Tour Overview

This is a snow hiking tour where you can witness Yamagata’s iconic winter scenery — the Zao “Snow Monsters” — up close.

In this mystical world, you can fully enjoy the experience with all five senses, guided by an experienced professional!

While most Snow Monster viewing involves taking a ropeway and observing them from afar or from inside a building, this tour is different.

With snowshoes on, you’ll walk with your own feet to meet the Snow Monsters.

Standing in front of towering frost-covered trees, feeling the deep snow piled above road signs, sensing the wind that creates the ice formations, and experiencing the winter cold through your whole body — it delivers a much deeper emotional impact than simply “seeing.”

And that’s not all! The guide doesn’t only take you to the Snow Monster field.

As you walk through the silent, snow-covered forest, a stunning beech forest appears, glistening as sunlight reflects off the snow.

This is an atmosphere that is hard to describe unless you actually step into it — so come with us to feel both the awe of the Snow Monsters and the tranquility of the beech forest!

Tour Details

1. Meet & Depart from Tendo Onsen Traveler’s Lounge

Check-in will take place at the Tendo Onsen Traveler’s Lounge, located within walking distance from the inns in Tendo Onsen.After check-in, depart at 7:50 AM with your guide/driver and head to Zao.

2. Meet the Main Guide at LIZA World Ski Area

Upon arrival at LIZA World, meet the main guide from YAMAGATA EXPERIENCE and receive a pre-departure briefing.Do some warm-up exercises, and off we go!

3. Ride the Lifts Up the Mountain

Take two lifts to ascend. As you go higher, the snow buildup on the trees increases, and you can enjoy a preview of the Snow Monsters from the lift.

4. Snow Hiking through the Snow Monster Field

After getting off the lift, strap on your snowshoes — and head into the Snow Monster field!Wander between the Snow Monsters, step into fluffy fresh snow, and walk through frosty tree tunnels!Sometimes you’ll even slide down slopes on your backside — enjoy the snowy world to the fullest!The course mainly descends, making the physical load lighter than regular mountain hiking.

5. Lunch and Snow Play While Descending through the Forest

After exploring the Snow Monster field, descend through the beech forest.On the way, we’ll take a lunch break. Food always tastes better in the mountains!Please bring your own lunch, as the lunch break will be taken during the descent.After lunch, continue descending while enjoying the snowy landscape at a relaxed pace.

6. Recovery and Closing at “Kogen Yu” Onsen Facility

We will stop by the hot spring facility “Kogen Yu” for a soak to warm up and change.If you choose not to enter the hot spring, you can relax with coffee or another drink.While resting, we’ll have a closing talk about the tour.You’ll gain a deeper understanding of this area, including the ice waterfalls and the winter environment.

7. Drop-off at Yamagata Station or Tendo Onsen

From “Kogen Yu,” you can choose to be dropped off at either Yamagata Station or Tendo Onsen.Please select your drop-off location when making your booking.

■Important Notice

The finishing time of the Snow Monster Field tour may vary significantly depending on weather and actual conditions.
Please ensure you leave enough margin when booking your return transportation.