Journeys in Japan

Ice Monsters And Warm Hospitality Zao (4x8)

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Juhyo Forest Kanjiki Trekking Tours (Zao Onsen Ski Resort) A mountaineering instructor leads tours through Zao's famous juhyo (ice monster) forest. Participants wear traditional wa-kanjiki snowshoes. Juhyo Illuminations During the winter, the juhyo (ice monsters) are illuminated in the evening with colorful lights. Season: December to mid-March (mostly at weekends). During the full moon, a special Moonlight Walk is held, giving visitors a chance to walk through the ice monsters. For more information about Zao Onsen Ski Resort: Zao Onsen Tourist Association (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) Yamagata City Tourist Association Zao Onsen Located 800 meters above sea level, Zao Onsen has the feel of a traditional hot spring resort. There are 8 hot spring baths in the area where visitors can bathe (note: one is closed in winter). -Shinzaemon-no-yu 905 Zao Onsen-Kawamae, Yamagata City, Yamagata Pref. Lodge Scole This ski lodge has been welcoming visitors for 40 years. It has a cozy atmosphere and English is spoken, making it popular with visitors from other countries. Guests are welcome to bring their dogs. Ski tours in Zao Onsen can be arranged (advance reservations required). Open only during winter months. 746 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Pref. Miyagi Zao Kokeshi Kan (museum) Wooden kokeshi dolls have been made as souvenirs for hot-spring visitors in the Tohoku region for over 150 years. The kokeshi made in Togatta have large heads and slender, cylindrical bodies. This museum in Togatta Hot Spring displays 5,000 kokeshi from many parts of Japan. Visitors can also try to paint their own kokeshi. Admission: 300 yen, 150 yen (junior high or younger) Kokeshi painting: 750 yen Access: 7 minutes on foot from Togatta Onsen Yunomachi bus stop (Miyakoh Bus) Shinchi Kokeshi no Sato This "village" has 10 workshops where traditional kokeshi dolls are made. This is where Kazuo Sato works. The houses here have traditional thatched roofs, giving it the feel o