Within the Mt. Zao scenic area is Zao Onsen (蔵王温泉), a popular hot spring and ski resort. Zao Onsen is especially popular during winter, where the famous "snow monsters" form on the wintery slopes of Mount Zao. Due to the Tohoku region's harsh winters and heavy snowfall, the trees atop Mt. Zao get covered with snow and resemble monstrous-looking frozen sculptures. Many make the trip to Zao Onsen especially to see the snow monsters, which is a unique event that only occurs during February when snowfall is abundant.
Other than the snow monsters, Zao Onsen resort offers several different ski slopes of varying difficulties. Visitors can also utilize the Zao Ropeway to get around, as well as enjoy the mountainside views from above. If you're visiting during winter, make sure not to miss the snow monster illuminations at night — as part of the annual Zao Snow Festival. Festivalgoers enjoy firework displays, illuminations, professional ski and snowboard shows, and many more fun activities.
Chaque hiver, à Zaō Onsen, station de ski très prisée de la préfecture de Yamagata, se produit un phénomène très rare et pour le moins spectaculaire, que l'on appelle jūhyō en japonais: les « monstres de glace ».
Même avec le doux hiver de 2015, les "Monstres de Neige" du Mont Zao sont revenus pour le plus grand plaisir des skieurs et des touristes.
La ville de Zao Onsen se situe dans la préfecture de Yamagata. Le trajet jusqu'à Yamagata Station demande environ 2h50 depuis Tokyo Station, il vous faudra ensuite 40 minutes de bus pour rejoindre la ville thermale.
/140.40171146393,38.170531185844,9/397x132?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoiamFwYW50cmF2ZWxtYXBzIiwiYSI6ImNqbXBtOXYxbDB5Z3ozbHFrazJuYWMwOGYifQ.v15fy_mcFWtgopmz8PhwqA)