Zao Onsen Town is a famous town of onsen and ski resort of Yamagada

But our activity today is not skiing or onsen, we come here to see "Snow Monster"

From Yamagada Station, we take East Exit and go down to buy bus ticket to Zao Onsen.

The ticket is 1,000 Yen.

While waiting for the bus, I heard other toursits are talking about round trip ticket which include round trip for bus to Zao Onsen and cable car Zao Rope Way. So I change the ticket as it is cheaper than buy individual ticket.

And we also get a map of the town when we buy the round trip ticket.

The ticket seller explains us about map and direction to the cable car.

There are lockers to keep your back in front of the restroom.

Waiting for the bus at No.1 bus station (outside is very cold)

Zao Onsen Bus timetable

Bus is 5 minutes earlier than schedule. Let's get on the bus first.

During the way to Zao Onsen

Arriving at Zao Onsen

Bus ticket office

You can the return ticket here if you buy individual ticket.

For anyone who does not want to carry their bags, there are lockers service provided at the station.

Returning bus schedule

From the statin, we turn right and walk about 500 metres to Zao Rope Way.

Passing Zao Chuo Rope Way

Here we are Zao Rope Way, let's go inside>>>

You can also buy the ticket here.

I already have the ticket, so I just walk to the Rope Way

While waiting, staff will check and change the ticket for us.

Below is the real round trip ticket for Zao Rope Way.

Let's Go!!!!

There are not too many people on the way up so we have space to take photos.

First stop at 9.50 hrs.

Waiting for the next cable car to go to the next step

View from the second cable car

Here we are JIZO SANCNO STATION, prepare yourself to flight with the cold weather.

Wow..Wow..Wow

The bell

Skiing sign

Buddha Image under the snow

Going by myself

The way to Snow Monster

It is really cold so I get back inside first, it is - 6.1 degree.

For the amulet is 600 Yen

After getting better, I go out and continue taking photo of Snow Monster.

I just realise that I am standing on the top of the tree. It subsidies when I step on.

I walk from there...

Photo from the balcony (It is so windy and very cold)

Let's get back inside, I cannot stand outside anymore...There is a restaurant here too so I order something to eat and sit here for a while.

Order food from the counter and choose your convenience seat

It is a little bit expensive than normal.

This is my menu.

Photo while waiting for the food...Nice and beautiful^^

It is time for me to go...There is only I on the cable car hahaha.

View during first stop

At transferring station the height of 1,340 metres

Ski path

The triangle building which designs to reduce the weigh of the snow.

Another ski path

You can ski down to the bottom, if you like.

I come back to take the cable car down and taking photo from up here is.

Today is such a nice weather.

There are people practicing skiing down there.

After get down, I walk to Pond Shigi no yacht by following the sign of ZAO SHIKINO HOTEL.

I walk to Kinosato but as you can see the snow is quite high and might be more danger if there is a car come. So I decide to walk back.

Wow!!! There is a place for foot onsen (I am sure if it free).

So I walk back to ZAO CHUO ROPEWAY

Waiting for Rope Way to come

I still have some time left so I go to the shrine.

You can stop by for foot onsen here.

Zao Onsen is the oldest hot spring in Japan.

Another onsen

Walking pass the public bathroom and arriving to the entrance of the shrine.

Torii at the entrance of the shrine

I walk until here and walk back because I have to catch the bus.

Get on the bus and choose my seat.

Goodbye with this photo and see you again at Yuzawa Kogen & Gala Yuzawa