Tohoku Day Trip | Ginzan Onsen Onsen & Zan Zao (Ropeway Included) | Chinese-Speaking Guide (Departure from Sendai)
- Ginzan Onsen , a must-visit destination in the Tohoku Yamagata region, exudes the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.
- The picturesque scenery of Mount Zao in all four seasons
- Witness the breathtaking beauty of Japan's largest frost-covered trees and experience a snow-white world with swirling snowflakes.
- Take the Zao Ropeway and gaze down from above at the snow-covered mountains and forests, experiencing the charm of the Tohoku region of Japan.
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 |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| 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.
- Attraction Introduction -
- Ginzan Onsen Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town located in the mountainous region of Yamagata Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. This small town, surrounded by mountains, flourished as a silver mining area in the 17th century, hence its name, Ginzan Onsen). Ginzan Onsen preserves wooden Western-style houses dating from the Taisho to early Showa periods, creating a retro streetscape and a romantic atmosphere with its snow-covered winter scenery. Ginzan Onsen is also the setting for the globally popular Japanese drama "Oshin." There is also a legend that the bathhouse in the Japanese anime "Spirited Away" was inspired by this place. The numerous hot spring inns and their retro-romantic atmosphere, combined with the beautiful snow scenery, attract travelers from all over the world every year.
- Mt. Zao in Yamagata is one of the famous mountains of the Tohoku region, boasting beautiful and spectacular scenery in all four seasons, especially the breathtaking autumn foliage. However, the winter wonderland of Zao's snow-covered trees is an unmissable sight. Zao's snow-covered trees are a unique natural phenomenon in the Tohoku region. Because Mt. Zao is close to the Sea of Japan, the meeting of warm ocean currents and northwest monsoons creates a large amount of cold water droplets in the clouds, which condense on the green coniferous trees of Mt. Zao. Combined with the snow cover, this creates a spectacular sight resembling snow monsters. Take a cable car ride, and as you ascend, admire the snow-white world outside the window, witness the magnificent beauty of the snow-covered trees, and experience the wonders of nature!
Autumn scenery of maple leaves in Zao.
Purchase Notice
- In spring, summer, and autumn, you might be able to take the Zao Central Ropeway. In winter, you'll take the Zao Ropeway.
- If the cable car service is suspended due to force majeure events such as traffic or weather conditions, the cable car fare will be refunded (in spring, summer, and autumn, for the Zao Central Cable Car, the fare is 2,200 yen for adults and 1,100 yen for children. In winter, if the Zao Cable Car service from the foot of the mountain to the summit is suspended: 3,800 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children; if the service from the Kogen Station to the summit is suspended: 1,900 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children). Please be aware of this.
- Children under 6 years old can participate for free, but will not occupy a seat/lunch is not provided. Please be sure to indicate the number of people when making a reservation. Each adult can bring one free child.
- The tour price does not include shuttle bus tickets to Ginzan Onsen. On the day of the tour, please pay the shuttle bus fare to the tour guide according to the local pricing, and the guide will assist in purchasing the tickets.
- Please note: This product only offers Chinese guided tours; please bring your own translation device if needed.
[Tourism Conditions]
- Travel Departure and Destination: Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Yamagata Zao and Ginzan Onsen
- 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 1 time, Dinner 0 times
- Accommodation facilities: None
- Minimum group size: 15 people
- Team Leader: 0
- Tour guide: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
- Operating company name: (Yes) Torotron Technologies
- Address: 2-8-11 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture 980-0021, Japan
- Premium Green Hills 3F M-LABEL ROOM027
- License Number: Yamagata Prefecture Governor's Registered Travel Agency No. 2-200
- Travel Association Name: Japan Travel Association (Regular 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 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 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: 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
Meals are not included for children under the age of 6
Please note that each guest is limited to one suitcase up to 24 inches.
Sometimes traffic jams or bad weather can cause delays. If you need to take other modes of transport, please allow plenty of time for your next journey.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by force majeure events such as traffic disruptions or weather conditions that may result in the cancellation of some attractions or changes to the itinerary.
