At Zao, enjoy the “Juhyo,” an artwork of ice and snow, and Yukimi Onsen

Zao, Yamagata prefecture, is about three hours from Tokyo. There are many ways to enjoy the Japanese winter such as “Juhyo,” an artwork of ice and snow rarely observed in the world, activities, and onsen (hot spring). We would like to introduce the winter attractions of Zao, now that winter is approaching in Japan.

One of the largest ski resorts in Japan, and mystical Juhyo appear in the winter

Zao has one of the largest ski resorts in Japan in terms of area, and the varied slopes are covered with high-quality powder snow, making it a popular destination to enjoy winter sports. Additionally, the weather conditions unique to Zao allows Juhyo to be observed, in which trees are covered with ice and snow. They are also called “Snow Monster” from their resemblance. The Juhyo can be seen from morning till dusk if you board the Zao Ropeway, which starts at the foot of the mountain. Furthermore, the Juhyo are very mystical when lit up. In the 53 designated days, mostly on weekends from December 23 (Sat.), 2017 to March 4, 2018 (Sun.), there will be a “Juhyo Corridor of Fantasy” tour where people can enjoy the Juhyo lit up at night, up close on a snowmobile, and a “Juhyo Light Up” tour, where people can see the Juhyo from the ropeway.

Zao Ropeway：http://zaoropeway.co.jp/en/index.html

Enjoy open-air bath with beautiful scenery at Zao Astraea Hotel, directly linked to the ski slopes

You can enjoy a beautiful scenery from this hotel, situated at an altitude of 950m, one of the highest in ZaoOnsen. In the hotel’s large public bath, there is an open-air bath with water directly drawn from ZaoOnsen’s spring source where you can view the Asahi Mountain Range. Also, since the hotel is directly linked to the ski slopes, it is very convenient to board the Zao Ropeway, the base point for seeing the Juhyo and the Juhyo Corridor of Fantasy tour. The food served is also splendid, featuring carefully selected delicacies such as Yamagata beef and seasonal vegetables.

Zao Astraea Hotel : https://www.zaoastraea.com/english/

Making a reservation : http://beauty-of-japan.com/tour/ski-tour-package-zao-yamagata/

Plenty of attractive nature from the spring to autumn as well

The “ZaoOnsen Large Open-air Bath” is located in Zao, where people can enjoy a bath surrounded by nature, with water directly drawn from the spring source. The bath is open only from April to November. Situated besides a stream, hearing the sound of the stream while bathing is a gorgeous and mystical experience. Furthermore, the nature is rich and full of attractions throughout the year. In the summer, people can enjoy trekking, and autumn is the peak season for the leaves changing color.

Recommended sightseeing area information along the TOBU Railways

The TOBU Railway Group is a major Japanese corporate group consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railways cover the longest operating distance in the Kanto area, and lead to many tourist attractions including Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo, Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen, famous as a world heritage and hot spring location, the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga area known for its beautiful blooming flower fields, and Kawagoe, where the atmosphere of the Edo era still live on.

Explore destinations around Tobu Railway Group at TOBU JAPAN TRIP : http://www.tobujapantrip.com/en/