Popular Yamagata Sightseeing Day Tour | Ginzan Onsen, Mogami River Boat Ride, Dewa Sanzan Shrine, Toko Sake Brewery, Fruit Picking (Departing from Yamagata Station)
- A tour combining Yamagata's nature and history, featuring Ginzan Onsen, shrines, and fruit picking.
- Listen to boat songs while enjoying the seasonal natural beauty on a Mogami River boat ride.
- Experience the hidden scenery and cultural charm of Akutsu Hachiman Shrine and Uruwari Stone Garden Park.
- Visit Uesugi Shrine and Toko Sake Brewery to explore Yamagata's history and sake culture.
- Seasonal fruit picking activities to taste fresh and sweet Yamagata cherries, strawberries, and more.
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Late Departure (After 9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Tour types | None |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Seasonal Fruit Picking |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Sightseeing cruise, Bus tour |
| Cruise type | River boating |
Product Info
Attraction Introduction:
- Ginzan Onsen: A hot spring town located in the mountainous region of Yamagata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region. Surrounded by mountains, this small street flourished in the 17th century as a silver mining site, which is how it earned the name Ginzan Onsen. Ginzan Onsen preserves wooden Western-style buildings from the Taisho to early Showa periods, and its retro streetscape combined with snowy winter scenery creates a romantic atmosphere. Ginzan Onsen was also the setting for the world-famous Japanese TV drama 'Oshin'. It is also rumored to be an inspiration for the bathhouse in the Japanese animation 'Spirited Away'. The retro, romantic atmosphere created by the rows of hot spring inns, paired with the beautiful snow, attracts travelers from all over every year.
- Mogami River Cruise: Known as the 'Mother of Yamagata Prefecture', the Mogami River is one of the three fastest-flowing rivers in Japan. Stretching over 200 kilometers, it runs through the north and south of Yamagata Prefecture, flanked by small mountains. The scenery changes distinctly with the four seasons. Listen to the boatman sing 'Mogami River Boat Song' while enjoying the beautiful cedar forests, Shiraito Falls, and other charming seasonal views. The downstream cruise takes about 1 hour. In addition to traditional boat songs, the witty 'boatman' guide—the soul of the cruise—provides singing services in English, Chinese, and Korean, delighting passengers with their humor and charm.
- Yudono-san Shrine: Mount Yudono is a mountain of mountain worship and ascetic practice. With an altitude of 1,504 meters, it is a sacred mountain for mountain worship (Shugendo) where practitioners perform austerities. Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Haguro, it is known as one of the Three Mountains of Dewa. Those who train at Mount Gassan and Mount Haguro reach the realm of Buddha here. The main shrine of Yudono-san Shrine is located in a valley halfway up the north side of Mount Yudono. Since ancient times, it has been a mysterious shrine where one must not speak of or reveal what is seen or heard, following the principle of 'see no evil, hear no evil'. Known for its strict precepts, it is a sacred domain separated from the secular world.
- Dewa Sanzan Shrine (Sansai-gosaiden): The summit of Mount Haguro houses the deities of all three mountains. The Sansai-gosaiden (Three-Deity Combined Shrine) is one of the largest shrine halls in Japan and the largest thatched-roof building in the country. In the center is Gassan Shrine, on the right is Dewa Shrine, and on the left is Yudono-san Shrine. The thatched roof is 2.1 meters thick, and the interior is fully decorated with lacquer, making it a must-see. The main deity of Gassan Shrine is 'Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto', the embodiment of the moon, who governs the calendar. Dewa Shrine enshrines the local deity of Dewa, 'Ideha-no-Kami', and Yudono-san Shrine enshrines the great mountain god, 'Oyamatsumi-no-Kami'. The Kagami-ike (Mirror Pond) in front of the hall is named for the hundreds of bronze mirrors offered by worshippers since the Heian period, which are buried in the pond. The water level has remained almost unchanged throughout the year, leading people to believe it possesses mysterious power, and it has attracted believers since ancient times.
- Uesugi Shrine: Located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, Uesugi Shrine is dedicated to the famous Sengoku period warlord Uesugi Kenshin and is one of the main sightseeing spots in Yonezawa. Uesugi Shrine is situated within Matsugasaki Park (the former site of Yonezawa Castle). The original main hall was destroyed by fire in the Taisho era, and the current hall was rebuilt in 1923 based on the design of Dr. Chuta Ito, a Yonezawa native famous for designing Meiji Jingu and Heian Jingu. In addition to the main hall, the park features historical buildings such as the Uesugi Memorial Hall, the statue of Uesugi Kenshin, and the statue of Uesugi Yozan, allowing visitors to experience a deep sense of history as they stroll through.
- Toko Sake Brewery Museum: Located in Yonezawa City, the 400-year-old Toko Sake Brewery Museum benefits from abundant mountain springs, high-quality rice, and a cold climate, providing an ideal environment for brewing sake at stable low temperatures. Kojima Sohonten, also known as 'Toko', was founded in 1597 (Keicho 2) and served as the official brewery for the Uesugi family of the Yonezawa Domain. Visitors can learn about the craftsmanship and traditions of Japanese artisans in the attached museum, and enjoy free tastings of Japanese sake at the shop, where they can sample high-quality and award-winning sake that is usually hard to find at reasonable prices.
- Akutsu Hachiman Shrine and History Park: Centered around the symbol of Takahata Town, the three-story pagoda of Akutsu Hachiman Shrine and the Prefectural Ukitamu Fudoki-no-Oka Archaeological Museum, this park allows visitors to experience nature and history through reconstructed dwellings, burial mounds, fields, and seasonal flowers. The three-story pagoda, dance pavilion, and main hall of Akutsu Hachiman Shrine are designated cultural properties of Yamagata Prefecture.
- Kuwari Stone Garden Park: A hidden photo spot, Kuwari Stone Garden Park, features a surreal landscape. The steep rock walls are about 30 meters high. This space is reminiscent of ancient ruins and exudes an otherworldly atmosphere. After passing through the tunnel at the former quarry site, you will arrive at a space surrounded by tall Takahata stones, which is also used for 'Imoni' (taro stew) parties and as a concert hall.
Plan 1: Itinerary (June 19 to July 11) Uesugi Shrine / Toko Sake Brewery / Cherry Picking Experience
Duration: 7 hours
9:30 Depart from Yamagata Station
11:00/13:00 Uesugi Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)
13:10/14:00 Visit Toko Sake Brewery
15:00/16:00 (Mahoroba Tourist Orchard) *June 19 - July 11
16:30 Arrive at Yamagata Station
Plan 2: Itinerary (June 19 to end of September) Uesugi Shrine / Toko Sake Brewery / Akutsu Hachiman Shrine & Kuwari Stone Garden Park
Duration: 7 hours
9:30 Depart from Yamagata Station
11:00/13:00 Uesugi Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)
13:10/14:00 Visit Toko Sake Brewery
15:00/16:00 Akutsu Hachiman Shrine & Kuwari Stone Garden Park
16:30 Arrive at Yamagata Station
Plan 3: Itinerary (July 1 to end of October) Authentic Yamagata Cultural Tour: Yudono-san Shrine & Dewa Sanzan Shrine
Duration: 8.5 hours
9:00 Depart from Yamagata Station
10:00/12:30 Yudono-san Shrine & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)
14:00/15:30 Dewa Sanzan Shrine (National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda & Dewa Sanzan Shrine Sansai-gosaiden)
17:30 Arrive at Yamagata Station
Plan 4: Itinerary Mogami River Basho Line Cruise & Ginzan Onsen
Duration: 7 hours
13:00 Depart from Yamagata Station
14:30/16:00 Mogami River Basho Line Cruise & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)
17:00/18:40 Ginzan Onsen Night View
20:00 Arrive at Yamagata Station
Plan 5: Itinerary Yamagata Zao & Ginzan Onsen Night View
Duration: 7 hours
13:00 Depart from Yamagata Station
13:30/15:30 Yamagata Zao Ropeway & Lunch (Lunch at your own expense)
17:00/18:40 Ginzan Onsen Night View
20:00 Arrive at Yamagata Station
Gather at Yamagata Station and depart
Itinerary (June 19th to July 11th): Uesugi Shrine, Toko Sake Cellar, Cherry Picking Experience
Itinerary (June 19th to the end of September): Uesugi Shrine, Toko Sake Cellar, Ankuzu Hachiman Shrine & Urikiri Stone Garden Park
Itinerary (July 1st to the end of October): A tour showcasing the unique features of Yamagata, including Yudonoyama Shrine and Dewa Sanzan Shrine.
Itinerary: Mogami-Bashō Line Cruise & Ginzan Onsen
Itinerary: Yamagata Zao & Ginzan Onsen
Mount Yudono & Dewa Sanzan Shrine itinerary
Ankutsu Hachiman Shrine & Kuwari Sekiwa Park Itinerary
Zao Onsen Village & Ginzan Onsen Night View
Mogami River & Ginzan Onsen Night View Course
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Departure and destination for the trip: Yamagata
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered vehicles
Bus company name: Torobus Co., Ltd., Chuo Bus Co., Ltd., Yachiyo Transportation Co., Ltd., etc.
