Zao Onsen is a famous ski resort in Japan that is not only well known for the good skiing possibilities, but also for the juhyo ("snow monsters"; trees which are covered with snow so that, with the influence of the Siberian winds, look like monsters) and the cold temperatures. A photographer might think he is dreaming in sight of these hardy evergreens. Winter sport enthusiasts flock to the area to enjoy the stunning backdrop and the unique experience of skiing among these ice-covered sculptures. A recommendable opportunity is to head there at night when the juhyo are swathed in moonlit shadows that eerily bring them to life. Because of the popularity of the resort, you need to book your ski lift tickets the night before or you could find that by early morning, the only lift spaces left are in the late afternoon.
Located about 20 km south east of Yamagata City the ski resort of Zao Onsen can be reached from Tokyo Station in about 2,5 hours taking the Yamagata shinkansen bullet train or by car taking the Yamagata Expressway. Nearest Interchange is Yamagata Zao I.C. The Resort of Zao Onsen finds itself about 17 km from the Yamagato Expressway and in the Zao Quasi National Park. Once arrived, the Zao Sanroku Ropeway will take you to Juhyo Kogen with its snow monsters and the Juhyo museum. A second ropeway can take you further up to Zao Jizo-o Sancho station. This top station is situated between Sanpokojin-san and Jizo-San , two of the peaks that make up the Zao Profile.
For those fascinated with volcanoes and crater lakes, the Okama Crater Lake, which can be reached from Zao Jizo-o Sancho Station, provides with an almost perfect example. Be sure to take enough film!