This is a "shared ride" trip, meaning you will be traveling in the same vehicle as other passengers. Please be aware of this.
Vehicles will be arranged according to the number of passengers and the amount of luggage, and cannot be specified. Please be aware of this.
If the Zao Cable Car is suspended due to force majeure factors such as traffic or weather, the Zao Cable Car fee will be refunded. Please be aware of this.
Please consult customer service beforehand if you have any special dietary restrictions or allergies. We apologize that we do not offer vegetarian meals.
FAQ
Zao Onsen is renowned for its sulfuric hot springs, offering relaxation amid a snowy landscape. Its primary draw in winter is the spectacular Zao Juhyo, or 'Snow Monsters.' These are fir trees transformed by heavy snowfall and freezing winds into unique, monstrous shapes. Visitors can view these natural art forms up close via the Zao Ropeway, experiencing a rare and breathtaking natural phenomenon. The combination of therapeutic onsen and incredible snow scenery makes it a truly distinctive winter escape.
Zao's Juhyo form through a specific combination of climatic conditions unique to the Zao mountain range. Siberian winds carry supercooled water droplets that freeze upon contact with the Aomori fir trees. Successive layers of ice and snow accumulate, shaped further by strong winds and heavy snowfall. This process gradually coats the trees, transforming them into the distinct, often eerie, 'snow monster' figures that stand tall across the slopes, visible from the Zao Ropeway.
Visitors to Ginzan Onsen step into a beautifully preserved townscape reminiscent of Japan's Taisho era. Gas lamps illuminate traditional wooden ryokan lining the Ginzan River, creating a nostalgic and romantic ambiance, especially after dusk. You can stroll across stone bridges, explore charming shops, and enjoy footbaths. Many visitors also take photos of the iconic scenery, often compared to scenes from 'Spirited Away.' The experience focuses on scenic beauty, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
For a comprehensive day trip experience at Ginzan Onsen, typically 2 to 3 hours are recommended. This allows sufficient time to stroll along the main street, appreciate the traditional architecture, visit the souvenir shops, enjoy a relaxing footbath by the river, and capture memorable photographs. If including a meal or a visit to a public bath, allocating a bit more time would be ideal to fully immerse in the nostalgic atmosphere.
Yes, Ginzan Onsen offers several public day-use onsen facilities for visitors not staying overnight. The most popular options are Shiroganeyu (白金湯) and Omokageyu (おもかげ湯), which typically operate during daytime hours. Additionally, there are free public footbaths available along the river, allowing everyone to experience the relaxing hot spring water without needing a full bath reservation. These facilities provide a taste of the onsen experience within a day trip.
Travelers can easily book a comprehensive day trip package that includes visits to both Ginzan Onsen and Zao Juhyo, departing from Sendai. Booking through KKday offers the advantage of a convenient, pre-arranged itinerary with private shuttle service, eliminating the need to navigate complex public transportation schedules. This ensures a smooth and comfortable journey to these popular Tohoku attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and experiences without logistical worries.
The Zao Cable Car ride offers spectacular panoramic views as it ascends the Zao mountain range. During the winter, passengers can witness the gradual appearance and increasing density of the Juhyo (Snow Monsters) formations as they climb higher. From the enclosed comfort of the gondola, you can observe the expansive snow-covered landscapes and the unique shapes of the frost-covered trees. Upon reaching the summit station, dedicated observation decks provide closer views of the 'snow monster' fields.
When taking a guided tour from Sendai, the travel time to the Zao Juhyo area and Ginzan Onsen can vary depending on traffic and specific routes. Typically, the drive to the Zao Ropeway station (for Juhyo) is around 1.5 to 2 hours from Sendai. Ginzan Onsen is usually about 1 hour to 1.5 hours further north from the Zao area. A guided tour provides efficient transportation, managing the journey so visitors can maximize their time at each attraction.
Get Help
