STAY YAMAGATA

Zao's stunning frost-covered trees are a must-see when visiting Yamagata in winter.

The frost-covered trees are known as Juhyo in Japanese, and are a natural phenomenon that occurs when cold water droplets collide with and freeze on branches and leaves. Juhyo start to form around the end of December. They grow one after another, with ice forming like the tails of shrimp facing the wind. At their peak, the Juhyo are like a work of art.

To see the Juhyo up close, take the ropeway to the top of the mountain. From the ropeway window, you will be overwhelmed by the endless sea of Juhyo. There are restaurants at the summit ropeway station where you can have a meal while viewing the Juhyo. Zao Onsen Ski Resort also has slopes where you can ski right next to the Juhyo, so it is recommended for those who want to be active while enjoying the fascinating sight of the trees. 

The Juhyo (frost-covered trees) are lit up on certain days from late December to late February every year. The sight of the Juhyo illuminated by colorful lights in the darkness creates a wondrous atmosphere that is completely different from the powerful sight during the day. This is a registered Night View Heritage of Japan. The observatory of the ropeway summit station is a recommended spot to view the sea of Juhyo that extends all the way to the top of the mountain.

*The temperature around the ropeway summit station where you can see the Juhyo is very cold at negative 8-15 degrees Celsius, and strong winds may blow day and night. When enjoying the Juhyo, please be sure to protect yourself from the cold. 

Ginzan Onsen is lined with retro wooden buildings that make you feel as if you have slipped back in time to the Taisho period (1912-1926). The snowy winter nights are said to be the most photogenic season, as the retro wooden buildings are covered with snow and the gentle light from the gas lamps shines on them. You will surely have a superb time if you enjoy the nostalgic winter scenery of Ginzan Onsen with your eyes, fill your stomach with a dinner full of local delicacies, and warm your body from the core in the hot spring.

Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival (held over two days on the second Saturday and Sunday of February every year)

The Uesugi Snow Lantern Festival is a major winter event in Yamagata that is held in Yonezawa City. Snow is used to make lanterns in the shape of toro lanterns and bonbori paper lanterns in Matsugasaki Park, and lit as the sun sets. The sight of the gently flickering candlelight is lovely and soothing. Why don't you enjoy the wondrous night in the castle town of Yonezawa that is completely different from the daytime?

Gassan Shizu Onsen Snow Lantern Lighting (Saturdays and Sundays in late February and early March every year)

Gassan Shizu Onsen flourished over 400 years ago as an inn town for the shugenja mountain ascetics of the Three Mountains of Dewa. In winter, the snowfall can be as high as about six meters tall. Taking advantage of the heavy snowfall, the townscape with its inns lined up of the olden days is recreated. At night, the candles in the snowy inns are lit and the orange light leaks out. Inside the inns, hot meals, souvenirs, and more are sold. In contrast to the snowy inns, there is an ice bar with glittering blue LED lights that serves hot wine. Why not enjoy the fantastic, atmospheric scenery while warming up your cold body with warm local food?

Hijiori Snowy Dream Corridor (Saturdays from late January to mid-February)

Hijiori Onsen in Okura Village is famous as one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan. At its peak, the area is surrounded by a wall of snow, and it becomes pure white during blizzards. The snow wall that reaches a height of three meters is lit with candles. Enjoy strolling around the hot spring resort surrounded by the gentle light. Many winter events are held in Hijiori Onsen, such as the snow digging competition (late February) in which contestants dig through more than three meters of snow to see how fast they can reach the ground, and the Okura Yuki Monogatari (mid-March), which features the unveiling of a giant snowman (a Guinness World Record) and a winter fireworks display.

Snowmobiles

Even if you are not a skier or snowboarder, you can experience snowmobiling and other activities. For a limited time in mid-January to early March when there is more snowfall, snow parks open one after another for people to have fun in the snow. Sledding and thrilling "banana boat" rides are fun for little kids, and you can dash along in a snowmobile around a track. How about having fun in the snow by experiencing winter-only activities?

Snow Trekking

If you want to enjoy the silvery white scenery covered in snow, why not rent snowshoes or traditional Japanese kanjiki and go snow trekking? You can trek freely through the snow, or join a tour and let the guide take you to special locations. If you're lucky, you might even spot animal tracks! The feeling of stepping into fresh snow is a fun experience that you will want to try again and again.