Zao Ropeway and Snow Monsters Day Trip by Train from Tokyo
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
Journey to Yamagata for a unique winter adventure, witnessing the extraordinary Zao Snow Monsters—giant ice sculptures formed by nature. This day trip includes a scenic ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen and a breathtaking ropeway ascent into the snow-covered mountains. Spend time exploring the mountaintop and marvel at the stunning winter landscape, which changes with every snowfall. Cap off the day with a delicious Yonezawa beef sukiyaki dinner, featuring one of Japan's finest wagyu beef varieties. This tour combines natural beauty and regional cuisine for an unforgettable experience in northern Japan. - Round-trip travel by Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo - Ride the Zao Ropeway for stunning mountain views - Witness the famous Zao Snow Monsters up close - Savor a dinner of Yonezawa beef sukiyaki, a culinary highlight
Inclusions
What's included
- Zao Ropeway ride
- Round-trip transportation by train and bus
- Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- Yonezawa beef sukiyaki early dinner (around 4pm)
What's not
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)
Itinerary
After meeting your tour conductor, depart from Tokyo Station between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM aboard the Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko in reserved standard-class seating. Arrive at Fukushima Station and continue by coach toward Zao. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
After approximately 100 minutes of travel, arrive at Zao Sanroku Station, the gateway to one of Japan's most famous winter destinations. Board the ropeway and begin your journey into the snowy mountains of Zao.
Travel through the mountains by ropeway, enjoying views of snow-covered forests and the surrounding landscape as you ascend toward higher elevations.
Arrive at Jizo Sancho Station, where you will spend time exploring the mountaintop area and viewing the famous Zao Snow Monsters. Created by a rare combination of freezing temperatures, strong seasonal winds, and heavy snowfall, these ice-covered trees form towering natural sculptures that transform the mountainside into a spectacular winter wonderland. No two formations are exactly alike, creating a constantly changing landscape shaped by nature. Take time to admire the sweeping views across the snow-covered mountain range and experience one of Japan's most iconic winter phenomena. The Snow Monsters are typically at their best from late December through early March, though viewing conditions depend on weather and snowfall. The total time spent on the ropeway including sightseeing is 120 minutes.
After your visit, descend by ropeway through the winter landscape to Juhyo Kogen Station.
Continue by ropeway to Zao Sanroku Station and rejoin the coach for the next part of the journey.
After approximately 50 minutes of travel, arrive in Takahata. Enjoy an early dinner featuring Yonezawa beef sukiyaki, prepared with one of Japan's most highly regarded wagyu beef varieties. Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, Yonezawa beef is considered one of the three great wagyu brands of Japan. Dinner is scheduled for approximately 4:00 PM.
After approximately 70 minutes of travel, return to Fukushima Station. Board the Tohoku Shinkansen Yamabiko in reserved standard-class seating for the journey back to Tokyo. The tour concludes with arrival at Tokyo Station between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with optional drop-off available at Omiya Station and Ueno Station along the way.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 42 travellers
- Operated by
- Club Tourism International Inc.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Due to traffic conditions, the bus arrival may be delayed and the order of the itinerary may change.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 10 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Delays, shortenings of the tour or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
How it compares in Tokyo
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 893 day trips we list in Tokyo.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Tokyo
Neon-lit districts, quiet shrines, superb food and distinct neighbourhoods make up Tokyo, a vast, orderly metropolis linked by punctual trains.
Every district feels like its own city. Shibuya's famous scramble crossing and Shinjuku's towers, bars and Golden Gai alleys pulse with energy, while Harajuku mixes youth fashion with the forested calm of the Meiji Jingu shrine. In Asakusa, the Sensō-ji temple and its market street keep an older Tokyo alive, and Ginza offers polished department stores and galleries.
Top-ranked sights in Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu).
Special offers in Tokyo
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
15% offFree cancellation
