An additional afternoon service has been added to the Zao Shuttle Bus! Depart from Kaminoyama Onsen for a sunset tour of Zao's snow monsters [Yamagata Prefecture]

"Snow monsters" are a representative winter sight of Zao . In addition to the silvery white world that spreads out under the blue sky, the time of day when the scenery changes from dusk to illumination also has a different kind of charm.

To allow people to enjoy such winter evening scenery, a new afternoon service will be added to the "Zao Shuttle Bus," which operates on a reservation system connecting JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station and the Zao area, and will only be available on days when the frost-covered trees are illuminated .

The shuttle bus service will operatefrom December 19, 2026 (Saturday) to March 7, 2027 (Sunday). There will be two round trips during the daytime to the Zao Onsen area, with an additional afternoon round trip on days when the frost-covered trees are illuminated.

This is a great winter travel option that allows you to visit Zao without having to drive yourself on snowy roads, and then return to Kaminoyama Onsen after enjoying the scenery

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From dusk to illumination: First afternoon service to coincide with viewing the frost-covered trees

The Zao Shuttle Bus, operated by the Kaminoyama City Tourism and Products Association,be adding an extra afternoon service to the Zao Onsen area.

To enjoy the frost-covered trees at sunset,take the regular bus departing Kaminoyama Onsen at 2:50 PM and arriving at Zao Onsen at 3:30 PM. From the Zao Onsen bus terminal, travel to the Zao Ropeway's Zao Sanroku Station and take the ropeway to the frost-covered tree viewing area.

The light-up begins at 5 PM . After enjoying the twilight scenery and the frost-covered trees illuminated by the lights, the itinerary involves returning to Kaminoyama Onsen on an additional afternoon bus departing at 6:10 PM

The suggested itinerary in the press releaseviewing the illuminated frost-covered trees around 5 PM and descending from the mountaintop by ropeway by 5:30 PM. Adjust your viewing time based on ropeway operating conditions and crowd levels.

Please note that the appearance of the twilight and the condition of the frost-covered trees will vary depending on the time of year and weather

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A suggested itinerary for viewing frost-covered trees on the day of the frost-covered tree illumination event

The following is a recommended itinerary combining regular and additional shuttle bus services on days when the frost-covered trees are illuminated :

• 14:50 Departure from Kaminoyama Onsen (Regular service)
• 15:30 Arrived at Zao Onsen
• Upon arrival, we will stroll around Zao Onsen and head to the ropeway station, then proceed to the area for viewing the snow monsters
• Around 5:00 PM, we enjoyed the twilight scenery and the illuminated frost-covered trees
• Descend from the mountaintop by ropeway until 17:30
• 18:10 Departure from Zao Onsen (operates only on days when the frost-covered trees are illuminated)
• 18:50 Arrived at Kaminoyama Onsen

This itinerary is a model course introduced in a press release by the Kaminoyama City Tourism and Products Association

Considering the travel time between the shuttle bus departure/arrival point and the ropeway station, as well as waiting times for the ropeway,check the operating status and last boarding time on the dayand descend the mountain with plenty of time to spare.

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Overview of additional Zao shuttle bus services

On days when the frost-covered trees are illuminated, an additional round-trip service will be operated: [Outbound: Departs Kaminoyama Onsen at 17:10 → Arrives Zao Onsen at 17:50] [Return: Departs Zao Onsen at 18:10 → Arrives Kaminoyama Onsen at 18:50]

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Zao Onsen is the gateway to viewing frost-covered trees

Zao Onsen , located in Yamagata City , is a hot spring resort with a history of approximately 1,900 years. Characterized by its highly acidic sulfur springs , it is a popular mountain resort where visitors can enjoy skiing, viewing frost-covered trees, and relaxing in the hot springs.

The hot spring townthree public bathhouses, Kamiyu, Shimoyu, and Kawarayu, so you can enjoy not only staying overnight but also going on a hot spring tour. Walking through the streets filled with the scent of sulfur is one of the pleasures of visiting Zao.

The model course introduced here also suggests a stroll through the hot spring town after arriving at Zao Onsen, before heading up the mountain. If you plan to take a bath or have a meal, it's a good idea to include the travel time to the ropeway and waiting time when planning your itinerary

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Kaminoyama Onsen: A base for winter sightseeing in Zao

The shuttle bus departs from and returns toKaminoyama Onsen. With a history of over 560 years since its opening,a place where you can enjoy both hot springs and the atmosphere of a castle town.

The town also has public bathhouses, so you can combine strolling around town with visiting hot springs. It would be nice to take some time before or after visiting Zao to experience the daily life of a hot spring town

If you're staying overnight,dishes made with Yamagata ingredients and local wines aspart of your trip. You can plan a day where you admire the frost-covered trees at sunset, then return to the hot spring town and relax at your accommodation.

Enjoy breathtaking winter scenery from the mountaintop and relax in a hot spring at the foot of the mountain. How about a trip that allows you to enjoy both by taking advantage of the newly established afternoon service?

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Enjoy viewing frost-covered trees during the day and experience the snow

For those who want to enjoy Zao during the daytime, there are also experience plans available such as viewing the frost-covered trees from the lift at Zao Liza World , walking through "Frost-Covered Tree Wonderland" on snowshoes , and "Icefall Snow Trekking."

These are experiences that are planned separately from the afternoon tours to Zao Onsen that we introduced this time. Since the dates and meeting places differ for each experience, please check the details before applying

The shuttle bus to Zao Liza operates once a day in each direction, withthe return trip departing from Zao Liza World at 2 PM. If you plan to combine this with viewing the snow monsters via the ski lift, please allow ample time to descend the mountain in time for the bus departure.

Source:Press release from Kaminoyama City Tourism and Products Association (PR TIMES)

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