YamagataTravel

Zao Ropeway (蔵王ロープウェイ) Zao Sanroku Station (蔵王山麓駅)

Flow of the course

About 60 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Pray as a family at the 2.34m-tall Jizo statue enshrined right by Jizo-sancho Station

About this spot

This ropeway is the symbol of Zao, connecting Zao Onsen with the summit of Mt. Jizo. Transfer between the Sanroku Line (山麓線), from Zao Sanroku Station (蔵王山麓駅) to Juhyo Kogen Station (樹氷高原駅), and the Sancho Line (山頂線), from Juhyo Kogen Station to Jizo-sancho Station (地蔵山頂駅), for a quick ride up to an elevation of 1,661m. The sea of trees and hot spring town spreading out below, and the mountain ranges stretching into the distance, keep changing as you climb, so kids standing by the window won't have a moment to get bored. The scenery transforms with the seasons — world-famous frost-covered trees (juhyo) in winter, cool relief from summer heat, and autumn foliage — and in the green season you may spot dragonflies and alpine plants. The area around the summit station stays cool even in midsummer, so the temperature difference from the foot of the mountain becomes a fun discovery for kids.

Tips

It's about a 10-minute walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Zao Sanroku Station (蔵王山麓駅), and there is parking in front of the station. The summit can be nearly 10 degrees cooler than the foot of the mountain even in midsummer, so don't forget a jacket for your child. The gondola may suspend operation on windy days, so it's a good idea to check the official website for the day's operating status before heading out.