Zao Snow Monster Light-Up
蔵王樹氷ライトアップ38°09′ N 140°25′ ESeasonDec to FebSeasonal
The Zao light-up suits anyone staying in Zao Onsen who wants to see the snow monsters lit in colour after dark; it's bitterly cold at the top and skis aren't allowed, so dress for −10°C and come as a sightseer.
On winter evenings the Zao Ropeway lights the snow monsters around Juhyo Kogen Station in colour from 17:00 to 21:00. You ride the ropeway up as a sightseer, since skis and boards aren't allowed on the evening runs. The ropeway warns the temperature falls below −10°C.
The Night Cruiser is a heated snowcat that carries small groups from Juhyo Kogen Station up to the fourth tower of the upper line and back through the lit trees. Departures leave at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00. JTB sells the tickets online from seven days ahead, and the ropeway cancels tours if the trees along the route have collapsed. The ropeway's 2026/27 notice shows the fares only as an image, so read it before you go.
Worth knowing
- Book the Night Cruiser on JTB's site the moment sales open, seven days before your date at 14:00.
- Ride up early in the evening. The last car up leaves at 19:50.
Quick answers about Zao Snow Monster Light-Upよくある質問
When is the Zao snow monster light-up?
On winter evenings from 17:00 to 21:00. The 2025/26 run ended on 22 February 2026, and the ropeway posted its 2026/27 dates on 4 October 2026.
How do I book the Zao Night Cruiser snowcat tour?
Book online through JTB from seven days before your date. The Zao Ropeway takes no phone bookings.
What are the opening hours of Zao Snow Monster Light-Up?
Zao Snow Monster Light-Up is open the light-up runs 17:00–21:00, with the last ropeway up at 19:50. Night Cruiser snowcat tours leave Juhyo Kogen Station at 17:00, 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00 and take about 75 minutes, around 30 of them on the snowcat.
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