Zao Onsen, nestled in Yamagata’s Zao mountain range, offers a captivating hot spring town at an altitude of 900 meters.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I want to share a place that has captivated me for a long time, but I haven’t had the opportunity to visit yet. Through my extensive research and admiration for the area, I discovered the existence of a magical winter phenomenon called “Juhyo,” which can be witnessed exclusively at Zao Onsen.
Witness the mesmerizing “Juhyo” or ice-covered trees, a unique phenomenon formed by winter’s cold and humidity. According to my research, these enchanting ice formations sparkle like diamonds, creating a breathtaking spectacle that leaves visitors in awe.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Zao Onsen, located in the Zao mountain range in Yamagata Prefecture, is a charming hot spring town situated at an altitude of approximately 900 meters.
The area is famous for its stunning “juhyo” – frost-covered trees – which are formed due to the combination of the harsh cold and high humidity of winter.
Frozen Enchantment: The Mystical Beauty of Juhyo
These rare ice formations resemble large snowballs, formed by thin layers of ice that slowly thicken as cold water droplets repeatedly freeze on trees.
Although similar formations can be found in Germany, Juhyo are an exceptionally unique phenomenon worldwide. The Juhyo in Zao are formed by a combination of the special pine trees that grow in snowy regions called “Aomori-Todomatsu” or “Ohshirabiso,” and the specific meteorological conditions of the Zao mountain range.
These trees are remarkably beautiful, sparkling and shining like diamonds when the light hits them, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Best Season to Visit
The period when Juhyo can be observed varies from year to year due to various factors such as temperature and wind direction. Generally, the best time to see them is from late December to early March, with February being the peak season.
However, the duration can vary depending on weather conditions. Unfortunately, in recent years, the Aomori-Todomatsu trees have been affected by insect damage, which may ultimately result in the disappearance of Juhyo.
So, if you have the opportunity to visit Japan in winter, Zao Onsen is an unmissable place to visit.
Must-Visit Sites for Witnessing Juhyo
At Zao Onsen, there are several spots where you can enjoy the view of Juhyo, such as the ropeway, the restaurant located at the Jizo Mountain Peak Station, and the Jizo Mountain Peak Station Observatory, which can be accessed on foot from the station.
These locations provide panoramic views of the ice trees spread out across the mountaintop.
If you want to see the illuminated Juhyo, you can take the “Juhyo Fantasy Corridor Tour” on a snow vehicle called the “Night Cruiser” from the Zao Ropeway.
Additionally, Zao Onsen Ski Resort offers a slope where you can ski or snowboard while enjoying the view of the ice trees. Within the hot spring town, there are also open-air baths or accommodations where you can view the Juhyo.
Hot Spring
Zao Onsen is a bustling tourist destination that is renowned for its hot springs.
The strong acidity (pH 1.25-1.6) of its sulfur springs is its distinctive feature, which is said to have antibacterial effects on the skin and strengthen and rejuvenate both the skin and blood vessels. In addition to communal baths and footbaths, the town also offers day-use hot spring facilities, making it possible to enjoy the experience even on a day trip.
Other Ways to Enjoy
However, since the Zao Juhyo are illuminated at night, it is recommended to stay overnight and enjoy the experience at a more leisurely pace.
Moreover, Zao Onsen Ski Resort boasts 14 ski slopes from the mountaintop to the foot of the mountain, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy both skiing and Juhyo together.
Culture, History, and Traditions
History
Around 110 AD, at the height of the Roman Empire under the reign of Roman Emperors in Europe, Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the son of Emperor Keiko, set out to conquer enemies in the East. It is said that Kibi Takayasu, who accompanied him on this campaign, discovered the Zao Onsen hot springs, which have a rich history.
During the Edo period, the town at the foot of Zao, which was already a place of worship, thrived as the western climbing route to Zao (Zao Gongen) and as the 59th post town on the Oshu Highway.
Kokeshi:Traditional Crafts
Zao Onsen, steeped in history, is known for its traditional craft of wooden dolls, one of the representatives of the Tohoku region. These dolls, called “Kokeshi,” usually have a simple design with a round head and cylindrical body.
