【Guide】Winter is the time to travel to Tohoku - Japan Three Great Tree Ice + α? A journey through the mysterious ice and snow scenery

Tohoku is not only cold in winter. Surrounded by clear air, a superb view that can be encountered only in this season when the world of white and silver spreads is waiting. Let's go on a special trip unique to winter with the fantastic scenery of snow (revised 2022 article) (Photo: "Ice on Mt. Moriyoshi" in Akita Prefecture)

Accepting beginners and families, the "Three Great Tree Ice in Japan"

The ice of Mt. Hakkoda (Aomori Prefecture), Mt. Moriyoshi (Akita Prefecture), and Zao (Yamagata Prefecture), which are considered to be the three largest tree ice in Japan, all reach their peak season from January to February. All of these tree ice forms on the blue-eyed pine, so there is not much difference in the basic appearance. So, which ice spot should you choose as your destination?

Ropeways and gondolas run from the foot of the mountain to the area where the ice spreads, so families can access them with peace of mind. In addition, there is a rest house and boots rental, so you don't need any special equipment to enjoy it.

You might be thinking, "Is that a ski resort?" There are certainly ski trails, but the "Three Great Ice Trees in Japan" is a spot visited by many general tourists. At the ropeway platform, tourists without skis are lining up.

■Aomori Prefecture "Hakkoda Tree Ice"|After enjoying the rough tree ice experience, curry and hot springs

Mt. Hakkoda is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan and is one of the world's heaviest snowfall areas in winter. Here, you can experience the powerful tree ice up close. From Sanroku Station, take the "Hakkoda Ropeway" to the summit park station at an altitude of 1,314 meters in about 10 minutes. In winter, it runs every 15-20 minutes from 9:00~15:40.

"Snow Monster" that changes its appearance depending on the weather

If the weather is good, you can get a panoramic view of the tree ice called "Snow Monster" during the ropeway ride. However, on days with thick fog or snowstorms, visibility is poor and you may not be able to see clearly. However, it is not uncommon in the mountains in the middle of winter. Even if the weather is affected, if you arrive at the summit park station, there is an area where you can admire the ice up close after a short walk. If you're worried about your feet, you can borrow a pair of boots for free.

However, take all possible measures to protect yourself from the cold. A staff member at the Aomori Prefecture Tokyo Office advises based on his own experience, "It's unbelievably cold when you go outside the station building, and some people are in a hurry to get back. In addition, according to the staff of the Hakkoda Ropeway, it is an area with severe cold so much that "there are many people who do not go outside the station building for the purpose of riding the ropeway."

If you go further, you will find ski and snowboard trails spread out between the ice fields. If you take a tour with a local guide, you can also enjoy gliding while looking at the fantastic tree ice.  However, we are reminded that "we want you to avoid acting alone from the top of the mountain" (Hakkoda Ropeway). This is also the place where the movie "Hakkodayama" was set.

The best time to see the ice is from around January 10 to the end of February. There is no particular deadline for viewing, but as spring approaches and the number of sunny days increases, the snowfall decreases and the ice begins to melt. In addition, yellow sand is blown by the monsoon wind, and when the snow turns yellow, it is a sign that the season is over.

A dish you want to taste at the foot of the mountain

present Restaurants at the foot of the mountain offers three types of curry, and you can feel the commitment to curry. The most popular is the "Scallop Curry (1,100 yen)" with fried scallops from Aomori Prefecture. The crispy scallop curry is a must-try dish. The rest house also offers a variety of dishes made with local ingredients. After watching the ice, it is also recommended to warm up with a hot meal.

After watching the ice, go to the famous hot spring and sourgayu hot spring

After enjoying the ice viewing, it is also recommended to warm up your body in the hot springs. According to an official at the Aomori Prefecture Tokyo Office, "After sightseeing on the ice, we went to Sourgayu Onsen, which is famous for its 1,000-person baths for men and women. Although it is an inn, it is also possible to use it for day trips.

There is also an area in the bathhouse that is divided into men and women, and the view is limited due to the hot water smoke. There are bathing clothes and women-only hours, so you can use it with confidence." Why don't you warm up your cold body in the famous hot water?

