Highlights
- 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027, 17:00–21:00 (checked 2026-10-13)
- Night-lit snow monsters, recognised as a Japan Night View Heritage site
- View points around Jizo Sancho Station, along the summit line and around Juhyo Kogen Station
- Tobu Railway 8577F trainset on display at Zao Sanroku Station (a separate exhibit, not part of the light-up)
Background & story
Juhyo form when supercooled droplets and snow freeze onto Maries' fir trees in Zao's harsh winds — a rare phenomenon seen at only a few northern spots.
Zao Snow Monsters Light-Up 2026-2027 at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027 |
| Hours | 17:00–21:00 (last ride up 19:45 from Zao Sanroku Station) |
| Fare | Round trip Zao Sanroku ⇔ Jizo Sancho: ¥4,600 adults / ¥2,300 children (6–11) |
| Booking | Required for groups of 20+ |
| Contact | Zao Ropeway +81-23-694-9518 (8:30–17:00) |
(From Zao Ropeway's official flyer, posted 2026/10/04. Checked 2026-10-13.)
Event calendar
- December 2026: 26, 27, 30, 31
- January 2027: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
- February 2027: 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
It does not run every night — make sure your date is on the list.
What you will see
Under colored lights in the pitch-dark, the frost-covered firs (snow monsters) look completely different from their daytime white. The flyer's area guide marks view points around Jizo Sancho Station, along the summit line, and around Juhyo Kogen Station. The light-up is recognised as a Japan Night View Heritage site. Separately, a Tobu Railway 8577F trainset is on display at Zao Sanroku Station.
Before you go
- Viewing is limited to the ropeway and inside/around the station buildings.
- Skis and snowboards cannot be brought in or skied.
- It may be cancelled for bad weather or rime collapse — check the operation status on the Zao Ropeway website.
- Expect around -10°C and strong winds near the summit.
Official notice: Zao Ropeway light-up information
Good to know for visitors
- Getting there
- Bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen (~40 min), then the Zao Ropeway to the summit. Open directions in Google Maps ↗
- Booking & entry
- Check tickets and details on the official page (button above).
- Paying
- Round trip Zao Sanroku Station ⇔ Jizo Sancho Station: ¥4,600 adults, ¥2,300 children (6–11), 2026-2027 season (Zao Ropeway, checked 2026-10-13). Groups of 20 or more need a reservation.. Smaller venues in Japan are often cash-first — carry some yen (cards/IC not guaranteed).
- Language
- Mostly in Japanese — a translation app on your phone helps.
- Good for
- families, date night
Good to know
It only runs on the 31 scheduled nights (mostly weekends, New Year and holidays) — check the calendar. Last ride up is 19:45. Near the summit it is around -10°C with strong winds day and night, so dress for extreme cold. Skis and snowboards cannot be brought in. It may be cancelled for bad weather or rime collapse — check the ropeway's operation status on the day.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Zao Snow Monsters light-up 2026-2027?
- On 31 nights between Dec 26, 2026 and Feb 23, 2027. Scheduled dates: 2026: Dec 26, 27, 30, 31 / 2027: Jan 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 / Feb 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 (Zao Ropeway official notice, checked 2026-10-13).
- What time does it run, and when is the last ride up?
- 17:00–21:00. The last ride up leaves Zao Sanroku Station at 19:45 (Zao Ropeway official notice, checked 2026-10-13).
- How much is it, and do I need to book?
- The round trip between Zao Sanroku Station and Jizo Sancho Station is ¥4,600 for adults and ¥2,300 for children aged 6–11 (Zao Ropeway official notice, checked 2026-10-13). The flyer states that groups of 20 or more need a reservation. The flyer does not say whether individuals need to book — check with Zao Ropeway (+81-23-694-9518).
- Where can I see the illuminated snow monsters?
- Because it runs at night, viewing is limited to the ropeway and inside/around the station buildings. The area guide marks view points around Jizo Sancho Station, along the summit line, and around Juhyo Kogen Station.
- What if the weather is bad, and what should I wear?
- It may be cancelled in bad weather or if the rime collapses, and depending on conditions you may not be able to see the frost-covered trees. It is around -10°C near the summit with a risk of strong winds day and night, so dress properly for the cold.
Getting there
Zao Onsen Ski Resort / Zao Ropeway summit — Zao Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture