Tour Overview
This is a guided snow trekking tour to reach the icefall in Zao that stands over 30 meters high and spans more than 10 meters wide.
The icefall is a mystical and massive work of natural art, limited to the winter season, created as spring water seeps through the rock face and freezes.
What is truly astonishing is its color: it is not clear, but appears vividly blue. You will be captivated by the beauty of this “Ice Blue.”
Immerse yourself in this cinematic world of ice and snow!
This is an adventure to one of Japan’s premier, massive icefalls.
Enjoy a thrilling snow mountain adventure unique to the Tohoku region of Japan!
Tour Itinerary Details
1. Meet and Check-in at Tendo Onsen Travelers’ Lounge
Gather and check-in at the Travelers’ Lounge, located in the Tendo Onsen area. We recommend staying at a ryokan or hotel within walking distance the night before. After check-in, you will depart with your guide/driver at 7:50 AM and transfer to Zao (approx. 1 hour drive).
2. Meet the Main Guide at Zao Liza World
Upon arrival at Liza World, you will meet your main guide for a pre-departure briefing. We will do some warm-up exercises, and then the adventure officially begins!
3. Ascend the Snow Mountain by Lift
We will ride two consecutive chair lifts to reach the upper area. As we ascend, you will see the snow accumulation on the surrounding trees increase, allowing you to view the famous Snow Monsters (Juhyo) right from the lift! (Note: Snow Monsters are generally best viewed until late February. While their visibility depends on the temperature, they typically start to melt and collapse after March.)
4. Snow Trekking in the Mountains
We will trek for approximately one hour toward the Great Icefall. Our guide will lead the way, providing commentary and ensuring a secure path, so you can proceed with confidence. *Note: Due to the risk of avalanches or severe weather, the tour may sometimes be canceled or the destination changed. Safety remains our absolute priority.
5. Marvel at the Dramatic Natural Beauty of the Ice
An overwhelmingly powerful sight will unfold before you! It is truly a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. The sheer scale of the ice is difficult to capture accurately in photos or videos, so we strongly encourage you to witness it for yourself!
6. Descent and Lunch with Snow Play
After viewing the Icefall, we will hike back up the path we descended. Once at the top, we will switch to snowshoes for the descent.
We will take a break for lunch during the descent, so please ensure you bring your own packed lunch.
Wearing snowshoes, we will head back toward Liza World. Depending on the conditions, we might slide down the snowy path like a natural slide or play games to fully immerse ourselves in the snow!
7. Recovery and Closing at “Kogenyu”
We will stop at the “Kogenyu” Onsen (hot spring bathing facility) to give you time to warm up your body in the hot spring and change your clothes. For those not using the hot spring, we will provide coffee or other beverages, allowing you to relax.
While resting, the guide will give a closing talk about the tour. You will gain a deeper understanding of this spectacular area and the icefall you just experienced.
8. Dismissal at Yamagata Station or Tendo Onsen
From Kogenyu, you can choose to be dropped off at either Yamagata Station or Tendo Onsen.
※Important Note! The finish time of the Icefall Tour can vary significantly depending on weather conditions and the pace of the group. We kindly request you book your return travel arrangements (flights, trains, etc.) with ample extra time in your schedule.
INFOMATION
| Dates | January 9 (Fri) – March 15 (Sun), 2026 |
|---|---|
| Meeting place | Tendo Onsen Traveler’s Lounge 2-5-43, Kamata Honcho, Tendo, Yamagata Approx. 15 minutes on foot from Tendo Station |
| Meeting time | 7:50 a.m. |
| Schedule | 07:50 Meet at Tendo Onsen Travelers' Lounge & Check-in 09:00 Arrive at Zao Liza World 09:15 Start Snow Trekking 14:00 Return to Zao Liza World 14:15 Relaxation Time at "Kogenyu" 15:45 Drop-off at Yamagata Station 16:30 Drop-off at Tendo Onsen Travelers' Lounge |
| Time required | About 8 hours |
| Experience fee | Adults (ages 10 and up) ¥23,800 Cancellation Policy 0% 8 days before to 17:00 10% 4 days before to 17:00 30% 1 day before to 17:00 100％ After 17:00, 1 day before |
| What's included | ・Rental of Essential Gear (Snowshoe, Poles, Light Crampons, Beacon, Helmet)・ ・Insurance Fee ・Consumption tax ・Lift fee ・Post-Trek Refreshment: Onsen Hot Spring or Coffee at Kogenyu ・Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Tendo Onsen |
| Notes | Requirements ・inter 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) ・Sunglasses or Goggles Required (Snow reflects sunlight intensely, like a mirror.) ・If you use the Kogenyu Onsen: Towels required (face towel and bath towel). ・Change of clothes --- 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 |
| Payment method | Online credit card payment at the time of reservation |
| Maximum number of applicants | 4 people |
| Minimum number of participants | 2 people |
| Application deadline | 4 days before 5:00 p.m. |
| Organiser | Yamagata Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-284 DMC Tendo Onsen Co., Ltd. Address: 2-5-43 Kamatahoncho, Tendo City, Yamagata Email: info@tendodays.com |
| Co-operation and management | YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE |
