2-Day Tohoku Tour | Ginzan Onsen, Zao Ice Trees, Fox Village, and Onidaira Edo Area | Optional Cable Car Ride + Hot Spring Hotel Accommodation | Departs from Tokyo
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- Explore two popular winter destinations in Yamagata and Miyagi from Tokyo
- Take a cable car ride and enjoy the rare sight of "Hydrome Monsters"
- Experience the dreamy snowy hot springs of Ginzan Onsen, a romantic hot spring resort reminiscent of anime.
- The same hot spring room as "Spirited Away" - Check in at Ginzan Onsen and travel through Hayao Miyazaki's fairy tale world
- Get up close and personal with the adorable Zao Fox Village, a popular check-in spot for internet celebrities.
- Includes one night's accommodation at a selected hot spring hotel, with authentic Japanese dinner and breakfast
- Visit the popular rest spot "Onihira Edo-no-ku" and experience the charm of the Edo period
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, With dinner |
| Accommodation type | Hotel |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Relaxation & Beauty
| Hot spring type | Nude bath house |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
—Itinerary Introduction—
Starting from Tokyo, embark on a two-day exploration of the snowy Tohoku region.
On the first day, we'll visit the dreamlike winter destination, Ginzan Onsen. The retro-style hot spring town, blanketed in snow, resembles a scene from a movie and is a must-visit spot in winter. The popular local bathhouse, Notoya, is the inspiration for Miyazaki Hayao's "Spirited Away."
Spend the night at the renowned Naruko Onsen & Kameya Onsen Hotel in Miyagi Prefecture, relax and enjoy the hot springs and snow, savor a delicious Japanese dinner and breakfast, and experience authentic hot spring accommodation culture.
On the second day, the itinerary will take you to the Zao Snow Forest, known as the "Yeti Forest," where you can take a cable car to admire the breathtaking snow scenery. Afterwards, we will visit the Zao Fox Village to interact and take photos with the adorable foxes. On the return journey, a special stop will be arranged at the popular Edo-style rest stop, Onihira Edo-do-do, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and shopping all in one place.
※ The itinerary order may be adjusted according to weather or traffic conditions to ensure a smooth and safe journey. Thank you for your understanding.
※If the Zao Ropeway is inaccessible due to excessive queues or the facility's refusal to accept reservations, you will be transferred to the Zao Central Ropeway, and the corresponding price difference will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding.
※ Includes cable car ticket (some options) + hot spring accommodation + breakfast and dinner. No need to worry about transportation or tickets, easily experience the essence of winter in Northeast China!
※Fox Village is closed on Wednesdays, or if there are too many visitors and reservations cannot be made or entry is not possible, we will go to the attraction: White Rock Castle; In addition, Fox Village may be temporarily closed on winter days due to daily snowfall or inclement weather, and we will go to White Rock Castle when it is temporarily closed.
【Ginzan Hot Spring Street】
The popular local bathhouse "Notoya" served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." Renowned as a health resort during the Edo period, the streets and alleys still retain their original charm. Strolling through the hot spring town, the greatest pleasure is undoubtedly soaking your feet in the foot baths or using the communal baths. At the entrance to the hot spring town, there's a free "Waraku Foot Bath." After walking in the snow for a while, your feet inevitably get cold; here, you can generously take off your shoes and socks, soak your feet in the hot spring, and enjoy the snowy scenery – truly blissful.
【Tibetan King Tree Ice】
Take the cable car to the foot of Mount Zao, where you can enjoy a clearer view of the stunning ice trees. Experience a 360° panoramic view of the ice trees from inside the cable car! Get up close and personal with the ice trees at the summit! Enjoy a 360° panoramic view from the summit observation deck! Quietly admire the view from the summit restaurant!
※If the Zao Ropeway is inaccessible due to excessive queues or the facility's refusal to accept reservations, you will be transferred to the Zao Central Ropeway, and the corresponding price difference will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding.
- Points to note when viewing tree ice:
1. The shape and appearance of tree ice vary depending on the weather.
2. For customer safety and to protect the ice trees, please view them in the designated area. (Do not cross the safety ropes.)
3. Ice trees are a precious natural phenomenon. Please do not touch them directly.
4. Take precautions against the cold.
5. The cable car may be suspended in case of rain, dense fog, thunderstorms, strong winds, or other adverse weather conditions. Additionally, access to the summit observation deck may be closed. A refund will be issued in the event of a cable car suspension.
