Tohoku Japan Sendai Zao-Ogama, Fox Village, Lake Choro, and Namezu Falls Day Trip (Departing from Sendai)
- Local sightseeing tours that take you to places inaccessible by public transportation with ease.
- With a Chinese-speaking driver accompanying you, your trip will be worry-free and reassuring.
- Visiting four attractions in one day was excellent value for money.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 15 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| 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 Information -
Departure time: 09:00
Meeting point: East Exit of JR Sendai Station
Trip duration: Approximately 9 hours
Return point: JR Sendai Station East Exit
Accompanying personnel: Chinese-speaking accompanying personnel
- Attraction Introduction -
- Zao Mikasa
Zao Ogama, located in Miyagi Prefecture, is a volcanic lake situated at the border of Zao Town and Kawasaki Town. At an elevation of approximately 1670 meters, with an area of about 1 square kilometer and a depth of about 30 meters, it is the highest point in the central part of the Zao Mountain Range. Zao Ogama gets its name from its shape, resembling a cauldron, as it is surrounded by the three peaks of Karita-dake, Kumano-dake, and Goshiki-dake. This mysterious lake in Sendai, Japan, is a vibrant emerald green. When you stand amidst the volcanic formations and gaze upon the beautiful, vast, and enigmatic Zao Ogama, it resembles a jewel-like tear lost in the mountains. Its color varies slightly with the seasons, earning it the nickname "Five-Colored Swamp" (Five-Colored Swamp).
- Fox Village
Miyagi Fox Village, located on Mount Zao in Miyagi Prefecture, is home to over 100 foxes. Besides Hokkaido foxes, the park also includes six rarer breeds: silver fox, blue fox, platinum fox, shadow fox, and cross fox. The foxes are raised in a natural environment, allowing you to observe them up close as they leisurely walk and rest. You can also purchase feed and feed them (please check the feeding times on the Fox Village website beforehand). Their soft, fluffy fur is incredibly soothing! The Fox Village is closed every Wednesday. A fox cub activity is held at 2 PM, subject to change depending on the foxes' health that day. If there is no fox cub activity on a given day, a refund cannot be requested. Thank you for your understanding.
- Elder Lake
The Zao Mountain Range straddles the prefectures of Miyagi and Yamagata. At the foot of the famous southern peak, "Fukuyama," lies Lake Choro, a natural lake about 500 meters above sea level with a circumference of 2 kilometers, renowned for its beauty throughout the year. The scenery of Lake Choro changes with the seasons and time. In summer, lush greenery and stunning mountain views make it a perfect summer retreat; in autumn, vibrant red and yellow foliage paint the mountains and lakeside in a picturesque scene, making it a top choice for locals to enjoy the autumn colors! The nearby Yokokawa Valley is another beautiful spot popular for taking photos.
- Narizuki Falls
The magnificent two-tiered waterfall is 30 meters wide and 10 meters high, its beauty enhanced by the autumn foliage, creating a breathtaking scene. A walkway is provided beside the waterfall, allowing visitors to enjoy a closer look.
In early May, you can see the snow-covered Okama.
In summer, the Zao Gokama, known as the Five-Colored Swamp, is a deep color.
Okama in Autumn
Changlao Lake in Spring and Summer
Changlao Lake in autumn colors
Fox Village
Narizuki Falls
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Departure and Destination for Trip: Miyagi
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Torotron Bus Co., Ltd. or Tokarita Bus Co., Ltd. or Shiogama Kanko Bus Co., Ltd.
Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 10 people
Team Leader: 0
Tour guide: 1
【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
Name of Travel Industry Association: National Travel Industry Association (NTRA)
Reminders
A minimum of 15 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 5 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 19:00). 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, Asthma, Acrophobia, Heart disease, Epilepsy
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 6
Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 3 and are required to be purchased on-site
Vehicles will be arranged according to the number of people and cannot be specified. Please note.
Fox Village admission regulations: An adult can only bring one child or infant into the park, and the adult is required to hold the child's hand throughout the activity.
No luggage is allowed on board.
Choroko Lake and Yokogawa Valley are natural landscape viewing areas with trees, flowers and plants. Please bring mosquito repellent with you in the summer.
To ensure that every visitor has the best quality of experience, please abide by the Fox Village safety rules.
Fox Village: One adult can only bring one child or infant into the park, and the adult must hold the child's hand throughout the activity. Please be sure to indicate the number of people when making a reservation.
The itinerary may be adjusted according to seasonal characteristics. You will have to choose between Lake Elder and Yokokawa Valley.
Please note any special dietary restrictions or allergies you may have. We apologize that we cannot guarantee the availability of suitable vegetarian meals.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 22 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 15 to 21 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 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 the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Zao Okama Crater is renowned for its unique volcanic crater lake scenery. Visitors are advised to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes here to fully appreciate the changing colors of the lake with the light and take commemorative photos from the surrounding observation decks. You can stroll along the lakeside path, marvel at the grandeur of the natural landscape, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Zao Okama Crater is typically inaccessible in winter due to deep snow and road closures. The best viewing seasons are from late spring to early autumn, roughly from late May to late October, when the lake displays its most captivating emerald green hues. If you plan to visit the Zao region in winter, the main activities will be skiing and admiring the 'snow monsters' (Juhyo), rather than the Okama crater lake area.
Zao Okama Crater is located deep in the mountains, making direct access by public transportation difficult. The primary modes of transport are driving yourself or joining a local tour group. Driving from Sendai city takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Many local day tours offer bus pick-up and drop-off services, allowing travelers to easily reach and explore this hidden gem without worrying about complex transportation arrangements.
The most unique experience at Miyagi Zao Fox Village is the close encounter with various types of foxes, including silver foxes, blue foxes, and red foxes. Visitors can observe the natural behavior of foxes in open areas and participate in feeding activities in designated zones. The village also houses other small animals like rabbits and goats, offering diverse animal interaction experiences, making it ideal for family outings and animal lovers.
It is generally recommended to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit to Miyagi Zao Fox Village. This duration is sufficient for a leisurely stroll around the park, observing different fox species, and participating in feeding experiences and taking photos in designated areas. If you are with children or wish for a more in-depth experience, you might need more time to fully enjoy interacting with the foxes.
Miyagi Zao Fox Village generally does not require advance booking; visitors can purchase tickets directly upon arrival. However, due to the limited public transport accessibility, many travelers opt for local day tours that include the fox village. For instance, booking through platforms like KKday can offer convenience in itinerary planning and transportation, saving you the hassle of arranging travel independently and allowing for a relaxed visit to all attractions.
The most convenient ways to travel to Miyagi Zao Fox Village from Sendai city are by car or by joining a local tour. If you choose public transportation, you'll first need to take a train from JR Sendai Station to JR Shiroishi Station or Shiroishi-Zao Station, and then take a taxi to the fox village, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Joining a day tour can significantly simplify transportation arrangements.
Tatsuoka Lake is known for its tranquil surface and rich surrounding natural landscapes, especially during autumn foliage season when the lakeside bursts with color, creating a picturesque scene and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Yokokawa Valley, on the other hand, is characterized by its clear stream and virgin forests on both banks, making it an excellent spot for escaping the summer heat and enjoying a forest bath. Both locations are suitable for leisurely walks, allowing you to experience the beauty of Tohoku's hidden gems.
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