Introducing Winter in Zao, Yamagata! If you're looking for a place to experience the natural beauty of Japan, and at the same time looking to relax, then Well, if so, the Zao, Yamagata is the place for you! "【winter】STAY YAMAGATA JAPAN DAY1 -ZAO-" is a video introducing winter in Zao, and was created by STAY YAMAGATA. This article will introduce recommended sightseeing destinations, and delicious gourmet cuisine in Zao. The video, overflowing with the charms of Zao, is a must-see! The video shows a couple visiting Japan, and enjoying a fulfilling day in the white winter of Zao, Yamagata. We hope it'll inspire you to take your own trip to Zao. Introducing the Zao Mountain Range! Source :YouTube screenshot The Zao mountain range (蔵王連峰, Zao-Renpou), situated in the Ou Mountains (奥羽山脈, Ou-sanmyaku) of north-eastern Japan, is a popular area to enjoy the brilliant colors of each season. The Zao mountain range is famous as the mecca of winter sports. It has skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiles, and more, and people, from not just Japan, but all over the world, come to Zao for these experiences. In the video, the couple visits the Zao mountain range during winter. Let’s see what Zao has in store for them! Zao, Yamagata: Experience the Great Outdoors Blanketed in Pure-White Snow ©Koichi_Hayakawa Modifying In Zao, Yamagata, there are numerous areas where you can enjoy the beauty of nature. One thing you definitely have to try is the Zao Ropeway (蔵王ロープウェイ, Zao ropu-uei). Using the Zao Ropeway, you can view the gorgeous winter scenery from up high. We HIGHLY recommend trying this. In the video, the couple is shown visiting this area as well. Equipment is available for rent, and you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the deep snow. This can be seen at 0:21 in the video, . The couple seems to be highly satisfied with their sightseeing experience in Zao. There's also the winter-only Juhyo Illumination (樹氷ライトアップ, Juhyo raito-appu). You'll be captivated by the fantastical sight of the frost-covered trees created by the fallen snow. This place is not only unquestionably Insta-worthy, but is also certain to provide memories that will last a lifetime. This is introduced from 2:15 in the video. Photo：Zao Echo Line Our next recommendation is the Zao Echo Line (蔵王エコーライン, Zao eco-rain) connecting Yamagata and Miyagi. During winter and spring walls of snow up to 10 meters high can be seen here, and in the fall, you can see breathtaking views dyed in red and yellow. If you're looking to experience the changing of the seasons, definitely visit the Zao Echo Line. There's also the volcanic lake and crater Okama (御釜, Okama), the Takimidai Falls Lookout (滝見台展望台, Takimidai-tenboudai), Komakusa Daira (駒草平, Komakusa-daira), Katsutadake (刈田岳, Katsutadake), and more; There's so much to do in Yamagata! Places to Relax in Zao, Yamagata If you're looking to relax in Zao, Yamagata, then you'll definitely want to stop by the onsen. Start by putting on a yukata while savoring some delicious food. After that, enjoy unwinding in the exceptional baths of Zao Onsen (蔵王温泉, Zao onsen). The quality of the springs will relieve you of all the fatigue from your travels. From 1:29 in the video, the couple can be seen checking in to the Zao International Hotel (蔵王国際ホテル, Zao kokusai hoteru), then sinking into the waters of the onsen. For foreign visitors, visiting a Japanese communal bath will make for a unique experience. Beyond that, there are also many more places to relax in Zao, Yamagata, such as the Zao Fox Village (キツネ村, Kitsune-mura) and Zao Kattamine Shrine (蔵王刈田嶺神社, Zao kattamine-jinja). Local Cuisine in Zao, Yamagata Photo：Genghis Khan The dish we recommend trying in Zao, Yamagata is called "Genghis Khan" (ジンギスカン, Jingisukan). Genghis Khan hot-pot (ジンギスカン鍋, Jingisukan-nabe) with meat seasoned using sweet miso sauce is to die for! No trip is complete without trying some delicious cuisine from the local area. From 2:02 in the video, the couple can be seen digging into Genghis Khan. It's hard to beat deliciously cooked meat and fresh beer! Zao is famous for its cherries during summer. That being said, if you're looking to come to Japan during the warmer months, Zao is still a great place to visit. Summary of Zao, Yamagata Zao is full of amazing destinations, and this is proven by the couple’s enjoyment of various sightseeing spots throughout the video. We hope we've piqued your interest in Zao. Winter in Zao is the perfect fit for those looking to enjoy nature. Are you packing your bags yet? 