guides carry tent-style portable toilets. Participants can use them during the trek, allowing everyone, including women, to stay hydrated with peace of mind. - Hot Water Provided During lunch breaks, guides provide hot water so you can warm up with instant noodles or drinks without carrying heavy water bottles. Lunch takes place on the snow along the route. - Free Memories - Photos of Your Trek Guides will take photos throughout the tour and provide digital copies on the same day. Your smiles and the stunning scenery captured in these photos will remain as unforgettable memories even after the tour. - Even if You Can’t Reach the Icefalls If conditions prevent reaching the icefalls, don’t worry! We will guide you through the extreme frost-tree field route, offering a powerful winter landscape experience that can only be enjoyed with a guide. This is a rare chance to experience the full depth of Zao’s beauty. [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) - Light Crampons: Montbell Snow Spike 10 (essential for steep sections) - Helmet: Montbell Alpine Helmet (worn near icefalls; carried in backpack while moving) - Avalanche Beacon: Carried at all times for safety in case of an avalanche - Seat Cushion: Outdoor cushion to prevent cold while resting during lunch [Important Notes] - This tour is designed for participants with snowshoe or winter trekking experience. Beginners are recommended to join our separate “Ice Monster Snow Hiking” course. - Participants must be able to carry a backpack and walk for over 4 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”) runs from Kaminoyama Onsen Station. Overnight stay near the ski area is required. Return trips are available on the evening shuttle. 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

  5h

• Adult/Child (ages 10+)

  JPY 18,000

• What's Included

  • Guide Fee
  • Rental of Essential Gear (Snowshoe, Poles, Light Crampons, Beacon, Helmet)
  • Insurance
  • Consumption tax
  • Lift fee

• What's Not Included

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

• Requirements

  • This tour is designed for participants with snowshoe or winter trekking experience. Beginners are recommended to join our separate “Ice monster Snow Hiking” course.
  • Participants must be able to carry a backpack and walk for more than 4 hours under their own power. The route includes some steep ascents and descents.
  • Participants may be refused entry if proper clothing or equipment is not provided.
  • Target age: 10 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). You will store your light crampons and helmet in the backpack during the tour. 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%