【January–March】 Skip the long lines! Just take two seamless chairlift rides directly to the starting point of the snow monsters. Without the usual crowds or waiting times of ropeways, you can step straight into a magical, frozen wonderland as soon as you arrive.
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Snow Monster Hiking in Zao - Join-in Day Tour 2026-2027
The Highlight
Key Highlights
- Beginner-Friendly & Safe with a Local Guide Never walked in deep snow before? No problem! Our professional outdoor guide will teach you how to walk on snow and show you the best spots of the day. Solo travelers and first-timers are all warmly welcome!
- Mostly Downhill — Less Strenuous Than Normal Hiking This tour is designed to go mostly downhill, making it much less demanding than standard mountain hiking. You’ll be walking on snow for about 3 hours. There are no steep, grueling ascents, but please bring enough energy and stamina to enjoy walking on snow under your own power
- Beyond Snow Monsters: The Glistening Beech Forest In addition to the famous snow monsters, you'll venture through a quiet, snow-covered forest filled with stunning beech trees glistening under the sunlight. Experience a different, peaceful side of Zao’s winter beauty.
- Free Hot Water Provided for Lunch We provide free hot water during lunch break so you don’t need to carry heavy thermoses! Perfect for enjoying hot cup noodles on the snow to warm you up from the inside. (Note: Lunch will be outdoors on the snow; please bring your own cup noodles/quick meals, as there is no indoor shelter during the break.)
- Free Professional Tour Photos Sent Same-Day Your guide will capture photos of your best smiles and the breathtaking landscapes throughout the tour. We’ll send you the high-resolution photo data on the same day—a perfect souvenir to remember your Zao adventure!
The Experience
In Zao Bodaira, the deep snow, fierce winds, and biting cold come together to create a masterpiece of nature called the “Snow Monsters.” These ice-covered trees are breathtaking works of art that no human could ever replicate. Formed slowly over many days in the harsh winter climate, each snow monster stands as a testament to nature’s power and beauty. Seeing them up close is truly awe-inspiring and attracts visitors not only from across Japan but from all over the world.
Your guide will lead you beyond the Snow Monster field itself. As you walk through the tranquil, snow-covered forest, you will discover a shimmering beech grove glowing under the winter light. This is more than just a snowshoe walk. It is a journey to understand, feel, and connect with the nature of this land, revealing the true essence of Deep Winter Zao.
【Tour Flow】
- After taking two lifts, you will arrive at the ski resort’s summit, the starting point for your snow hike. Put on your snowshoes and stroll among the Snow Monsters, step through soft, powdery snow, and walk under tunnels of frozen trees.
- Sometimes you can even slide down gentle slopes on your bottom and fully enjoy the sparkling white world around you. The course mainly goes downhill, so it requires less physical effort compared to regular mountain hiking.
【Specialized Equipment Included for Your Safety】 All necessary equipment rental fees are included in the tour price.
- Snowshoes: ATLAS Helium (lightweight, high-performance mountain snowshoes)
- Poles: Montbell Fall Line Poles (lightweight backcountry poles)
- Cushion: Outdoor seat pad to keep you warm and comfortable during the lunch break
【Insurance Coverage】 All participants are covered by accident insurance during the tour. You may consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.
- Insurance Provider: Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Event Participant Accident Insurance)
- Accidental Death / Permanent Disability: ¥10,000,000
- Hospitalization (per day): ¥5,000
- Outpatient Treatment (per day): ¥3,000
【Access】
By Public Transportation:
- You can take the free White Echo Shuttle Bus from Kaminoyama Onsen Station. After the tour, you may wait comfortably inside the rest house until the evening return bus departs.
White Echo Bus Timetable (2025 schedule; 2026 version will be updated when available): http://www.zaoliza.co.jp/wntr/43f9978d6bda04f3cd1767a66f5becd7b95899f0.pdf
You can also choose to travel by taxi from Kaminoyama Onsen Station to the meeting point.
- We offer an optional round-trip taxi from Kaminoyama Onsen Station, available for up to 4 passengers.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- English
- Japanese
Itinerary
- 10:00Meet at the Zao Liza World Rest House. ※ Please get ready and gather by 10:15 when the tour briefing will begin.
- 10:30After a short warm-up, take the lift and set off on your adventure! You can already enjoy the view of the Snow Monsters from the lift.
- 11:00At the lift terminal, put on your snowshoes and start exploring the Snow Monster field. Walk through a vast white landscape surrounded by these incredible natural formations.
- 12:00Lunch break in the forest. Enjoy your meal while admiring the breathtaking snow-covered scenery spread out before you.
- 14:00Return to the ski area and disband.
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
Important Requirements & Notes
Physical Fitness Requirement Participants must have the stamina to carry a backpack and walk on snow for 3+ hours under their own power. While your guide is there to support you, you must be able to complete the walk on foot.
What to Bring & Gear Requirements You will be walking in mid-winter snow mountain conditions. Without proper gear, there is a risk of hypothermia or frostbite. For your safety, the guide will inspect your equipment before departure. If you are missing any required items, you may not be able to participate. If you have any questions, please contact us before booking. Required Items
- Warm & Waterproof Clothes: Ski/snowboard wear or waterproof winter jackets/pants. Temperatures can drop below -10°C (14°F), so please dress in very warm layers.
- Winter Boots / Hiking Boots: Waterproof, high-cut boots or winter snow boots. Please wear thick socks (or double socks) so your feet don't slide inside the boot. (Note: Snowboard boots cannot be used as snowshoes cannot be properly attached to them.)
- Beanie / Knit Hat: Must be warm and able to cover your ears.
- Gloves: Warm, waterproof ski gloves or similar. (Note: Cotton gloves, work gloves, or standard wool mittens are NOT allowed as they get wet and let wind through.)
- Backpack: Each participant must bring their own backpack.
- Lunch: Bring extra food such as cup noodles and bread. (We provide free hot water!)
Drinks: Hot drinks in an insulated thermos are recommended. (Plastic water bottles may freeze) Recommended Items
Gaiters: To prevent snow from getting into your boots (Paid rental available).
- Extra Down Jacket or Fleece: Warm outer layer to wear during lunch/rest breaks.
- Thin Gloves / Inner Gloves: Useful for eating lunch without exposing bare hands.
- Hand / Body Warmers (Kairo)
- Sunglasses / Goggles
Important Booking Information
• Please note that as the snow monsters (ice trees) are a natural phenomenon, some ice may have fallen depending on the conditions. • Please arrive punctually at the designated meeting time. • For your safety, the tour may be canceled on the day or during the tour due to severe weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 11 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 10 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)