SNOW MONSTERS (山形蔵王の樹氷) / MT. ZAO / WHERE TO GO IN YAMAGATA PREFECTURE / PINOY ENGINEER IN JAPAN

How to access Zao Onsen from Tokyo By train and bus via Yamagata Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata (2.5 hours, around 11,500 yen, one train per hour) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (40 minutes, 1000 yen, one bus per hour). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is not. By train and bus via Sendai (winter only) Take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (100-130 minutes, around 11,000 yen, frequent departures) and transfer to a bus to Zao Onsen (100 minutes, 1800 yen, one round trip per day, seat reservations required, operates in winter only). The train ride is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass, but the bus ride is not. By direct bus (winter only) During the winter months, there is are direct overnight bus between Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku) and Zao Onsen. The one way journey takes about eight hours and costs 4500 to 8000 yen depending on the travel date. Seat reservations are mandatory.