【Official Website】Yamagata Prefecture, Yamagata City Municipal Office Homepage https://www.city.yamagata-yamagata.lg.jp/

Introducing ZAO Onsen Ski Resort This video, titled "ZAO Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort" introduces the slopes of ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. It was released by the "Yamagata City Tourism Association." As an individual snow resort, it is the largest ski resort in Japan, with many people visiting from inside and outside of Japan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Feel refreshed by gliding through the magnificent nature of the Zao Mountain Range. If you want to experience an unforgettable skiing trip, ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, is what you're looking for. How to Enjoy ZAO Onsen Ski Resort Photo：ZAO Onsen Ski Resort ZAO Onsen ski resort is located in Yamagata city, Yamagata prefecture (Tohoku district). The video around shows one of their slopes called “Uenodai slope” at around 1:52. There's also “Nakamori slope” (video 3:28), and “Yokokura slope”(video 6:11) that you can access via the “Zao Sky cable” or “Zao central ropeway” which is introduced in the video around 2:20. The “Yokokura Wall” (video 6:42) is known for its steep incline of 38° and is popular among experienced skiers and snowboarders. ZAO Onsen Ski Resort also has the Zao Jumping Platform in Yamagata City, a jumping stadium authorized by the FIS (International Ski Federation). Zao Jizoson (蔵王地蔵尊), Zao Gongen(蔵王大権現), and Zao Daikokuten(蔵王大黒天), known as the three great gods of Zao, are enshrined in the mountains of Zao, which was once a sacred place for mountain worship and are a must-see. The video introduces them around 9:07. Stay at ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata City, a Popular Tourist Destination Year Round! The Onsen at Zao Onsen Ski Resort was discovered and developed by Kibino Tagayu 1900 years ago and is an acidic sulphur spring. It's also called a beauty spring because it revitalizes blood vessels and cultivates beautiful skin. In the hot springs town (温泉街), there are large public baths, day spas, and footbaths that can be used casually. You can also book a room at popular inns and hotels such as Takamiya or Omiya Ryokan, and enjoy the famous hot springs. Information on Zao Onsen is shown in the video from 9:35. Don’t miss out on the gourmet foods, such as Yamagata's famous rice flowers and konjac when you visit Zao. Summary of ZAO Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture Photo：Zao Onsen ski resort and ice on trees As you can see in the video, ZAO Onsen Ski Resort, one of the largest snow resorts in Tohoku, is attractive because of its powdery snow and spectacular views of ice fields. People enjoy taking in the beautiful scenery while skiing on the powdery snow. ZAO Onsen Ski Resort is also open at night and the ski resort is lit up so you can stay overnight and enjoy an entire day skiing! We also recommend visiting ZAO Onsen Ski Resort using a bus tour plan. There are websites and live cameras that allow you to check the weather, snow coverage, prices for a lift ticket and rental gear before you visit as well. 【Official Website】ZAO Onsen Ski Resort http://www.zao-ski.or.