Travel in Yamagata
Zao Ropeway
Zao Ropeway · 蔵王ロープウェイ
Zao Ropeway offers mountain views from higher up. Travel from Zao Sanroku via Juhyo Kogen to Jizo Sancho.
You can also return from the intermediate Juhyo Kogen Station. Choose the return section according to how far up you want to go.
Zao Ropeway: destinations, operating hours and return fares Official sources Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Jizo Sancho return fares are JPY 4,400 for junior high school age and above and JPY 2,200 for elementary school students. Juhyo Kogen-only return fares are JPY 2,200 and JPY 1,100 respectively.
Opening hours
The Sanroku Line runs 08:30–17:00 and the Sancho Line 08:45–16:45. For a Jizo Sancho return, the last ascent from Sanroku Station departs at 16:00. Weather may suspend operations.
What to see at Zao Ropeway
Mountain views via two ropeway sections
To reach Jizo Sancho, connect two ropeway sections. Take the Sanroku Line to Juhyo Kogen, then change to the Sancho Line. Choose a Juhyo Kogen return ticket if visiting only the intermediate station.
How to get to Zao Ropeway
Take the Z90 Zao Onsen bus from bay 1 outside Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Walk about 10 minutes to Zao Ropeway’s Sanroku Station and take the Sanroku Line. Change at Juhyo Kogen to the Sancho Line for Jizo Sancho. This differs from the roughly five-minute route to Chuo Ropeway’s Onsen Station. Walking times follow the tourism association’s November 2025 map. The adult B ticket for June 13–November 3, 2026 costs JPY 6,600 and includes return buses and ropeways to Jizo Sancho. On November 4, only the return bus ticket is valid. Without the set, reference costs are buses JPY 1,200 each way plus ropeway JPY 4,400, totalling JPY 6,800. For winter, recheck current fares and operating guidance.
Yamako Z90: Yamagata–Zao Onsen weekday and holiday times Zao tourism association November 2025 map: roughly 10-minute Sanroku walk Official Zao Ropeway access Yamako Bus: 2026 Zao B set ticket JPY 6,600, validity period and sales counter Official Yamako foreign-language guide: Zao Onsen JPY 1,200 one way, with current winter notices checked separately
Visiting tips
Find Zao Ropeway’s Sanroku Station
Walk about 10 minutes from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Sanroku Station. This differs from the roughly five-minute route to Chuo Ropeway’s Onsen Station, so check the station name. Walking times follow the tourism association’s November 2025 map.
Zao tourism association November 2025 map: roughly 10-minute Sanroku walk Official Zao Ropeway access
Check descent times as well
For a Jizo Sancho return, check not only the final ascent but also descent times on the Sancho and Sanroku lines. Weather may suspend services; confirm operations on the day first.
Questions about Zao Ropeway
Do I change ropeways to reach Jizo Sancho?
Yes: take the Sanroku Line to Juhyo Kogen, then change to the Sancho Line. Tickets returning only from Juhyo Kogen are also sold, so check the destination when choosing a Jizo Sancho ticket.
Official sources
- Zao Ropeway: destinations, operating hours and return fares ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Yamako Z90: Yamagata–Zao Onsen weekday and holiday times ·
- Zao tourism association November 2025 map: roughly 10-minute Sanroku walk ·
- Official Zao Ropeway access ·
- Yamako Bus: 2026 Zao B set ticket JPY 6,600, validity period and sales counter ·
- Official Yamako foreign-language guide: Zao Onsen JPY 1,200 one way, with current winter notices checked separately ·
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