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Yamagata: Ice Monster Snow Hiking with Local Guide
Features
- Free cancellation available
- 4h
- Mobile voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Multiple languages
Overview
- Direct Access to the Ice Monster Field
- Guided by Local Professionals
- Free Souvenir Photos
- Hot water for lunch and portable toilets are provided
Activity location
- Yamagata
- Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan
Meeting/Redemption Point
- 日本、〒999-3113 山形県上山市蔵王坊平高原 | Your guide will be waiting for you inside the building where the restaurant is located. - 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. - 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
- Kaminoyama, Yamagata, Japan
Check availability
Yamagata: Ice Monster Snow Hiking with Local Guide
- 4h
- English
What's included, what's not
- Guide Fee
- Rental of essential gear (snowshoe, poles)
- Insurance Fee
- Consumption tax
- Lift fee
- Parking fee (on weekends and holidays - parking is free during weekdays)
Know before you book
- Not suitable for: Children under 5 years, Pregnant women, Wheelchair users
- In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
What you can expect
[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.
[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.
[Specialised 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 Autumn Line Poles (lightweight backcountry trekking poles)
- Seat Cushion: Outdoor cushion to prevent cold while resting during lunch
Location
Activity location
- Yamagata
- Yamagata, Yamagata, Japan
Meeting/Redemption Point
- 日本、〒999-3113 山形県上山市蔵王坊平高原 | Your guide will be waiting for you inside the building where the restaurant is located. - 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. - 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
- Kaminoyama, Yamagata, Japan