A Mysterious Spectacle! Nature’s Frozen Masterpiece — “Ice Trolls”
Hidden deep in the mountains lies a breathtaking winter-only phenomenon known as “Ice Trolls” — towering ice formations created by nature itself.
During the Meiji era, Kuriko Pass, part of National Route 13, was opened using cutting-edge engineering under the direction of Michitsune Mishima, the first governor of Yamagata Prefecture. This vital route once connected Yonezawa and Fukushima and was named Bansei Road.
Today, along the abandoned old road, a tunnel that has long finished its role reveals a rare winter miracle.
Only during the coldest months, water dripping from the ceiling freezes and gradually forms massive ice structures known as ice stalagmites, affectionately nicknamed “Ice Trolls.”
The interior of the tunnel becomes a true ice cavern, filled with these mysterious frozen sculptures — a sight that feels almost otherworldly.
Enjoy Yonezawa’s local cuisine while a knowledgeable local guide leads you to this mystical scenic spot:
the Ice Troll Cave of Kuriko Tunnel.
Departure Dates
February 20 (Fri), 23 (Mon), 27 (Fri), 2026
March 7 (Sat), 14 (Sat), 2026
This is a day-trip tour.
Tour Price
Adults: 8,000 yen (tax included)
The price includes:
- Round-trip transportation
(Yonezawa Station ⇄ trailhead parking area) - Local guide fee
- Lunch
- Travel insurance
Transportation to the meeting point is not included.
Participants must be elementary school age or older and physically able to hike in snowy mountains for approximately 5 hours.
Tour Conductor
None
A local guide will accompany the group on-site.
Minimum Participants
6 people per departure date
Meals
Lunch included
Itinerary
Yonezawa Station East Exit Plaza
(around 8:00 AM)
→ Roadside Station Yonezawa (8:10 AM)
→ Trailhead Parking Area (8:40 AM)
→ Trekking Start (approx. 150–180 min)
→ Kuriko Tunnel Arrival (around 11:30 AM)
→ Ice Troll Viewing & Lunch
→ Depart Kuriko Tunnel (12:00 PM)
→ Return Trekking (approx. 90–120 min)
→ Trailhead Parking Area (2:00 PM)
→ Roadside Station Yonezawa (2:50 PM)
→ Yonezawa Station East Exit (around 3:00 PM)
Transportation will be by jumbo taxi or microbus.
Taxi company: Tsuji Taxi or equivalent.
Important Notes
- Please prepare proper winter trekking clothing and gear suitable for snowy mountain conditions.
Temperatures may fall below −10°C (14°F).
No clothing rental is available. - Rental equipment is available for snowshoes, trekking poles, and helmets.
Rental fee: 2,000 yen (advance inquiry required). - For safety reasons, participants with insufficient equipment or poor physical condition may be refused participation on the day of the tour.
No refunds will be issued after the tour has started. - Entering the tunnel is strictly prohibited due to safety concerns.
Ice Troll viewing is conducted from the tunnel entrance only. - In case of severe weather, the tour may be canceled or the itinerary changed at the guide’s discretion.
If access to the Ice Trolls is not possible, an alternative winter walk around Saginjo Ruins will be conducted.
(Ice Trolls will not be visible in this case.) - There are no restrooms along the route.
A portable toilet carried by the guide will be used if necessary.
【Inquiries】
Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa General Tourist Information Center
TEL: +81-238-40-8400