Dry Siberian seasonal winds pick up moisture as they pass over the Sea of Japan. The wind then collides with the Aomori pine trees growing near mountain peaks, where it freezes and solidifies, creating a natural work of art. This rare phenomenon can only be seen in Japan’s Tohoku region, particularly in Yamagata and Aomori Prefectures.
Mount Zao is known for its unique climatic conditions and vegetation, which create countless naturally sculpted formations. These formations are covered in snow and ice, forming surreal shapes that resemble “snow monsters,” which is why they are also called Ice Monsters. This phenomenon is rare and can only be seen in Zao in Japan. The massive and beautiful snow monsters of Zao are internationally renowned and considered one of the most iconic winter sights in Japan.
Ride the ropeway for an unobstructed view of the magnificent 'Snow Monsters.' Please note: Should the Zao Ropeway be out of service, we will redirect to the Zao Chuo Ropeway and refund the fare difference. Thank you for your cooperation.
Check into Kameya Onsen Hotel in the Naruko Onsen area to experience an authentic Japanese hot spring. Relax and enjoy a rejuvenating soak to wash away the fatigue of your journey.
Along the tranquil banks of the Ginzan River stand rows of wooden inns built between the Taisho and early Showa eras. Whether it is the evening glow of gas lamps reflecting on the mist-covered cobblestone streets or the pristine beauty of the winter snow, these views are truly breathtaking sights to behold. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Ginzan Onsen town and immerse yourself in the nostalgic romance of a bygone era.
Ginzan Onsen takes its name from the silver mines that once brought prosperity to the area in the 17th century, and it still preserves its original Taisho-era streetscape. Along both sides of the Ginzan River flowing through the center of the hot spring town, visitors can see many Western-style wooden inns, creating a romantic atmosphere characteristic of Japan’s Taisho period. In winter, Ginzan Onsen is beautifully covered in snow, forming a white scenic world that evokes scenes from films such as Oshin and The Hidden Child.
Notoya Ryokan is a symbolic century-old inn of Ginzan Onsen. With over 100 years of history, its red-toned wooden four-story building and elegant lattice windows make it one of the most eye-catching landmarks in the hot spring town. It is frequently featured on postcards, magazines, and in television dramas, and is considered one of the top photo spots in the area.
Zao Fox Village is a highly popular animal park located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is Japan’s only nature park dedicated to foxes. The park is home to over 100 foxes across six different breeds, including the native Japanese red fox and rare white foxes. Visitors can observe the foxes roaming freely in a semi-natural environment, creating a fairy-tale-like winter experience. (If the site cannot be visited, it will be replaced with Shiroishi Castle.)
Onihei Edo Processing Area is a themed highway service area located at the Hanyu Service Area (upbound) on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Inspired by the popular historical novel Onihei Hankachō, it recreates an authentic Edo-period streetscape. Visitors can step into a time-travel-like atmosphere that feels like the Edo era from 300 years ago, with traditional wooden stalls, lantern-lit streets, and rows of shops offering classic Japanese foods and souvenirs. More than just a rest stop during travel, it is a cultural and culinary experience that blends history with modern convenience.
Recommended dishes include the rich charcoal-grilled eel rice from “Honnjo Sanadaya,” the Edo-style sweet “Funawa sweet potato yokan,” as well as handmade rice crackers and Japanese senbei snacks. This is not only a great spot for photos, but also an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Edo-era food culture in depth. Whether it is your first visit to Japan or you are a frequent traveler, this is one of the most distinctive stops on the return journey from Tohoku.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point/destination: Tokyo, Fukushima/Yamagata
Trip duration: 2 days
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
Meals included: Breakfast once, Lunch once, Dinner once.
Accommodation: 1 night at a hot spring hotel
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Name of travel industry association: Japan Travel Industry Association (full member)
—Important Notice—
Each person may bring one piece of luggage for free, with no size restrictions. If you bring two or more pieces of luggage, there will be an additional charge of 2,000 yen per piece. You need to inform us in advance.
Infants aged 0-2 years who do not occupy a bed or have meals will be charged a hotel facility usage fee, and please inform us in advance; if this is not done and results in overcrowding, the driver/guide is obligated to refuse to let them on the bus. Children aged 3 years and above will be charged the same price as adults.
Driver-guide service: small group of 1-13 people; Driver + guide service: bus tour of 14-45 people, the actual number of people will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day of departure.
Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard or equivalent; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hice or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle type will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day of the tour.
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 7 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
In the event of rain, heavy fog, thunderstorms, strong winds, or other adverse weather conditions, the ropeway may be suspended. In such cases, access to the mountaintop observation deck may also be restricted. The ropeway fee will be refunded accordingly.
