🍜 Zao Ropeway Restaurant "Summit"

You can easily enjoy the magnificent Zao Juhyo (frost-covered trees) from the "Zao Ropeway." It takes about 17 minutes to transfer between two gondolas from the Zao Sanroku Station to the Jizō Mountain Summit Station, which is located at an altitude of 1,661 meters. At the summit, there is a restaurant called "San-tai," which is open year-round. The restaurant features large glass windows facing the mountain wall, allowing guests to enjoy the stunning views of fresh greenery in spring and summer, autumn foliage, and winter tree ice, all changing with the seasons. For those who want to enjoy the scenery up close, the bar seats by the window are the best choice. The menu offers a rich variety of dishes, from rice to noodles. Among the favorites are the udon and soba noodles with Yamagata's famous "imo-nabe" (potato stew) and the grilled pork bowl made with Yamagata's Sanzen pork, which are full of local flavor. Additionally, there are many convenient one-handed food options, such as konjac balls and Yonezawa beef croquettes. For takeout, the "Juhyo Coffee" brewed with natural Zao water and soft serve ice cream can be enjoyed on the rooftop observation deck while taking in the breathtaking views.

The restaurant located at the end station of the "Zao Ropeway" — Jizō Mountain Top Station. It is a popular spot where you can enjoy the natural beauty of Zao, including snow-covered trees and autumn leaves. The menu features dishes made with Yamagata ingredients and local delicacies. There are also many convenient takeout options that you can enjoy while taking in the views from the terrace on the station's rooftop.