Ginzan Onsen & Zao Day Tour from Sendai | Yamagata
- Full-day tour from Sendai to Ginzan Onsen — Taisho-era ryokan street famous for snowy winter nights
- Winter plans ride the ropeway to Zao’s rare snow monsters, at their best January to February
- Spring to autumn plans visit the emerald Okama Crater lake, open late April to November
- Pick Yamagata cherries, peaches, grapes, or apples in season, with a local specialty lunch included
- Direct round-trip coach reaches hard-to-access Ginzan Onsen — no car rental or train transfers needed
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 10 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| 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.
— Attractions —
- Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town that preserves the nostalgic charm of the Taisho era. Wooden ryokan line the Ginzan River, and in winter the snowy streetscape glows under warm yellow lamplight, creating a dreamlike, romantic atmosphere. The springs have a long history and were already famous in the Edo period; Shiroganeyu, the well-known public bathhouse, is a must-visit. Quiet and far from the city bustle, Ginzan Onsen invites you to stroll its retro hot spring street and soak in the romantic, nostalgic Japan of the Taisho period.
- Zao Juhyo / Snow Monsters (Plan A: winter only)
A winter natural wonder on Mt. Zao in Yamagata Prefecture, known as the “snow monsters.” The juhyo form when severe cold waves, wind, and snow act on the branches and needles of conifer trees, coating them in distinctive shapes of ice and snow. January to February is the best time to see them. - Zao Onsen
Sitting about 900 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Zao mountain range, Zao Onsen has a history of over a thousand years. The hot spring town centers on Takayu-dori street, where traditional ryokan, communal baths, foot baths, and long-established eateries gather along the stone-paved road. With the scent of sulfur and rising steam, it keeps the nostalgic feel of a Showa-era onsen street — perfect for a stroll while hunting down local food and souvenirs. - Zao Okama Crater (departures limited to Apr 24 – early Nov)
The symbolic circular crater lake of the Zao mountain range, named for its resemblance to a traditional rice-cooking pot (kama). Because the water shifts between green, blue, and emerald tones with the seasons and weather, it is also called “Goshiki-numa” (Five Color Pond). For a limited period from around April to November each year, you can go up to the summit of Mt. Kattadake or the inner shrine of Kattamine Shrine to look out over the whole crater lake and the majestic ridgeline. - Fruit Picking (June–November only)
Head into a local orchard and hand-pick Yamagata’s most representative seasonal fruit. From June to early July, taste sweet, juicy cherries picked straight from the tree; from August to October, enjoy fragrant, plump peaches or grapes; and from October to November, pick crisp, sweet apples and savor the joy of harvesting them yourself.
The lake water changes color with the seasons and weather, displaying shades of green, blue, and emerald, earning it the name "Five-Colored Swamp".
The most representative crater lake of the Zao Mountains is known as the "Eye of Zao".
Take the cable car straight up the mountain and easily overlook the magnificent scenery of the Zao Mountain Range.
Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and plateaus, making it a popular mountain experience.
Stroll along the streets of Ginzan Onsen and experience the classic Taisho-era romantic and retro atmosphere of Japan.
Limited to spring and summer, step into the orchard and pick the plump, red cherries of the season yourself. Take a bite and experience the sweet and juicy taste, enjoying a limited-time sweet experience that belongs only to early summer amidst the sunshine and the aroma of fruit.
Cherry picking is expected between June and mid-July.
Peaches or grapes are expected to be harvested between August and October.
Apples are expected to be harvested in October and November.
Purchase Notice
[Travel Conditions]
Departure / destination: Miyagi & Yamagata
Duration: same-day round trip
Transportation: chartered bus
Bus companies: Asahi Bus / Dream Kanko
Meals: breakfast 0, lunch 1, dinner 0
Minimum group size: 10
Tour leader: 1
[Tour Planning / Operation]
Operator: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: Toranomon Central Building 7F, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License: Registered with the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency, Travel Agency No. 1892
Travel association: full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 10 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
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Vehicles are assigned according to group size. For small-group departures, a driver who also serves as the on-board attendant provides service throughout the tour instead of an additional tour leader, and you explore each spot freely upon arrival. Please note this in advance.
Depending on reservations and on-site conditions, you may ride either the Zao Ropeway or the Zao Chuo Ropeway. The Zao snow monsters appear earlier or later depending on weather conditions, and viewing cannot be guaranteed. Once the tour is confirmed, it will go ahead as scheduled regardless of the juhyo conditions.