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】ZAO Onsen Ski Resort https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023191-d1425459-Reviews-Yamagata_Zao_Onsen_Ski_Resort-Yamagata_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Yamagata's Traditional Craft "Yamagata Casting" Introductory Video This video "TEWAZA yamagata casting（手技TEWAZA「山形鋳物」）" was created by "Dentoukougei Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸青山スクエア). In this 4 minute long video, they introduce Yamagata casting, including the history, unique characteristics, and manufacturing process. We hope you enjoy taking a look at the incredible skills of the craftsmen and the intricately designed items they create in this video. Yamagata Casting - A Traditional Craft Photo：tea kettle Yamagata casting is a traditional Japanese craft that dates back to the Heian Period (794 AD-1185 AD) when casting craftsmen found that the soil quality in the surrounding area was suitable for creating ironware. Many of the chagama (tea kettles) used nowadays in Japanese tea ceremony are made with Yamagata casting. You can see some of these tea kettles from 0:12 in the video. The thin, delicate Yamagata casting is currently being used in the production of traditional crafts such as Nambu Ironware (南部鉄器), iron kettles, and copperware, as well as building materials and machinery parts. The Yamagata Casting Process Source :YouTube screenshot The Yamagata casting process starts with creating a mold. You can take a look at this from 0:28 in the video. Once the overall design has been decided, a mold is then created using sand and clay from Yamagata prefecture. The design that appears on the surface of the casting is first drawn on washi paper (和紙) which is then used to trace or imprint the design onto the mold. From 2:08 in the video, you can see the molten iron as it's poured into the mold, a process called "Ikomi" (鋳込み). It is then cooled and then removed from the mold, through a process known as "Katadashi" (型出し) in Japanese. Finally, the item may be finished with a coating of lacquer, color application or left unglazed. The finished product, a beautiful tea kettle, can be seen from 3:29 in the video. Yamagata Casting Makes the Perfect Gift! Source :YouTube screenshot Many items other than the traditional Kyusu (急須, traditional Japanese teapot) and tea kettles can be made with Yamagata casting. In recent years, various kitchenware such as glasses and teapots as well as more traditional Japanese kitchen items like modern Sukiyaki pots, called "Sukiyaki Nabe" or Japanese kettles called "Yakan" are being made via the same process. If you're looking for a gift for a special someone, why not take a look at the beautifully designed Yamagata casting items on sale at the store "GASEN" (雅山)? Yamagata Casting Culture and Manufacturing Process Summary The history, techniques of the craftsmen, and manufacturing process of Yamagata casting has been compressed into this 4 minute long video. If you're interested in Japanese culture, we highly recommend taking a look at the amazing craftsmanship featured in the video. Every item is like a work of art! If you like what you see, consider taking a trip to Yamagata prefecture and see the real thing up close!

自然が生み出す絶景「蔵王の樹氷」をご紹介！ 日本にはさまざまな名所があります。 その中でも幻想的な景色を楽しめる場所に旅行したいと思っている方は多いと思います。 そのような方々に、山形県の蔵王の樹氷をおすすめします。 この記事では、「Saha Entertainment TV」が公開した「[4K] 絶景蔵王の樹氷 Amazing Ice Monsters」をもとに、日本のおすすめの観光地である蔵王の樹氷の魅力や、おすすめのインスタ映えスポットの情報などを説明します。 「蔵王の樹氷」が生み出す自然の美しさ 蔵王の樹氷は、山形の蔵王連峰にある植物に雪が凍り付き、固まったものです。 東北地方の奥羽山脈（飯豊連峰、朝日連峰、月山、鳥海山など）でしか確認されておらず、とても珍しい自然美を堪能することができます。 見ごろは、1月の下旬から3月の上旬です。 この時期には樹氷のライトアップイベントも行われているので、夜の幻想的な蔵王の樹氷を楽しめます。 このように、蔵王の樹氷は他では見ることができない美しい絶景を楽しめるので、自然を楽しみたい方にはおすすめの観光地です。 「スノーモンスター」や「アイスモンスター」とよばれる蔵王の樹氷を思う存分、鑑賞しましょう。 日本の観光地である「蔵王の樹氷」は幻想的な景観を楽しめる 日本の観光地である蔵王の樹氷は、幻想的な景観を楽しむことができます。 昼の太陽の光によるデイライト樹氷は、自然の光と特徴的な形の樹氷が融合して、少し変わった美しい風景を楽しむことができます。 夜のライトアップでは、色彩が鮮やかな光によって樹氷が浮かびあがり、幻想的な景色を堪能できるでしょう。 蔵王の樹氷は、昼と夜で幻想的な景色を見ることができる素晴らしい場所です。 日本の観光地である「蔵王の樹氷」を見るのにおすすめのエリア 日本の観光地である蔵王の樹氷は、自然の景色を満喫できるスポットがたくさんあります。 温泉街からのれるロープウェイは、大きな窓から樹氷を見ることができるのでおすすめです。 ゆったり座りながら鑑賞できるのもポイントです。 ロープウェイの山頂駅も人気スポット。 駅から降りた瞬間に広大な樹氷が目の前に広がっています。 展望台では樹氷原を一望できるので、ぜひ訪ねてみてください！ 絶景「蔵王の樹氷」のまとめ 他では見ることができない蔵王の樹氷。 ぜひ現地でアイスモンスターと呼ばれる絶景をご覧になってみてください。 その幻想的な景色と迫力を思う存分、楽しみましょう！