Meals provided: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating company name: (Yes) Torotron Technologies
Address: 3F, M-LABEL ROOM027, Premium Green Hills, 2-8-11 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0021
License Number: Yamagata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency No. 2-200
Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association (Regular Member)
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 4 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
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
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This tour does not include a tour guide or any entrance fees; service is provided by a Japanese driver. If you require a tour guide service, please select this option when booking.
This trip is completely free, but please pay attention to your own safety.
No suitcases are allowed and each person is limited to one carry-on baggage.
The transportation, sightseeing and stay time involved in the itinerary shall be subject to the actual situation on the day.
In a group trip, you are not allowed to leave the group early or midway. If you choose to leave the group midway, the unfinished part will be deemed to be abandoned by you and no fees will be refunded. Tourists are responsible for any accidents that may occur after leaving the group. Please understand.
One adult can only bring one free infant (under 1 year old) who does not occupy a seat. Please be sure to inform the number of free infants when booking.
If you choose not to travel with a Chinese-speaking guide, a Japanese-speaking driver service will be provided, along with a translation app. Please note the license plate number of the vehicle you will be traveling in on the day of your trip (you will be notified before departure).
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 4 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 3 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 80% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. What makes Ginzan Onsen a uniquely charming destination in Yamagata?
Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its enchanting Taisho-era architecture, particularly the historic wooden ryokan lining the Ginzan River. In winter, the snow-covered town illuminated by gas lamps creates a nostalgic, picturesque scene. Its traditional charm, combined with the soothing natural hot springs and a tranquil atmosphere, transports visitors back in time, making it a truly unique experience.
2. What are the key experiences and sights visitors can enjoy at Ginzan Onsen, especially during the evening?
Visitors to Ginzan Onsen can stroll along the river, admiring the traditional ryokan and quaint shops. The highlight is undoubtedly the evening illumination when gas lamps cast a warm glow, creating a magical ambiance perfect for photography. You can also visit the Shirogane Park at the back of the town to see the Shirogane Falls and the Omokage-no-Daki waterfall, or enjoy public foot baths along the river.
3. How is transportation to Ginzan Onsen typically managed for a day tour departing from Yamagata Station?
For day tours from Yamagata Station, transportation to Ginzan Onsen is usually provided via a dedicated shuttle bus or tour coach. This offers a convenient and hassle-free way to reach the remote hot spring town without worrying about transfers or local bus schedules. Tours ensure timely arrival and departure, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the scenic journey and the destination itself.
4. What visitor etiquette or specific regulations should be observed when exploring Ginzan Onsen?
When visiting Ginzan Onsen, it's important to respect the local environment and residents. Maintain a peaceful demeanor, especially in the residential areas. If using public foot baths, remember to bring your own towel. Always dispose of trash properly and adhere to any posted signs regarding photography or restricted areas to preserve the town's historical ambiance and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
5. Which season offers the most picturesque scenery for a visit to Ginzan Onsen?
While Ginzan Onsen is beautiful year-round, it is arguably most picturesque in winter. Heavy snowfall transforms the town into a stunning, ethereal landscape, with the gas lamps reflecting beautifully off the pristine snow. Autumn also offers vibrant fall foliage, and spring brings fresh greenery, each season providing a distinct visual charm for visitors to enjoy.
6. What local specialties or activities unique to Ginzan Onsen should visitors try?
Visitors to Ginzan Onsen should try local delicacies such as 'Koshikara' (local tofu donuts) and traditional sweets offered by quaint shops. Enjoying a relaxing foot bath (ashiyu) by the river is a popular and free activity, providing a taste of the onsen experience. Exploring the small local shops for unique crafts and souvenirs also adds to the cultural immersion.
7. How much time is typically needed to explore Ginzan Onsen, and is it easily accessible for all visitors?
Most visitors find 1.5 to 3 hours sufficient to leisurely explore Ginzan Onsen's main street, enjoy a foot bath, and visit a few shops. The town's main area is compact and largely pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate. While most areas are accessible, some paths might involve gentle slopes or steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
8. What other attractions are typically included with Ginzan Onsen on a popular Yamagata day tour?
Popular Yamagata day tours often combine Ginzan Onsen with other regional highlights to offer a comprehensive experience. These can include a scenic Mogami River Cruise, cultural visits to shrines like Dewa Sanzan, exploring traditional sake breweries such as Toko Sake Brewery, and seasonal fruit-picking experiences. This allows for a diverse exploration of Yamagata's nature, history, and culture.