【Ropeway Fee】
・Adults: 2,200 yen round trip (1,400 yen one way)
・ Children: 700 yen round trip (450 yen one way)
・Infants before entering elementary school: Free of charge

【Local Access】
・From JR Aomori Station, take the JR bus towards Sourgayu Onsen Station and get off at Hakkoda Ropeway Station in about 80 minutes. It takes about 15 minutes by bus from the site to "Sourgayu Onsen Station".
・ From "Aomori Airport", a flat-rate taxi (Aomori taxi) is convenient. To Hakkoda Ropeway Station, 7,000 yen for a regular car (capacity 4 people) and 9,500 yen for a jumbo (capacity 9 people). Reservations are required for Jumbo.

■Akita Prefecture "Moriyoshi Mountain Tree Ice"|Smart Tree Ice Sightseeing Spot

The tree ice on Mt. Moriyoshi in Akita Prefecture is also a "snow monster". If each region were to give it a name such as "Moriyoshiyama Snow Mon Star," which is like a regional collective trademark, the recognition of the ice would increase even more.

Ani Gondola "Moriyoshiyama Tree Ice"

To view the ice on Mt. Moriyoshi, first take the "Ani Gondola" with a capacity of 6 people and go from the foot of the mountain to the summit station at an altitude of 1,167 m (about 20 minutes). A 5-minute walk from the summit station, you will arrive at the ice colony "Juhihira" that spreads at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Here, you can go around the well-maintained viewing course for about 20 minutes and enjoy the powerful tree ice up close. In addition, boots, snowshoes, and stocks can be rented free of charge at the summit station, so you can get equipped and walk around comfortably.

The ice viewing period of Mt. Moriyoshi is from January 7 ~ March 5, 2025. The gondola runs continuously from 9:00~16:00 and is used by many skiers. In addition, every Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays in February, a night tour "Night Tree Ice Viewing Party" (about 40 minutes between 17:30 ~ 19:30) is held, and (advance reservation) If the weather is good, you can enjoy the collaboration between the starry sky and the tree ice.

Even if the name recognition is modest, the acceptance system is substantial

"Although it is not well known among the three major tree ice in Japan, it has a very well-established reception system. On the Tree Ice Flats Course, you can enjoy the powerful tree ice up close," says the Kitaakita City Tourism Products Association.

【Ani Gondola Ride Fare】
・Adult: 2,000 yen round trip (1,400 yen one way)
・ Children: 900 yen round trip (600 yen one way)

【Night Tree Ice Appreciation Party Participation Fee】
・Adults: 4,000 yen
・ Children: 2,500 yen or less * Free for children under 2 years old

【Local Access】
・From JR Takasu Station, take the Akita Inland Railway for about 60 minutes and get off at Aniai Station. From "Aniai Station", it takes about 30 minutes by Moriyoshiyama excursion group taxi (reservation) to "Ani Ski Resort".
・ From "JR Kakunodate Station", get off at "Aniai Station" in about 80 minutes. Ibid hereafter.
・From JR Takasu Station or Odate Noshiro Airport, take a Moriyoshiyama tour group taxi (reservation required) to Ani Ski Resort in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

■Yamagata Prefecture "Zao's Tree Ice"|Superb view to enjoy at a vast ski resort

Zao is located in the Ou Mountains, which straddles the border between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. It is also well known throughout the country.　The ice on Mt. Hakkoda and Mt. Moriyoshi was called the "Snow Monster". Zao seems to have the name "Ice Monster", and you can see it on flyers and websites.

The Zao Onsen Association says, "The tourism association calls it the Snow Monster, and the Ice Monster is used by Professor Yanagisawa (currently Professor Emeritus) of Yamagata University, who is researching tree ice in Zao." Professor Emeritus Yanagisawa is a leading expert in tree ice research, and his research results have warned against air pollution and global warming.

What is the difference between "Snow Monster" and "Ice Monster"?

