What other travelers are saying about Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station
I came in the afternoon after the peak hours, barely anyone in the queue and i was able to get into the cable car pretty quickly. I saw the morning queue and i decided to spend my first half of the day snowboarding on the other side of the mountain/entrance.
I recommend spending the morning skiing/ snowboarding on the otherside and come in the afternoon after all the big groups of tourists for sightseeing have left for the day.
Totally worth it, the view was amazing and out of this world. Really the highlight of my trip. If you are an expert, it would be an amazing experience to ski/ snowboard from the top of the mountain along with the snow monsters.
I will definitely come again!!
It really depends on the weather. During my visit; wind is too strong and snow are too heavy. Cant really enjoy the view and see the snowy trees. When we are at the top with king zao, wind is super strong and everyone out there had a frozen damage on our face. Nevertheless, great experience!
Visited Zao Ropeway (Zao Sanroku Station) on a weekday in mid-February, and despite it not being the weekend, the queue was still very long. With so many tourists visiting to see the famous snow monsters, the wait time was almost an hour.
However, once I got on the ropeway, it was absolutely worth it. The ride up offered stunning views of the snow-covered mountains, and at the top, the snow monsters (frozen trees) looked surreal—like something out of a fantasy world. The scenery alone made the long wait worthwhile.
Here is my objective review of the Zao Ropeway Juhyo experience, 4/5, for obvious reason - the freaking queue time!
We took the 7am plus bus from Yamagata station (be sure to queue early from there to make sure you get a seat on the bus!). You need to buy a ticket from the bus ticket counter, 2,400 yen for round-trip. It takes 40 minutes to reach here.
Once reached, it'll be an easy 10 mins walk to reach there at 8:30am. This is a weekday, so we were genuinely surprised that the queue is at least 100 metres long. There was first a queue to purchase tickets, then another queue to the ropeway.
The first part of the ropeway was particularly slow. There is only one small carriage up and down, ONE carriage! No wonder it takes forever to get everyone up. It took us probably 1.5 hours for our turn, bear in mind we reach at opening time. A lot of the tour group were lucky enough to secure priority lane (we tried to get the online ticket, but it was sold out very quickly every day). When we got in, we got squeeze packed like sardines, and the worker in charge will be sure to fill the carriage to the brim. So I must say the ingress experience was extremely poor, which is not what I'd expect from Japanese operators.
Once we're up to the midway station, the experience gets better, and the second section of the ropeway is defined more enjoyable. Take us almost no queue to get up this time.
The view from there onwards is magical. To know that Juhyo is a rare natural occurrence that happens only in certain areas in Tohoku makes it extra special. Also, I felt lucky to experience the dry snow at the top of the mountain.
Saw a lot of skiers there. If I were to back here, I'd love to ski here.
I think the view at the top compensated the terrible experience at first, but there is surely way to make it better. The ticket was very pricey, and the wait is just unjustifiable. It's time for an upgrade on the first section ropeway, for sure.
For the view and Johyu experience, I'd recommend it, but you just have to come early and manage your expectations at the start.
It took us 4 hours in total for this experience, and we made it in time to leave at 12 and head to Ginzan onsen next.
I went during early autumn so nothing much to see. I went to the highest station and it was rainy and misty so nothing much to see as well. So do consider the weather before you purchase the ticket. The weather got clearer when at the first station. There is a viewing point around 5min walk from the station.
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.
