The optimal period to view the snow monsters is from late December through early March, with peak formation typically occurring in mid-February. During this time, the ice-covered trees reach their most impressive size and shape. The ropeway operates special evening illumination events on select dates, usually from mid-December to early March, allowing visitors to see the snow monsters lit up at night. Weather conditions can affect visibility, so checking forecasts before your visit is recommended.
The complete journey from Zao Sanroku Station to the summit consists of two segments. The first leg from Sanroku Station to Juhyo-Kogen Station takes approximately 7 minutes, while the second segment from Juhyo-Kogen to Juhyo-Sancho Station takes about 10 minutes. The total one-way trip requires roughly 17 minutes of travel time. Visitors should allow additional time at each station for boarding, as well as time to explore viewing platforms and facilities at the summit.
Yes, the ropeway welcomes non-skiers throughout the year. In winter, visitors can ride simply to view and photograph the snow monsters without participating in winter sports. The summit area features observation decks and walking paths accessible to all visitors. During spring through autumn, the ropeway provides access to hiking trails, the Okama Crater Lake viewpoint, and scenic mountain vistas. The stations offer heated rest areas, restaurants, and indoor observation facilities for comfortable sightseeing regardless of skiing ability.
Driving to Zao Sanroku Station is a convenient option, particularly for visitors traveling from Yamagata city or Sendai. The station provides approximately 1,000 parking spaces, though these can fill quickly during peak winter weekends and holidays. The drive from Yamagata city takes roughly 40 minutes via Route 286. Winter visitors should ensure their vehicle is equipped with snow tires or chains, as mountain roads experience heavy snowfall and icy conditions from November through April.
The ropeway has no specific age restrictions and is generally accessible to visitors of all ages, including young children and elderly passengers. Each cabin can accommodate multiple passengers and operates smoothly without requiring physical exertion to board. However, visitors with mobility concerns should note that some areas at the summit involve outdoor walking on potentially snowy or uneven terrain. The cabins remain enclosed and heated during winter operations. Visitors with severe health conditions should consult staff before boarding, particularly given the high altitude and cold temperatures at the summit.
I arrived early in the morning, around 9:00 AM. Even though it was a Monday, the queue was quite long, about 1.5-2 hours, because there were so many people. But the worst part is that if a tour group arrives, they get to go up the cable car before ordinary people, which is really bad. You should allow plenty of extra time. However, the queue for going down was almost nonexistent. Anyway, once you get to the top, it's incredibly beautiful and very cold, and the wind is very strong if you go to the very top. If you want to go up, there's no problem, but I would say the second level is much more beautiful. There are lovely trees, and it's not as windy as the top. It's perfect for taking pictures. So you should spend more time on the second level than on the top.
I recommend reserving the ropeway ticket in advance, especially for those who plan to visit the Snow Monsters during public holidays. However, tickets can also be purchased on-site before taking the ropeway.
Visitors who want to go skiing can buy their ski tickets at the same ropeway as well.
The sightseeing experience was really beautiful and absolutely worth it.
This was honestly one of the worst experiences I have ever had. Went on a Sunday morning, had to wait more than 2 hours in line for the first lift. Management is terrible, tour groups have priority so the already very slow queue moves even slower than you would expect.
Second lift is much better and faster than the first, but on the way back down you have to wait again for more than an hour to board the first car. Either get a priority pass or don't bother, cause by the time you get to the top you will be too cold to enjoy the view. That is, if you even have a view, since you won't see anything in a snowstorm and the strong, cold winds prevent you from even going outside the station for more than a minute.
If you really want to go, make sure to go on a sunny day and get a priority pass, or it's a waste of time and money. Staff will not inform you of the long wait times and the bad weather conditions at the top. We started queuing at around 11 am and got done with the whole ordeal by 4:30 pm.
Favourite spot of the entire trip
Queue to buy ticket is almost instant. 4,400yen per person up and down the hill
The queue to get up the cable car however needs roughly 40mins to an hour
Be prepared for sardine squeezing experience tho. Ppl will squeeze you from everywhere!
Up till the hill and it’s all magic 🪄
I bought a mini 藏王 as souvenir as well. Costs me 700yen
I’m extremely disappointed with my experience at the Zao Ropeway. The scenery may be beautiful, but the management of the queue system completely ruined the visit.
The queue organization is very, very poorly managed. There is a so-called “priority line” that is mainly available to those who purchase tickets online — but those tickets are almost always sold out. On top of that, certain groups—especially tour groups—are allowed to enter immediately without waiting at all. Every time a group tour arrives, they are sent straight in. Meanwhile, people in the regular queue are left standing there for at least three hours.
Three hours.
It feels incredibly unfair and poorly designed. A priority system is understandable to some extent, but allowing one group to skip entirely while regular visitors wait endlessly is unacceptable. At the very least, priority groups should wait for the next available car. That would only take around 10–15 minutes and would make the system feel much more balanced and respectful to everyone.
Instead, the current system creates frustration, resentment, and a very negative experience. For a popular tourist destination, the management seriously needs to rethink how they handle crowd control and fairness. Beautiful views don’t make up for terrible organization.
Would not recommend during busy seasons unless the queue system is improved.