The ice on Mt. Hakkoda and Mt. Moriyoshi is called "Snow Monster", but in Zao you may see the expression "Ice Monster". Regarding this name, which is also used in flyers and official websites, the Zao Onsen Tourism Association says, "Ice monster is a word used by Professor Yanagisawa (currently professor emeritus) of Yamagata University, who is researching tree ice in Zao." Professor Emeritus Yanagisawa is a leading expert in tree ice research, and through his research, he is also sounding the alarm about the effects of air pollution and global warming.

"Ice monster" was an academic term

When I checked with Professor Emeritus Yanagisawa through the Public Relations Office of Yamagata University, I found out that "ice monster" is an academic term that was named in the glaciology community around Showa 40.

Tree ice itself was confirmed as a natural phenomenon in Taisho 3, and the name "tree ice" was established in Taisho 10. Later, in the Showa era, it came to be called "monster", but this expression was prohibited during the war.  After the war, the name "White Monster" in Showa 25 and the "Snow Monster" currently used in Showa 30 became widespread. There may not be many people in the local area who know how this happened.

Zao's Ice Appreciation|Superb view to enjoy at a vast ski resort

Zao's ice viewing area is located in a corner of the Zao Onsen Ski Resort. First, take the Zao Ropeway (Sanroku Line) from Zao Sanroku Station to Jui Kogen Station at an altitude of 1,331m (about 7 minutes). From there, take the summit line to Jizo Summit Station at an altitude of 1,661 meters (about 8 minutes) while looking at the ice that spreads on the slopes.

The main attraction of Zao's ice sightseeing is the nighttime (17:00~21:00) tree ice viewing event. Compared to other areas, it is characterized by a high degree of fulfillment of night tours. The fantastic illumination at night is a special experience.

When I asked Zao Ropeway, they said, "The best time to see the ice is usually from the end of January to the end of February." In other areas, the best time to see it is around the beginning of January, but Zao is characterized by being a little late.

【Ropeway Fee】
< to Juhi Kogen Station>
・Adults: 2,200 yen round trip (1,100 yen one way)
・ Child: 1,100 round trip (600 yen one way)

【Local Access】
Take a direct bus from JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen (about 45 minutes). Or take the airport shuttle liner from Yamagata Airport to Zao Onsen (about 60 minutes).

■Miyagi Prefecture "Miyagi Zao's Tree Ice"|Another Zao can be a day trip from Tokyo

Speaking of "Zao's Tree Ice", Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is widely known, but there is also a tree ice spot on the other side, "Miyagi Zao", which is located on the east side of the Zao mountain range. When I accidentally contacted the town of Zao in Miyagi Prefecture to ask about Yamagata Zao, I was told, "It's famous over there, but Miyagi Zao has dinosaur-like tree ice!"

A unique tour on a snowmobile

The base of "Miyagi Zao" ice sightseeing is "Miyagi Zao Sumikawa Snow Park". Here, we offer tours that incorporate attraction elements while making efficient use of travelers' limited time. Hakkoda uses a ropeway, Moriyoshiyama uses a gondola, and Yamagata Zao uses a ropeway for a vast ski resort.

On the other hand, at Miyagi Zao, the main way to appreciate the ice is the "Ice Tour" where you ride the green snowmobile "Wild Monster" and head to the ice field while enjoying the humorous commentary of the dedicated guide.

For travelers from Tokyo, we recommend a package plan that connects "Sendai Station" and "Sumikawa Snow Park" with a round-trip shuttle bus. On the day of the tour, we departed from Sendai Station (8:20) and enjoyed the tour for 2 hours from around 11:00, and then had lunch at the rest house. Before returning to Sendai Station by bus, enjoy the hot springs and strolls at Tokarita Onsen for about 2:30 p.m., and then return to Sendai Station (around 6:15 p.m.).

In addition, you can choose a plan to play in the snow park until around 16 o'clock without stopping at the hot springs. It is a plan that can be flexibly accommodated by those who want to enjoy skiing and playing in the snow.

