The Great Icefall Expedition Zao Snow Trek Guided Tour with Specialized Rental Equipment

-Tour Overview This is a guided snow trekking tour to reach the majestic Sen'ninsawa Ice Garden, a colossal blue icefall in Zao (approx. 30 meters high and over 10 meters wide). The Ice Garden is a spectacular, dramatic work of natural art, formed when spring water seeps through the rock face and freezes during the winter months. What's truly mesmerizing is the "Ice Blue" color—it's not transparent, but glows with a mysterious, vivid blue. Enjoy this cinematic world of ice and snow! Round-trip transportation from Tendo Onsen is included. -Commitment to Safety and Comfort Safety First The path to the icefall includes steep descents and ascents. Our tours are led by highly experienced guides certified by the Zao bo-daira Tourism Council. We have a proven track record of over 40 tour days per season with numerous successful icefall completions. Safety is our top priority. We employ meticulous route selection and techniques like using shovels to carve steps for slip prevention. -Convenience & Comfort Portable Toilets: The guide carries a tent-style portable toilet. This allows all participants, especially female guests, to stay well-hydrated without worry during the trek. -Hot Water Service The guide provides hot water during the lunch break. You can enjoy a warm cup noodle or drink to warm up without having to carry a heavy thermos. -Note Lunch is taken outdoors on the snow. -Free Photo Souvenir The guide will take high-quality photos during the tour and deliver the data to you on the same day. Capture your smiles and the magnificent scenery as a cherished post-tour memory. -Exceptional Experience Guaranteed Even if field conditions prevent us from reaching the icefall, rest assured you will still have a breathtaking experience. We will guide you through an alternative "Extreme Snow Monster (Juhyo) Route" to fully enjoy the spectacular white winter world that only a guided tour can provide. -Specialized Equipment Rental (Included in Tour Fee) The rental fee for all necessary professional equipment is included in the tour price. Snowshoes: ATLAS Helium (Lightweight, mountaineering-grade snowshoes) Trekking Poles: Montbell Fall-Line Poles (Lightweight poles for backcountry use) Crampons: Montbell Snow Spikes 10 (Essential for steep slopes) Helmet: Montbell Alpine Helmet (Worn when approaching the icefall, stored in the backpack during transit) Beacon: A transmitter carried for avalanche safety purposes. Seat Cushion: An outdoor cushion to prevent your bottom from getting cold during the lunch break. -Important Notes This tour is suitable for individuals with prior experience in snowshoeing or winter hiking. If you are a beginner, we recommend our separate "Snow Monster Hiking" course. Participants must have the physical stamina to hike for over 4 hours with a backpack. Please consult with us in advance if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or physical concerns. Pets are not permitted on the tour. Our guides can speak English, so English speakers are welcome to join. -Insurance Coverage We have insurance coverage for accidental injuries during the tour. You may consider purchasing additional insurance if needed. Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Event Participant Injury Insurance) Death/Residual Disability: ¥10,000,000 Inpatient Allowance (per day): ¥5,000 Outpatient Allowance (per day): ¥3,000 -Changes and Cancellations Please refer to the cancellation policy at the bottom of the page. One free change to your reservation is permitted up to 4 days before 5:00 PM. Changes made after this time will be treated as a cancellation.

• Days of Week

  Sun,Mon,Tue,Fri,Sat

• Duration

  8.7 hours

• Adult (ages 10+)

  JPY 23,800

• Highlight #1

  Adventure to Japan's Premier Giant Icefall!

• Highlight #2

  Crampons & Essential Gear Rental Included!

• Highlight #3

  Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Tendo Onsen!

• What's Included

  • Guide Fee
  • 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

• 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

• 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