Up in the mountains of Yonezawa lies a tunnel of wonders! In the Kuriko Tunnel which connected the cities of Yonezawa and Fukushima on the expressway back in the Meiji period, ice structures resembling The Hattifatteners from Moomin sprout from the ground! Also known as ice trolls, these icicles take shape when water freezes after dripping from the ceiling and they can even grow to 3 meters tall! Put on your snowshoes and enjoy a tour led by a local guide who will explain the Meiji period’s forestry technology, wildlife tracks and many more as you head to the tunnel! forming a picturesque scenery that can only be seen during winter.
Beginners are also welcome! You can also enjoy local Yonezawa cuisine for lunch with the bentos prepared by locals!
We hope to see you there!
Dates
24th February, 2nd March, 9th March 2024 (Saturdays)
Registration
You may sign up for a tour with the Yamagata Okitama Tourism Portal Site
Participant Limit: 16 per date (Minimum of 6 to proceed)
* Children below elementary school age are not allowed to join.
* Sign ups close 7 days before the tour date chosen, at 5:00pm.
Fee
8,000 yen
Fee is inclusive of: two-way transport from Yonezawa Station to the mountain entrance carpark, guide fee, insurance, lunch
Things to bring: Trekking boots or long boots, snowshoes, trekking poles, helmet, warm clothing, warm gloves, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, food provisions, towels and any other necessities
Snowshoe, trekking pole and helmet rental are available for 2,000 yen
Schedule
Meeting point: JR Yonezawa Station East Exit square
8:00 am Gather at JR Yonezawa Station East Exit square, board bus
8:10 am Michi no eki Yonezawa 7 Eleven stop
8:40 am Depart from mountain entrance carpark, trekking begins (est. 120 minutes)
11:00 am Arrive at Kuriko Tunnel, icicle viewing and lunch
12:00 pm Depart from Kuriko Tunnel, Descent (est. 90~120 minutes)
2:00 pm Arrive at mountain entrance carpark
2:50 pm Michi no eki Yonezawa 7 Eleven stop
3:00 pm Dismissal at JR Yonezawa Station East Exit square
Contact
Michi no eki Yonezawa Tourism Information Center
TEL: 0238-40-8400
