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Product #530610
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Snowy Ginzan Onsen street in Japan's Tohoku, with traditional wooden ryokans and bridges, creating a winter wonderland reminiscent of Spirited Away, perfect for a day tour.
Close-up of an adorable red fox yawning in the snow, showcasing the charming wild foxes at Miyagi Zao Fox Village, offering a heartwarming interaction for this Tohoku day tour.
A graceful red fox sitting peacefully on a snowdrift amidst a snowy, falling-snow forest, showcasing the serene winter beauty and wild foxes of Miyagi Zao Fox Village.

Day Trip to Tohoku, Japan | Ginzan Onsen & Fox Village from Sendai (Chinese and English Guide)


Booking confirmation: within 10 days before the departure
Duration:1 day(s)
Guided language: English / 日本語 / 中文
Free cancellation 8 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site

  • Explore Ginzan Onsen Street in Japan and visit the filming locations of the anime
  • Strolling through the fairytale-like streets, you'll feel like you've stepped into "Spirited Away"
  • Get up close and personal with the cute foxes and experience the heartwarming moments of animal interaction
  • Book your trip with KKday's professional tour guides for a hassle-free and enjoyable trip
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK

Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodTransfer from meeting point
Minimum participant requirement15 travelers
Meal arrangementArrange yourself
SeasonalWinter Snow Exclusive
Sightseeing typeNatural sights, Bus tour
TransportCharter car, 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 -

  1. Departure time: 09:00
  2. Meeting point: JR Sendai Station East Exit sightseeing and shuttle bus stop
  3. Travel time: Approximately 9 hours
  4. Return destination: JR Sendai Station East Exit
  5. Commentary languages: Chinese, English, Japanese

- Itinerary Highlights -

  • Ginzan Onsen takes you into a fairytale world. The retro inn and streetscape evoke a sense of time travel back to the Taisho era. It's said to have served as a setting for the Ghibli film "Spirited Away." While director Hayao Miyazaki hasn't revealed the exact inspiration behind the scene, a visit to Ginzan Onsen is sure to immerse you in the film's atmosphere.
  • Miyagi Zao Fox Village is home to over 100 foxes, including the familiar northern fox and the rare silver, blue, platinum, white, and cross foxes, totaling six species. Nestled within the forest, the park offers a variety of fox species.

-Reference vehicle type (the vehicle is for reference only, the actual vehicle will be adjusted according to the number of people in the group on that day)-

  1. Toyota Alphard: 5-8 seats
  2. Toyota Hiace equivalent: 9-14 seats
  3. Minibus: 18-22 seats
  4. Large buses: 40-49 seats

Purchase Notice

【Travel Conditions】

Travel origin and destination: Miyagi and Yamagata

Travel duration: 1 day

Transportation: Chartered bus

Bus company: KEY&JANAN Co., Ltd.

Meals: None

Accommodation facilities: None

Minimum group size: 15

Team leader: 0

Tour guide: 1 (driver and tour guide for a small group)

【Travel Planning/Implementation】

Operating company name: Toshiro Instruments Co., Ltd.

Address: 304 Ikebukuro, 3-8-5, Higashiikebukuro, Toyoshima-ku, Tokyo

License Number: Tourism Agency Registered Travel Business No. 2-7088

Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Agents Association Full Member

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 10 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 2 day(s) before departure (local time 12:00). 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, Acrophobia

  • Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • Admission tickets will not be included for travelers under the age of 3 and are required to be purchased on-site

  • When making an appointment, please be sure to provide complete information so that we can proceed with the subsequent registration process. Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed at will. Any losses caused will be borne by the applicant.

  • This tour does not accept individual registrations from tourists under the age of 18. If you wish to register, your guardian must also register for this tour.

  • Please note that no refunds will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.

  • If the sightseeing vehicle is soiled or damaged due to personal reasons, according to local Japanese law, the cost of cleaning and repair will be borne by the guest. Please note that

  • The cable car may stop operating in rainy, foggy, thunderstorms, strong winds, etc.

  • The temperature in northeastern Japan is much lower than in Tokyo, so please take precautions against the cold when engaging in outdoor activities.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 8 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • 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

1. What makes Ginzan Onsen a unique destination for visitors?

Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its enchanting, nostalgic atmosphere, particularly in winter when gas lamps illuminate the snow-covered streets. Its preserved wooden ryokan (traditional inns) lining the Ginzan River evoke a bygone era, creating a fairytale-like setting. Visitors can enjoy public foot baths, explore quaint shops, and immerse themselves in the retro ambiance.

2. What is Ginzan Onsen known for, especially regarding its architectural style and cultural references?

Ginzan Onsen is famous for its distinct Taisho-era wooden ryokan, which blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western influences from the early 20th century. This unique architectural style, combined with the gas lamps and charming riverside setting, has led many to associate its magical appearance with animated films, enhancing its cultural appeal.

3. How can visitors easily travel to Ginzan Onsen, especially when considering a trip from Sendai?

To reach Ginzan Onsen from Sendai, visitors typically take a JR train to Oishida Station, then transfer to a local bus for the final leg. The journey involves multiple transfers and can take approximately 3-4 hours one-way. Alternatively, some regional tour buses or private car services may offer more convenient direct routes from Sendai.

4. Are there specific visitor guidelines or regulations to be aware of when visiting Ginzan Onsen?

When visiting Ginzan Onsen, it's important to respect the tranquil atmosphere and local customs. General etiquette includes keeping noise levels down, not littering, and being mindful of residents' privacy. If using a public foot bath (ashiyu), ensure your feet are clean. Many ryokan have private baths for guests, and some offer day-use options.

5. What kind of experience can visitors expect at the Miyagi Zao Fox Village?

At Miyagi Zao Fox Village, visitors can experience a unique encounter with over a hundred free-roaming foxes of various species, including red, silver, and Arctic foxes. You can observe them up close in their natural-like habitat, watch them play, and even feed them under strict supervision from designated areas. The village also features other small animals and a petting zoo area.

6. When is the best time to visit Ginzan Onsen to experience its unique atmosphere and capture picturesque views?

The most iconic and picturesque time to visit Ginzan Onsen is during winter, typically from December to March, when heavy snowfall transforms the village into a stunning, illuminated wonderland. The contrast of the gas lamps against the white snow creates a truly magical and highly photogenic scene. Spring and autumn also offer beautiful scenery with cherry blossoms or vibrant foliage.

7. What activities or attractions are available for visitors to enjoy in Ginzan Onsen besides admiring the scenery?

Beyond admiring the picturesque streets, visitors to Ginzan Onsen can indulge in its hot spring culture by trying the public foot baths (ashiyu) along the river. Exploring the charming shops offers local souvenirs and traditional crafts, while dining options include local soba noodles and traditional Japanese sweets. Staying overnight at one of the historic ryokan also provides an immersive experience.

8. Are there specific rules or safety guidelines for interacting with the foxes at Miyagi Zao Fox Village?

Yes, safety is paramount at Miyagi Zao Fox Village. Visitors are advised to follow strict rules: do not touch the foxes as they are wild animals, stay on designated paths, and only feed them with designated food bought on-site and from elevated feeding platforms. It's crucial to keep a safe distance and never approach them suddenly to avoid startling them or being bitten.

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