However, the Kokeshi dolls passed down in Zao Onsen have distinct features such as a plump body, crescent-shaped eyes, bobbed hair, and patterns such as Kasanekiku and Sakurakuzushi. Tanaka Kokeshi Shop and Takayudo in this town also offer Kokeshi painting experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Dining Guide
Zao Onsen boasts an array of dining options, from restaurants to hotel dining experiences, all serving delectable dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
One of the highlights of Zao Onsen is the abundance of wild mountain vegetables, naturally harvested from the surrounding mountains and forests during spring and summer. These flavorful vegetables are featured in various dishes served at local restaurants.
Another must-try is the seafood caught off the coast of Yamagata Prefecture, where Zao Onsen is located. In addition, Japanese black beef, a type of locally-raised and nurtured Wagyu beef, is also recommended and can be enjoyed at select restaurants in Zao Onsen.
Yamagata is also known for its rich variety of soul food. You can savor the traditional Japanese sweet “Iga-mochi,” consisting of three small rice cakes on a bamboo leaf, invented around the beginning of the Meiji period.
“Tama-konnyaku,” a round-shaped konjac skewered and infused with the flavors of dried squid and broth, is another delicacy worth trying.
For a unique soba noodle experience, there’s “Ita-soba,” slightly firmer than regular soba and with a richer taste.
Additionally, there’s “Imoni,” a stew dish made with beef and taro, “Imoni-soba,” which combines soba noodles with Imoni, and “Jingisukan,” a popular grilled mutton dish. The pleasure of strolling around and sampling these dishes is an experience not to be missed.
Accommodation
Zao Onsen offers a wide variety of accommodations with hot springs. You can choose from more than 80 options that fit your budget and preferences, including traditional Japanese inns, hotels, and other affordable lodgings.
The Zao Onsen Tourism Association provides a detailed introduction to these accommodations on their English website. If you’re able to read Japanese or use a browser with translation capabilities, I suggest using the Japanese website which allows you to narrow down your search according to your language preference and essential amenities like Wi-Fi and private hot springs.
Transportation
Zao Onsen is a hot spring resort situated in the mountainous inland region of Yamagata Prefecture, northeast Japan, which is centered around Yamagata City.
To reach there from Yamagata City, a local bus (available only in Japanese) must be taken for a 40-minute journey through the mountain road. It is typical to go through Yamagata City while coming from other regions.
By plane
If you prefer to fly from Tokyo to Yamagata City, it takes approximately one hour from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) to reach Yamagata Airport. Then, you will need to use a limousine bus for around 40 minutes to travel to Yamagata City. The fare for this limousine bus is 1,300 yen per adult.
By train
Alternatively, if you wish to travel from Tokyo to Yamagata City by train, there are two options:
taking the Tohoku Shinkansen that connects Tokyo to Aomori Prefecture at the northern tip of Honshu, the main island of Japan,
or taking the Akita and Yamagata Shinkansen that diverges from the Tohoku Shinkansen and goes to Akita and Yamagata Prefectures.
If you choose the Tohoku Shinkansen, you must transfer to a local bus (available only in Japanese) at Sendai Station in Miyagi Prefecture. Both options take around three hours and cost about 13,000 yen.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Night Cruise
To get a closer look at the Juhyo, you’ll need to take the Zao Onsen Ropeway up to the mountaintop. The round-trip fare costs 3,500 yen per adult. If you’re interested in seeing the illuminated ice trees, you may want to consider the Night Cruise, which lasts 75 minutes and costs 5,500 yen per adult.
Hot Spring
Zao Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is a hot spring resort famous for its milky white hot springs with a slight blue tint.
In addition to the hot springs available in lodging facilities, there are three communal baths and outdoor hot springs open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
The bathing fee is approximately 200 yen per person, but if you’re staying at an accommodation that offers a “free communal bath service,” it will be free of charge. Be sure to check with your lodging in advance.
Weather Guide
February is the best month for viewing the juhyo, as well as the coldest period, with an average temperature of approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius, a minimum temperature of about -3.7 degrees Celsius, and a maximum temperature of around 6.4 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, the snow depth at the ski resort exceeds one meter, so it is necessary to prepare warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
