A day trip to Ginzan Onsen and Fox Village in Tohoku, Japan | Taisho Romantic Museum & Anime Scene Exploration ・Shiraishi Onsen | Departing from Sendai
- Popular spot Miyagi Zao Fox Village, get up close and personal with cute foxes and experience a fairytale-like atmosphere
- Take a stroll through Ginzan Onsen Street and take postcard-worthy photos
- Round trip from Sendai, special car pick-up, save worry and effort
- A popular photo spot, whether you are a couple, family or girlfriends, you can harvest a lot of memories
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
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 Summary—
Want to experience the natural wonders, adorable animals, nostalgic charm, and authentic cuisine of Tohoku, Japan, all in one day? This exquisite day trip departing from Sendai will satisfy all your desires!
First, we'll visit the incredibly popular Miyagi-Zao Fox Village, one of the very few eco-parks in Japan where you can observe and photograph foxes up close. Over 100 foxes roam freely within the park, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. It's not only a paradise for animal lovers but also a popular social media hotspot. (If the park is closed, we will replace the visit with a trip to Shiroishi Castle or Tendo Onsen; staff will adjust the itinerary based on availability.)
For lunch, we recommend trying Shiraishi Onmyeon, a local specialty of Miyagi Prefecture. This is a traditional thin noodle dish, made without oil, soft and smooth, loved by both elders and children. It's a healthy and delicious choice (at your own expense, optional).
In the afternoon, we will visit Ginzan Onsen, known as "Japan's most beautiful hot spring town." The stunning scenery, featuring retro wooden inns, snow-covered streets, stone bridges, and flowing streams, has been featured in numerous films and television dramas. During your free time, you can enjoy taking photos, strolling around, or indulging in foot baths and desserts at your own expense. This itinerary is perfect for independent travelers looking for a relaxing trip to Tohoku, couples, families, or photography enthusiasts. It blends nature, culture, cuisine, and therapeutic experiences, offering a unique glimpse into the charm of Japan!
—Important Notice—
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free. Any additional luggage will be charged at 2,000 yen per piece, regardless of size (please inform us in advance when registering, otherwise a fee will be charged on-site).
- If there are not enough seats on the bus because you did not inform us that you will be traveling with a child aged 0-2 years who does not occupy a seat, we will refuse to let you on the bus and the fare will not be refunded.
- The tour guide will not contact the tourists in advance. On the day of the tour, tourists need to go to the meeting point on their own and report to the tour guide or staff wearing yellow vests or holding GOGODAY flags. Please understand and cooperate with each other and follow the tour guide's arrangements.
- Driver and guide service (small group of 4-13 people: driver and guide service; group of 13 or more: driver and tour guide service).
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 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.
Ginzan Onsen, known as Japan's most dreamy hot spring town, is located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, and is one of the secret paradises in the hearts of Japanese travelers.
This place, with its well-preserved Taisho Romantic-style architecture and picturesque scenery throughout the four seasons, has become a dream hot spring photography spot for countless people.
Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town with a 500-year history, is home to the popular Notoya bathhouse, which served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." Renowned as a therapeutic hot spring during the Edo period, the town's streets and alleys still retain their original charm and atmosphere.
The Taisho-style architectural complex, lined with three-story wooden hot spring inns, is mostly over a century old. At night, when lanterns illuminate the streets, it feels like stepping back into the early Showa era or a scene from a Miyazaki Hayao animation. Visitors are highly recommended to take photos at dusk and nightfall!
Zao Fox Village is Japan's premier, and perhaps even the world's most unique, fox-themed park, housing over 100 foxes.
These foxes mostly roam freely in a semi-open natural environment. Visitors can enter the forest-like park, maintain a safe distance from them, quietly observe their behavior and habits, and even have the opportunity to capture adorable scenes of the foxes playing, napping, and running.
Experience the charm of foxes up close: Take a walk with foxes in the same space as them, as if you have stepped into the world of "The Fox Story" or a Miyazaki Hayao animation.
For lunch, we recommend trying Shiraishi Onmyeon, a local specialty of Miyagi Prefecture. This is a traditional thin noodle dish, made without oil, soft and smooth, loved by both elders and children. It's a healthy and delicious choice (optional). Cost is not included.