On the day of the tour, stop times may be adjusted or some stops canceled due to road conditions, and the return arrival time may be significantly delayed. The times above are estimates only. Please avoid scheduling other activities after the tour on the same day; we cannot be held responsible for losses caused by delays. Thank you for your understanding.
At each stop in winter, snow scenery may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
Bus seats are allocated on site and cannot be reserved. Thank you for your understanding.
Bus seats and restaurant seating on the tour may be shared with other travelers in the same group, subject to the arrangements of the tour leader and facilities on the day.
Meal contents may be adjusted due to factors such as the restaurant’s ingredients on the day; actual arrangements on site prevail.
If the ropeway is suspended due to force majeure such as traffic or weather, the itinerary will change to a foot-bath experience on the Zao Onsen street, and the ropeway fare of JPY 3,000 will be refunded afterwards.
The Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus is at your own expense, around JPY 500–1,000; the fare charged on site applies. If fares rise significantly, the difference may be collected locally.
Orchards shown are for reference only; actual arrangements follow local availability. Fruit ripening times shift with the weather, so the type of fruit picked follows local arrangements, and pre-picked fruit may be provided instead.
FAQ
1. What makes Ginzan Onsen a unique destination to visit?
Ginzan Onsen offers a nostalgic journey back to Japan's Taisho era with its beautifully preserved wooden ryokan lining a charming river. During winter, the snow-covered streets and gas lamps create a magical, almost cinematic atmosphere, reminiscent of a scene from Spirited Away. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the quaint streets, relaxing in foot baths, and experiencing a truly retro Japanese charm amidst stunning natural scenery.
2. What are the unique features of the Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters) experience?
The Zao Juhyo, or Snow Monsters, are a rare natural phenomenon where sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall transform Aomori fir trees into unique, monstrous shapes. Experiencing them involves taking a cable car up Mount Zao, offering panoramic views of these spectacular formations. It's a breathtaking winter art display, providing a unique opportunity to witness nature's sculptural prowess in a frosty landscape.
3. How much time is recommended to explore Ginzan Onsen and its activities?
To fully appreciate Ginzan Onsen's romantic snowscape and retro charm, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours is recommended. This allows for a leisurely stroll along the main street, time to soak your feet in the public foot bath, capture memorable photos, and browse the local shops. Some visitors also enjoy a quick visit to the waterfall nearby, adding to the picturesque experience.
4. When is the optimal season to experience the romantic snowscape of Ginzan Onsen?
The optimal season to experience Ginzan Onsen's romantic snowscape is typically from late December to early March. During these months, heavy snowfall transforms the village into a picturesque winter wonderland, especially enchanting in the evenings when the gas lamps illuminate the snow-covered wooden ryokans. This period offers the most iconic and magical views of the historic town.
5. What unique activities or sights can visitors enjoy at Ginzan Onsen?
At Ginzan Onsen, visitors can enjoy several unique activities. Strolling the historic wooden ryokan streets is a must, especially at dusk when gas lamps create a soft, nostalgic glow. You can relax your feet in the public foot bath, enjoy local sweets and souvenirs, or take a short walk to the Shirogane Waterfall located at the end of the street. It's an ideal spot for photography and soaking in the Taisho-era ambiance.
6. How can visitors best experience the Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters)?
The best way to experience the Zao Juhyo is by taking the Zao Ropeway up to the Juhyo Kogen Station or the summit. The cable car ride itself offers stunning views as you ascend, and once at the top, visitors can walk around designated viewing platforms to observe the enormous frost-covered trees up close. Dress warmly, as temperatures are extremely cold at the summit, to fully enjoy this unique natural spectacle.
7. How long does it typically take to experience the Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters) by cable car?
The round trip cable car journey to experience the Zao Juhyo typically takes about 15-20 minutes each way, not including waiting times. Once at the summit or Juhyo Kogen Station, visitors usually spend 45-60 minutes exploring the viewing areas and taking photographs. Allow a total of 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire Zao Juhyo experience, including travel and viewing time.
8. What local cuisine specialties are typically served during a Tohoku day tour to Ginzan Onsen and Zao Juhyo?
During a Tohoku day tour encompassing Ginzan Onsen and Zao Juhyo, visitors can savor carefully selected Yamagata cuisine. Specialties often include local soba noodles, imoni (taro potato stew), or various dishes featuring seasonal ingredients from the region. The focus is on authentic, hearty local flavors that provide a taste of Yamagata's culinary heritage, often served as part of a traditional set lunch.
