At Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort in Yonezawa, you can enjoy winter sports right up until spring!

Located in the Tohoku region of Japan, Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture is a region rich in nature with distinct seasonal changes. In winter, the whole place turns into a world of silver, allowing you to enjoy a variety of snow activities. Only two hours away from Tokyo by Shinkansen, you can enjoy winter sports along with gourmet food such as Yonezawa beef and hot springs, making it the perfect place to fully enjoy winter in Japan.

In this article, we will introduce Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort, the largest ski resort in Yonezawa City.

The Charm of Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort

Powder snow that can be enjoyed for a long period of time and a variety of courses

Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort, with its slopes stretching from 1,350m to 1,820m above sea level, boasts some of the finest powder snow in Honshu. The ungroomed powder zone is always open to the public. The fresh snow is so light and fluffy you can't even make a snowman on it, and it's a skiing experience you'll want to try at least once.

Another feature of the prefecture is its long season, meaning you can enjoy winter sports for an extended period from late November to early May.

Located close to 2,000m-class mountains, the slopes have a variety of courses that make use of the natural surroundings, and the variety is sure to keep beginners and advanced skiers entertained. Skiing down the 6km course from an altitude of 1,820m, you'll be able to feel the fresh air of nature with your whole body.

Views from the ropeway and observation deck

The Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort slopes can be accessed by ropeway from the parking lot at an altitude of 920m. If you're lucky, you might even encounter a wild serow while enjoying the magnificent panoramic view from the ropeway. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the distant mountains, and you'll be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view.

Ropeway operating hours: 8:20-17:00 (8:00 on weekends and holidays)
*Opening hours may change depending on the weather. If the ropeway is not in operation, you will have to walk down the mountain. Thank you for your understanding.

A group of frost-covered trees at an altitude of 1,800m

High altitude and unique climate. A rare and spectacular sight created by the combination of multiple natural conditions is the "frost-covered trees" also known as "snow monsters." Trees that grow naturally on the mountains are gradually covered in layers of snow, growing into bizarre snow art. Places where all the conditions for frost-covered trees are met are rare worldwide, and they can hardly be seen outside of Japan. Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is famous in Japan, but here at the Tengendai Plateau, at an altitude of 1,800m, you can see unique frost-covered trees called "toothbrush frost-covered trees." Looking out over the fantastical frost-covered trees from an altitude of 1,820m, you'll feel as if you've entered a fantasy world.
*Please note that due to the recent rise in temperature and other weather conditions, it may not be possible to see the frost-covered trees.

Not just skiing and snowboarding! A wide variety of tours for both children and adults

Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort offers many guided tours for enjoying the snowy mountains, and there are many other ways to enjoy the area besides winter sports. Here we will introduce some of the main tours.

*Due to the recent rise in temperature and weather conditions, tours may end early or be canceled, so we recommend that you apply early. Please contact Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort for information on the status of each tour.

Go on a snow groomer! Snowy mountain adventure tour (with guide)

Hop on a snow groomer, a vehicle specially designed for preparing the slopes, and explore the vast snowy world! Enjoy the rare opportunity to see the view from a snow groomer, and even watch some animals.

[Guests only] Night tour to view frost-covered trees (guided)

The night tour, which takes you out to the slopes at night on a snow-groomed vehicle, is only available to guests staying overnight. The illuminated frost-covered trees at night have a different, mystical look than they do during the day. If you want to make the most of your time in the Tengendai Highlands in winter, this is a tour you definitely can't miss.

For more tours and activities, click here

Accommodation

There are several accommodations and hot springs around Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort, so you can wash off the sweat and relax right after enjoying winter sports. Another great thing about staying overnight is that you can get a special discount on lift tickets.

Alb Tengendai

Located at the entrance to the slopes, Alb Tengendai is the perfect base for skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy the Tengendai Highlands for an overnight stay. The guest rooms are Japanese-style rooms (with or without toilets), allowing you to relax after a day on the snowy mountains. Another thing to enjoy is the meals made with local ingredients. Please enjoy the sukiyaki and shabu-shabu made with wagyu beef from Yamagata Prefecture. The facility also has a large public bath filled with natural water from Mt. Nishi-Azuma, perfect for soothing your tired body.

For more information about Alb Tengendai, click here
Phone number: 0238-55-2236

Guest rooms (all Japanese-style rooms)

Large communal bath

front

Pension Village

Pension Village, located near the family course, is an area lined with pensions where you can feel the attention to detail of each owner. There are pensions with Wi-Fi and heated floors, pensions that boast excellent meals, and pensions that allow pets. The relaxing atmosphere and hospitality will warm you up to the core.

Click here for more information about Pension Village

Shirabu Onsen and Shintakayu Onsen

Shirabu Onsen is a 5-minute drive from the ropeway's entrance, and Shintakayu Onsen is a 7-minute drive away. If you want to enjoy winter sports and hot springs at the same time, we recommend staying at a hot spring inn. There are also inns that offer day-trip bathing, so you can easily enjoy the hot springs without staying the night.

For more information about Shirabu Onsen and Shintakayu Onsen, click here

Basic information about Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort

Rates and Rentals

For details on fees, please check the Tengendai Highlands official website .

We also offer rental of ski and snowboard sets, snowshoes, etc. If you bring your own equipment, you can use the lockers and maintenance space on-site.

Opening times

*The ropeway and lift operating hours may change depending on the weather.

access

By car
It takes about 30 minutes to get to Yumoto Ropeway Station from the Yonezawa-Hachimanbara IC or Yonezawa-Kita IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway. The free parking lot around Yumoto Station can accommodate about 300 cars.

If you are traveling by Shinkansen
The most convenient way to get there from Tokyo Station (or Ueno Station) is to take the Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa. It takes about 2 hours to get to Yonezawa Station. From Yonezawa Station, it takes about 50 minutes by bus or 30 minutes by taxi to the ropeway's Yumoto Station.

Purchasing Shinkansen tickets
① If you live in Japan, you can make reservations at the "Midori no Madoguchi" (Green Window) in the station or through the online service "Eki-net." However, all seats on the Tsubasa are reserved, so we recommend making arrangements in advance. The fare for a reserved seat in the regular car is 10,330 yen per adult one way (as of 2024).

②If you are coming from overseas, you can also purchase the pass online before you arrive in Japan. (For more information, please see: https://japanrailpass.net/en/ )

If you take the bus from Yonezawa Station
Please take the bus bound for Shirabu Onsen from Yonezawa Station. You can check the timetable on the following page: https://www.yamakobus.jp/busroute5/yzs1/

If you want to enjoy winter in Japan, head to Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort!

The inland area of the Tohoku region, with its mountain ranges running from north to south and abundant snowfall, is an area that never ceases to attract skiers and snowboarders. Among these, Tengendai Kogen Ski Resort is a hidden gem where you can enjoy high-quality powder snow for a long period of time. Why not stay at a nearby accommodation or hot spring inn and enjoy a trip to Japan in winter?