【Tree Ice Tour Fee】
< Standard>
・Adults: 5,500 yen ~ 8,500 yen (depending on the season)
・Children: 4,500 yen
< Deluxe >
・Adults: 8,500 yen ~ 11,500 yen (depending on the season)
・Children: 6,500 yen

[Jui-go Pack / Tokarita Onsen Free Shuttle Bus Participation Fee]
・ Each tree ice tour fee + 2,900 yen

【Local Access】
・ From "JR Sendai Station", "Sumikawa Snow Park" is about 2 hours and 10 minutes by shuttle bus.

Akita Prefecture & Iwate Prefecture "Hachimantai Tree Ice"|General tourists not accepted

So far, we have introduced the "Three Great Tree Ice in Japan", but here we will introduce Hachimantai, which straddles Akita and Iwate Prefectures, as the fourth tree ice. What made me aware of its existence was a word from a staff member of Zao Town. "Hachimantai also has dinosaur-like tree ice, but it's hard to get in," he says.

The decisive difference between Hachimantai's ice and the three major ice trees is that it is located in a harsh location that does not accept general tourists. Like the "Three Great Trees of Japan", there are no ropeways or gondolas from the foot of the mountain, so you cannot visit casually.

Access from the Akita Prefecture side|The steepness of choosing a person who walks even if there is danger in distress

If you are heading from the Akita side, you will first go up the slopes on the lift at Hachimantai Ski Resort, and then walk about 5 km further through the snowy mountains to finally reach the ice field. According to the Hachimantai Branch of the Nature Park Foundation, "it takes three hours one way." If you still want to make it to the heavens, you must join a tour of the group or be accompanied by a local guide.

"In February, the mountaineering association puts up bamboo poles with ribbons on the course, and it is dangerous if you deviate from that route. If the weather is good, you're lucky, and if it's a whiteout, you won't even be able to see the ribbon." The mysterious Hachimantai tree ice that can only be encountered in a harsh environment. To see it, you need to be well prepared and prepared.

Access from the Iwate Prefecture side|Tour and guide accompaniment are mandatory

It is possible to aim for the Hachimantai tree ice from the Iwate Prefecture side, but it is essential to participate in a tour and be accompanied by a local guide.  The route is to go to a point that can be reached by car from Appi Kogen, and from there you can change to a snowmobile. After going to the snowmobile area, we will climb the snowy mountain on foot and aim for the ice field. In addition, Appi Kogen Nature School conducts Tour V, which departs at 7 a.m. and returns around 4 p.m. In addition, the Hachimantai City Tourism Association also introduces mountain guides.

【Local Access】
<Akita Hachimantai>
・About 30 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway "Kazuno Hachimantai IC".
<Iwate Hachimantai>
・From Iwate Hanamaki Airport, take a reserved bus to Appi Kogen (about 1 hour and 20 minutes).
・From Odate Noshiro Airport, take a reserved bus to Appi Kogen (about 1 hour and 40 minutes).
・ From "JR Morioka Station", take a local bus to "Appi Kogen" (about 1 hour).

■Zao's tree ice|Tree ice is in danger of disappearing due to global warming

Zao's "Aomori Todo Pine" has become thinner and thinner due to insect damage that occurred in 2013 and 2016, and the forest is decreasing. According to a study by Yamagata University, the cause of this insect damage is global warming, and it is predicted that tree ice may completely disappear by the end of this century.

The Zao Onsen Tourism Association says, "Tourists are surprised to see the ice field, but from the perspective of the locals, it is clear that the ice is decreasing.

The spectacular winter scenery may also be lost in the future. It is becoming increasingly important to know the effects of global warming and raise awareness of environmental issues in order to protect tree ice.

Rapid increase in the number of Chinese tourists|Concerns about tourism pollution

Currently, Zao is visited by many Chinese tourists. It has been pointed out that the Great Wall of China and other valuable tourism resources in China are also deteriorating due to the impact of a large number of tourists. In Japan as well, it is necessary to disseminate appropriate manners and take protective measures so that precious nature and cultural properties are not damaged by irresponsible behavior by tourists visiting Japan. I can only hope that Japan's precious treasure of tree ice will be protected by future generations.