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Miyagi and Yamagata
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Lixing Vision Industry Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 6
Team Leader: 1
【Travel planning/implementation】
Operating company name: TUI Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Travel Industry No. 2-633
Travel Industry Association Name: Full member of Japan Travel Industry Association
Reminders
A minimum of 6 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 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: Pregnant women, High blood pressure, Heart disease
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed route shared by passengers. You will need to share a ride with other passengers throughout the trip. You may not stop at attractions.
The time allotted at each attraction has been optimized; please strictly adhere to the time limits to avoid affecting the overall itinerary.
Depending on the number of participants on the day, a driver-guide car may be used. Please cooperate with the staff throughout the trip. The driver will primarily focus on driving and will provide relatively brief commentary.
Please be punctual for the meeting: No refunds will be given for absences due to personal reasons (lateness/getting lost/feeling unwell, etc.).
Leaving the group after the tour has started or leaving the group midway will be considered an automatic forfeiture of the service, and no refund will be given. (You will be solely responsible for your safety during the period you are away from the group.)
Trip schedules may be adjusted due to force majeure events such as traffic, weather, and crowds. In case of delays or partial changes to the itinerary, we regret that we cannot provide a refund or compensation. We appreciate your understanding of the uncertainties of travel.
Traffic congestion may occur during holidays and peak periods. The driver/guide will adjust the itinerary flexibly as needed. Please be prepared. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
To maintain the cleanliness of the carriage, please refrain from eating or drinking inside. Any resulting soiling will incur cleaning fees according to local standards. Let's work together to create a comfortable travel environment.
FAQ
A typical visit to Miyagi Zao Fox Village usually takes about 1 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to explore the various enclosures, observe the foxes in their natural-like habitats, and enjoy opportunities for feeding them safely. The village is designed for a leisurely stroll, offering numerous photo opportunities with these charming animals.
Ginzan Onsen offers a nostalgic journey back in time, with its beautifully preserved Taisho-era wooden ryokans lining the Ginzan River. Visitors can expect a tranquil, picturesque atmosphere, especially enchanting in the evenings when gas lamps illuminate the street. It's ideal for leisurely strolls, enjoying traditional architecture, and experiencing a classic Japanese hot spring town feel, particularly stunning under a blanket of snow in winter.
To fully appreciate Ginzan Onsen's unique ambiance, a visit of 2 to 3 hours is generally recommended. This allows enough time to wander along the charming street, browse local shops, perhaps enjoy a foot bath, and capture the scenic views. For those planning to dine or enjoy a full hot spring experience, allocating more time would be beneficial.
Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its breathtaking winter scenery, especially from late December to March, when heavy snowfall transforms the town into a magical, fairytale-like setting, complemented by the glow of gas lamps. Autumn, from late October to November, also offers beautiful vibrant foliage. While less iconic, spring and summer provide lush greenery and a serene escape.
When visiting traditional Japanese hot springs, common etiquette includes showering thoroughly before entering the bath. Most onsen require guests to be nude, separating by gender; swimsuits are generally not permitted. Guests should enter the bath slowly and avoid making loud noises. While some onsen may have policies regarding tattoos, many are becoming more accommodating; covering them with waterproof patches is a common practice if needed.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village is located in a somewhat rural area. While public transportation involves taking a train from Sendai to Shiroishi Station, followed by a taxi or infrequent local bus, the most convenient and efficient way is often through an organized tour that includes direct round-trip transportation from Sendai. This saves the hassle of transfers and ensures a smooth journey.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village has an admission fee required for entry. This fee helps support the care and maintenance of the foxes and the village facilities. While specific amounts can vary, visitors should be prepared to purchase a ticket upon arrival. The village provides specific guidelines for interaction with the foxes for safety.
Reaching Ginzan Onsen typically involves taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Sendai to Oishida Station. From Oishida Station, visitors can take a local bus or a taxi directly to Ginzan Onsen. For a more seamless travel experience, particularly from Sendai, many travelers opt for organized day tours that provide comfortable, direct transportation, eliminating the need to navigate multiple transfers.
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