Yamagata & Miyagi Day Tour from Sendai | Ginzan Onsen, Zao Fox Village, Shiroishi Umen, and Anime Pilgrimage
- Visit the popular Miyagi Zao Fox Village to get up close with adorable foxes and experience a fairy-tale atmosphere.
- Stroll through the Ginzan Onsen street and take postcard-perfect photos.
- Meet at Sendai Station, or choose round-trip transfer from hotels within 2km of Sendai Station.
- Optional add-on lunch of Shiroishi Umen, a 400-year-old traditional specialty of Miyagi.
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
—Tour Overview—
Want to experience the natural wonders, adorable animals, nostalgic charm, and authentic cuisine of Japan's Tohoku region in a single day? This exquisite day tour from Sendai covers it all!
First, head to the incredibly popular [Miyagi Zao Fox Village], one of the few places in Japan where you can observe and photograph foxes up close. Over 100 foxes roam freely, making you feel like you have stepped into a fairy tale. It is a paradise for animal lovers and a popular spot for social media photos. (If closed, we will visit Shiroishi Castle or Tendo Onsen instead; staff will adjust based on the situation.)
For lunch, we recommend trying the local specialty of Miyagi Prefecture—[Shiroishi Umen]. This is a traditional thin noodle made without oil, soft and easy to eat, making it a healthy and delicious choice loved by both the elderly and children (cost is at your own expense, optional).
In the afternoon, we will visit [Ginzan Onsen], known as the most beautiful hot spring street in Japan. The stunning scenery of retro wooden inns, snow-covered streets, stone bridges, and flowing streams has appeared in many films and shows. During your free time, you can take photos, stroll around, or enjoy foot baths and desserts at your own expense. This tour is perfect for independent travelers, couples, families, or photography enthusiasts who want to explore Tohoku with ease. It blends nature, culture, food, and relaxation to help you discover a different side of Japan!
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. The popular local inn 'Notoya' is often said to resemble the atmosphere of the bathhouse in 'Spirited Away'. Famous as a therapeutic hot spring since the Edo period, the streets still retain the charm and appearance of those days.
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
- Each person can bring one piece of luggage for free. Additional pieces are 2000 JPY each, regardless of size (please inform us in advance when booking, otherwise fees will be charged on-site).
- If you fail to notify us about children aged 0-2 who do not require a seat, and there is insufficient space on the bus, boarding will be refused and no refund will be provided.
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Miyagi/Yamagata
Duration: Same-day return
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus Company: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Participants: 6
Tour Guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License Number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-633
Travel Agency Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Full Member
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.
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 comply with traffic control measures at the Ginzan Onsen resort, tour buses will stop at designated locations. Passengers will need to transfer to the resort's shuttle bus to enter the onsen town. The shuttle bus fare is 500 yen per person (cash payment only), which is to be paid by the passenger.
Driver-guide service (Small group of 4-13 people: driver-guide; 13+ people: driver + tour guide). Reference vehicles: 5-8 seats: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seats: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seats: minibus; 22+ seats: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only; the actual vehicle will be adjusted based on the number of participants on the day.
FAQs
1. How long should visitors plan to spend at Miyagi Zao Fox Village?
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.
2. What kind of experience can one expect at Ginzan Onsen, especially regarding its unique atmosphere?
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.
3. What is the recommended duration for a visit to Ginzan Onsen?
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.
4. What is the best time of year to visit Ginzan Onsen for its scenic beauty?
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.
5. What are the general rules for foreigners visiting traditional Japanese hot springs like those in Ginzan Onsen?
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.
6. How can travelers reach Miyagi Zao Fox Village efficiently from Sendai?
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.
7. What are the common entrance requirements or fees for Miyagi Zao Fox Village?
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.
8. What are the transportation options to get to Ginzan Onsen from major cities like Sendai?
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.
