Muslim Friendly Japan
Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo)

Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo)

蔵王の樹氷

On the summit of Mt. Zao, strong Siberian winds and heavy snow cover the trees with ice and snow in winter. The frozen trees, called juhyo, look like strange "snow monsters". Visitors ride ropeways up the mountain to see them up close. After sunset the snow monsters are lit with colorful lights.

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Visitor information

Getting there

Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata, then a bus to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. The whole trip from Tokyo is about 3 hours 30 minutes.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is a 15-minute walk from the bus terminal; from there, take 2 ropeways to Jizo Summit Station.

Hours and fees can change. Please check the official website before you go.

Good to know

  • The snow monsters appear around mid-February and melt away within weeks once spring winds arrive.
  • After sunset, the snow monsters are lit with colorful lights.
  • During the Snow Monster Festival, skiers carry torches down the slopes between the snow monsters.

Tips for Muslim visitors

  • The Zao Ropeway takes you to the top of Mt. Jizo to see the snow monsters. You do not need to ski or snowboard to ride it.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times, and carry a travel prayer mat and a qibla app.
  • Plan your visit around prayer times. Below are today's prayer times for Yamagata and the verified places to pray nearby.
  • Food stalls and shops near popular sights usually do not have halal certification. Check the ingredients, or choose from the verified places on this site.

Prayer times in Yamagata

Today (5 Nov 2026)

  1. Fajr04:28
  2. Sunrise06:08
  3. Dhuhr11:24
  4. Asr14:13
  5. Maghrib16:35
  6. Isha18:05

Times are calculated for Yamagata City. Times may differ elsewhere in Yamagata.

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Places to pray near Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo)

We have not verified a place to pray near here yet. Many large stations, airports and department stores in Japan have prayer rooms.

How to find a place to pray in Japan →

Halal food near Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo)

We have not verified a halal restaurant near here yet. Until then, these guides can help you choose food safely:

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Photo: Suz-b, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sources (Checked 5 Nov 2026): japan.travel, tohokukanko.jp