If the Zao Ropeway cannot be used due to long queues or unavailability of reservations, it will be replaced with the Zao Chuo Ropeway. Any fare difference will be refunded accordingly. Thank you for your understanding.
This is a shared transfer fixed itinerary. All participants are required to strictly follow the designated time at each attraction and comply with the instructions of the driver/guide.
Participants who leave the tour mid-way will be deemed to have forfeited their booking; no refunds will be provided. Additionally, the participant shall bear all risks regarding personal safety and property once they have left the group.
Please note that this tour does not allow for late arrivals or switching to other departures. No refunds will be issued if you are unable to participate or must discontinue the tour due to personal reasons or tardiness. We appreciate your understanding.
Arrival times may vary depending on traffic, weather, public holidays, and crowd conditions. Please be advised that we cannot provide refunds for delays or cancellations caused by the aforementioned circumstances or other factors beyond our control (force majeure). We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that for smaller groups, the tour may be conducted in a smaller vehicle with a driver-guide. This is a shared tour service; you will be traveling with other guests, and unscheduled stops outside of the designated attractions are not permitted.
Please be advised that traffic congestion and other factors beyond our control are common during weekends and public holidays. Our driver-guide may adjust the itinerary based on actual conditions. We kindly ask that you manage your expectations regarding potential delays before booking.
To ensure a clean and comfortable environment for all passengers, we kindly ask that you refrain from eating or drinking inside the vehicle. Should any stains or messes occur, a cleaning fee will be charged according to local professional standards. Thank you for your understanding.
Zao Fox Village is a privately operated facility with a limited daily capacity, and it is closed every Wednesday. If the visit cannot be arranged due to closure, capacity restrictions, or unsuccessful reservations, the itinerary will be adjusted to visit Shiroishi Castle or Ouchi-juku instead. Entry to the fox village cannot be guaranteed, and specific arrangements cannot be requested.
FAQ
Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its enchanting Taisho-era townscape, especially when blanketed in snow and illuminated by gas lamps at night. This creates a magical, nostalgic atmosphere often compared to scenes from classic animated films. Its traditional wooden ryokan and scenic hot springs offer a deeply immersive and romantic cultural experience unique to winter in Japan.
Ginzan Onsen is distinguished by its beautifully preserved Taisho-era architecture, featuring multi-story wooden ryokan lining the Ginzan River. Historically a silver mining town, its name means 'Silver Mountain Hot Spring.' The blend of historical significance, traditional aesthetics, and the tranquil hot spring ambiance provides a profound glimpse into Japan's heritage and architectural beauty.
From Tokyo, the most common route involves taking the Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station. From Oishida Station, visitors typically transfer to a local bus or utilize a shuttle service provided by their ryokan, which takes about 30-40 minutes directly to Ginzan Onsen. The entire journey, including transfers, usually takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Visitors to Ginzan Onsen are encouraged to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor to preserve the tranquil atmosphere. When taking photographs, please be mindful of the privacy of local residents and other visitors. If staying overnight, confirm specific check-in/out times and meal schedules with your ryokan. Due to its popularity, especially in winter, booking accommodation well in advance is highly recommended.
The Zao Ice Trees, locally known as 'Juhyo,' are a spectacular natural phenomenon where strong winds, heavy snow, and sub-zero temperatures sculpt fir trees on Mount Zao into unique, monstrous shapes. This 'Snow Monster' display is best viewed between late December and early March, with peak viewing typically in mid-February. The Zao Ropeway offers prime vantage points for this breathtaking sight.
At Zao Fox Village, visitors can encounter over a hundred free-roaming foxes from six different species in a semi-wild sanctuary. Guests can observe these adorable creatures up close, learn about their behavior, and take memorable photos. Designated feeding areas allow for interaction, providing a unique and charming experience for animal lovers, especially during the snowy winter months.
Onidaira Edo-no-ku is a delightful rest area designed to transport visitors back to Japan's Edo period. Here, you can immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture, browse unique local souvenirs, and savor regional snacks and meals. It serves as a charming stop for relaxation and cultural exploration, offering picturesque photo opportunities in its nostalgic setting.
Ginzan Onsen's distinctive wooden ryokan, illuminated gas lamps, and steamy, snow-covered streets evoke a strong resemblance to the magical bathhouse town depicted in Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed film 'Spirited Away.' Although not a direct inspiration, its ethereal and nostalgic beauty creates an immersive atmosphere, making visitors feel as though they have stepped directly into an animated fairy tale.
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