Reach mountain views in little time
The ropeway makes it easy to access scenic high-altitude surroundings.
Zao Ropeway
AI Summary
What kind of place is the Zao Ropeway?
This is an AI-generated summary. Please check the official information for opening hours, fees, and closed days.
Enjoy Zao’s mountain scenery in a short ride on this ropeway, with views that change beautifully through the seasons.
The Zao Ropeway carries visitors from Zao Onsen to the mountain area. Even a short ride offers views of mountain ridges and seasonal scenery. In winter, look for snow monsters; in summer, enjoy highland walks and starry skies. It’s also a good choice for photography.
Recommended for
Top 3 Highlights
Seasonal scenery throughout the year
See winter snow monsters, summer highlands, and colorful autumn leaves.
Great opportunities for photos
Take in wide mountain vistas from the ropeway or lookout points.
Before You Go
- It’s colder at the top than at lower elevations, so bring an extra layer in any season.
- If you’re hoping to see snow monsters or a starry sky, check the weather and operating information on the day.
- Pairing the ride with a visit to the hot-spring area makes it easy to balance sightseeing with a break.
Suggested Route
Take a break in Zao Onsen, then ride the ropeway toward the summit to enjoy the views and go for a walk.
Zao Ropeway is located in Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, and offers visitors and outdoor enthusiasts beautiful nature throughout the four seasons. It starts from the Zao Sanroku Station and connects to the Juhyou Kogen Station and the Jizō Mountain Summit Station. The ride on the Sanroku Line takes about 7 minutes, while the Summit Line takes about 10 minutes, providing stunning views along the way.
In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and the "Summer Night Cruising" to experience the starry sky, while in winter, skiing, snow art, and the stunning Juhyou (frost-covered trees) can be appreciated. The Juhyou Light Up event, which illuminates the enchanting frost trees formed under extreme cold weather conditions, attracts many tourists.
At the Jizō Mountain Summit Station, there is a breathtaking restaurant that seems to float in a sea of clouds, where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine along with magnificent views. The experiences provided by the Zao Ropeway have gained popularity on social media, especially the "Million Person Terrace" that opened in June 2020, recognized as a photogenic spot.
Accessible by a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station, this ropeway allows visitors to fully appreciate the great nature of Zao and is an excellent tourist destination to enjoy many attractions in a short time. Zao Ropeway serves as the perfect stage for creating unforgettable memories in this land where nature and art intersect.
In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking and the "Summer Night Cruising" to experience the starry sky, while in winter, skiing, snow art, and the stunning Juhyou (frost-covered trees) can be appreciated. The Juhyou Light Up event, which illuminates the enchanting frost trees formed under extreme cold weather conditions, attracts many tourists.
At the Jizō Mountain Summit Station, there is a breathtaking restaurant that seems to float in a sea of clouds, where guests can enjoy delicious cuisine along with magnificent views. The experiences provided by the Zao Ropeway have gained popularity on social media, especially the "Million Person Terrace" that opened in June 2020, recognized as a photogenic spot.
Accessible by a 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station, this ropeway allows visitors to fully appreciate the great nature of Zao and is an excellent tourist destination to enjoy many attractions in a short time. Zao Ropeway serves as the perfect stage for creating unforgettable memories in this land where nature and art intersect.
Zao Ropeway Movies
Basic Information
- Spot Name
- Zao Ropeway
- Location
- 〒990-230 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City
- Access
- From JR "Yamagata Station", take the Yamakko Bus for about 45 minutes and get off at "Zao Onsen Bus Terminal", then walk for about 15 minutes. It takes about 20 minutes from the Yamagata Expressway "Kamiyama IC".
- Parking
- Parking available.
- Business Hours
- 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry varies by season)
- Fees
- Jizōsan Summit Station
Altitude: 1,661m
Adult: One-way 1,800 yen, Round trip 3,500 yen
Child: One-way 900 yen, Round trip 1,800 yen
Highlights: Zao Natural Plant Garden (Sanpo Kōjin Mountain), Zao Jizō, trailheads for Jizōsan, Kumano-dake, and Katta-dake
Juhyō Kōgen Station
Altitude: 1,331m
Adult: One-way 1,000 yen, Round trip 1,800 yen
Child: One-way 500 yen, Round trip 900 yen
Highlights: Iroha Pond, Kanmatsudaira
Summer Mountain Lift Fares
Classification: Round trip ticket / One-way ticket
Adult: 600 yen / 300 yen
Child: 400 yen / 200 yen - Contact Information
- Phone Number：023-694-9518
- Official Website
Map
Detailed Information
Zao Ropeway is a sightseeing facility known as a means of access to Mount Zao (elevation 1,841 meters), located on the border between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. Mount Zao is famous for its beautiful natural scenery throughout the four seasons and as a hot spring area, and the ropeway offers a scenic journey from the foot of the mountain to the summit.
The Zao Ropeway uses gondola-type vehicles and slowly ascends the mountain. The total length of the ropeway is approximately 1.6 kilometers, and the ride to the summit takes about 12 minutes. The cars are equipped with panoramic glass windows, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view and take in the magnificent mountain scenery.
One of the notable features of the Zao Ropeway is the ability to enjoy the changing scenery with each season. In spring, cherry blossoms in full bloom and fresh greenery can be seen; in summer, vibrant green and refreshing landscapes; in autumn, the mountains are adorned with colorful foliage; and in winter, snow-covered mountains spread out before you. From the ropeway, you can admire the beauty of Mount Zao as it shows a different face in each season.
In addition, the summit station of the Zao Ropeway is well equipped with observation decks, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more. From the observation deck, you can overlook the vast mountain region and the beautiful surrounding scenery, fully enjoying the spectacular views. At the foot of the ropeway, hot spring resorts are spread out, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature while soothing their fatigue in the hot springs.
Zao Ropeway is used not only by tourists but also by mountaineering enthusiasts and hikers. From the summit, various hiking courses are available, offering opportunities for nature walks and mountain climbing. There are also many attractions in the surrounding area, such as Goshikinuma Pond at an elevation of 2,236 meters and a primeval forest lined with giant trees over 500 years old.
Zao Ropeway is an easily accessible sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy beautiful natural scenery throughout the four seasons. The spectacular views from the summit and the rich natural environment will surely bring peace of mind and inspiration to those who visit. To fully appreciate the beauty of Mount Zao in its ever-changing seasonal expressions, be sure to take a trip on the Zao Ropeway.
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