[Miyagi Prefecture Katta District] The frost-covered field is a rare and spectacular view that can only be found in Tohoku! Let's go see the ice monster!

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  • Last updated: 2022.03.15

A rare and spectacular view that can only be seen during the winter is the frost covered trees. Those who live in the Kanto area may not be familiar with this word. Rime, as the name suggests, is formed when snow and ice accumulate on trees.

Especially in Zao, there are many evergreen coniferous trees called Aomori fir. As snow accumulates on this tree and hardens, it repeats itself and grows larger and larger as it moves upwind. It grows like a tail fin. For this reason, it is sometimes called the "shrimp tail."

In Tohoku, there are famous frost-covered spots such as Hakkoda, Hachimantai, and Zao. In this article, we would like to introduce Zao's frost-covered trees, which have a tour plan and are said to be beautiful.

If you want to see frost-covered trees, the “Miyagi Zao Tree-covered Tree Tour” is a must-see!

If you want to see frost-covered trees in Zao, we highly recommend the Miyagi Zao Juhyo Tour. This is a tour that departs to the frost-covered fields of the Zao Mountain Range on the ``Wild Monster'', a heated passenger snowmobile equipped with a cabin. It has also gained a reputation for being fun to talk to with its exclusive guide.

"Rime" is an extremely rare phenomenon that only occurs under special circumstances. In Japan, it can only be seen in limited areas such as Zao, Hakkoda in Aomori, and Hachimantai in Akita. In order for frost-covered trees to grow, all conditions must be met, such as the weather, amount of snowfall, and type of trees.

In particular, near the summit of Mt. Karitadake, where you will go on the Miyagi Zao Ice Rime Tour, you can enjoy a particularly beautiful panoramic rime field.

Overview of “Miyagi Zao Juhyo Tour”

The "Miyagi Zao Juhyo Tour" tour has already started this year and is gaining popularity. Each tour lasts 2 hours. It is held three times a day. Below is the schedule.

Implementation periodtime
December 16th (Sat) - March 18th (Sun)11:00～13:00
13:30～15:30
15:30～17:30

Below are the prices.

adultChild
5,300 yen4,400 yen

The price also includes the rental of boots. Once you arrive at the frost-covered field, you will be walking on a snowy road. Rain boots and snow boots are essential items.

Ride the Wild Monster to the frost-covered field

The starting point is "Sumikawa Snow Park" in Zao Town. The reception will be held at the rest house here. There is a shuttle bus from Sendai Station to Sumikawa Snow Park.

To get to Juhyo Point, take the Wild Monster from the snow park (45 minutes one way). There is a regular vehicle (4,800 yen) and a special vehicle called Gran Class (regular price + 2,500 yen).

Normally in cars, you sit facing other passengers, but in Gran Class, the seats are similar to those on a Shinkansen. For those who want to face each other comfortably without having to face each other, the Gran Class is recommended.

There are a lot of ice monsters in the frost-covered field.

The frost-covered frost viewing point is around 1,600m above sea level. Temperatures can reach -10 degrees, so be sure to take adequate measures to protect yourself from the cold. The frost-covered field is truly an Instagram-worthy sight. A natural ice monster will welcome you.

There is also a night tour to see the “House of Juhyo”

The frost-covered trees during the day are the best, but the frost-covered trees at night are even more appealing. At Sumikawa Snow Park, we are planning a tour called ``Juhyo House Tour'' (3,100 yen) not only during the day but also at night.

From the rest house, take a snowmobile to the forest at an altitude of 1,400m (25 minutes one way). The frost-covered fir trees are illuminated by lanterns, creating a fantastic sight. The pine trees are covered in ice and become huge, resembling a snow hut. This kamakura is called the frost-covered house. Of course, you can also put it inside.

If you're satisfied with the daytime tour, be sure to visit this tree-covered tree house at night. A different kind of excitement awaits.

INFORMATION

nameMiyagi Zao frost-covered tree tour (Sumikawa Snow Park)
locationMiyagi Prefecture Katta District Zao Town Togatta Onsen Kuraishitake National Forest
telephone number0224-87-2610
Official URLhttp://www.zao-sumikawa.jp/juhyo.html
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