Beginner-Friendly Zao Snow Monster Hiking from Tendo Onsen – Guided & Gear Included –

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!

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  8.7 hours

• Adult/Child (ages 6+)

  JPY 19,800

• Highlight #1

  Experience the natural artwork of “Snow Monsters” up close!

• Highlight #2

  Hike through snowy mountains with snowshoes!

• Highlight #3

  Round-trip transportation from Tendo Onsen included!

• What's Included

  • Two lift rides
  • Rental of essential gear (snowshoes and poles)
  • Hot water for snacks (provided by the guide)
  • Main Guide (to lead and ensure the safety of all guests)
  • Sub-Guide (to provide guidance while offering round-trip transportation from Tendo Onsen)
  • Hot spring bath or coffee at "Kogen-yu" (you can choose one)
  • Insurance

• Requirements

  • First-time snow hikers are welcome, but participants must have the physical stamina to walk for over 2 hours carrying a backpack.
  • If your clothing or equipment is insufficient, we may refuse your participation on the spot for safety reasons.
  • Minimum Age: 6 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

• Cancellation Policies

  0%

  8 days before to 17:00

  10%

  4 days before to 17:00

  30%

  1 day before to 17:00

  After 17:00, 1 day before

  100%

  Participation Date