With the JR EAST PASS, exploring eastern Japan by Shinkansen is now easier and more affordable. Our travel writer finds out how
Dashing through the snow, we rode through the magical landscape of eastern Japan. Only two hours away from sunny Tokyo, winter had already made a dramatic entrance in Tohoku, providing an entirely different view of the country. Snow-capped mountains rose in the distance, framed by pine trees, fields and homes donning pure-white coats.
This beautiful region of Japan has now opened up thanks to the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) by the East Japan Railway Company, which covers the area of Tokyo all the way to Shin-Aomori on the edge of Hokkaido. Here are seven treasures we uncovered in the reaches of Tohoku.
1. Zao Ropeway
Station: Yamagata
White may not be considered a colour by some, but it is no less astounding – especially when the entire world beneath your feet blanches over. Above, the cables of the ropeway are shrouded in a thick, cold fog, but below, the scenery opens up into a breath-taking white wonderland.
In February, Mount Zao becomes home to a herd of “snow monsters”; during the peak of winter, the trees freeze in the severe winds, forming ice structures that resemble giants migrating up the mountain.
Zao Ropeway, 990-2301 229-3 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.
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