Tohoku Day Trip | Ginzan Onsen, Zao Snow Trees & Cable Car, Zao Ogama Crater, Special Lunch | Departure from Sendai (Chinese-speaking tour leader)
- Limited-time flash sale! The Okinawa 1-Week Free Pass is now 50% off! Limited availability, while supplies last, grab yours now!
- Popular Northeast China Route: Enjoy a comfortable bus ride and easily reach dream destinations that are difficult to reach by public transport.
- Zao-O-Magoma Crater: A limited-time visit from April to November to explore the spectacular crater lake.
- Selected Yamagata Cuisine: Savor flavorful dishes and enjoy local specialties.
- Ginzan Onsen: Stroll through streets lined with wooden inns and experience the romance of the Taisho era and the retro charm of Japan.
- Zao Ropeway: Beautiful in all seasons, with lush greenery in spring and summer, beautiful autumn foliage, and dreamy ice trees in winter.
- Explore the highlights of Northeast China: A must-do classic itinerary combining hot springs, natural beauty, and cultural attractions.
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.
*Due to the Zao Ropeway being closed from April 1st to April 24th, you will be able to take the Central Ropeway instead.
- Attraction Introduction -
- Ginzan Onsen Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring resort that preserves the nostalgic charm of the Taisho era. The wooden inns along the Ginzan River, bathed in warm yellow light during winter, create a romantic and dreamlike atmosphere. With a long history of hot springs, renowned since the Edo period, the famous public bath, Shirogane-yu, is a must-visit. Ginzan Onsen offers a tranquil environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Strolling through the retro hot spring town, one can experience the romantic and nostalgic Japanese atmosphere of the Taisho era.
- Zao Snow Monsters are a winter natural wonder located on Mount Zao in Yamagata Prefecture. They are also known as "snow monsters." The snow monsters are formed by the combined action of strong cold air currents and snowstorms on the surface of coniferous tree branches, creating a unique snow-covered shape. The best time to see them is from January to February.
- Zao Onsen is located on the mountainside of the Zao Mountain Range at an elevation of about 900 meters. It has a history of over a thousand years. The hot spring town is centered around "Takaiyu-dori". The stone-paved road is lined with traditional inns, public baths, foot baths and long-established restaurants. The air is filled with the aroma of sulfur and the steam rising from the hot springs, showcasing the nostalgic Showa-era hot spring town atmosphere. It is a great place to stroll around and find local delicacies and souvenirs.
- Zao's Cauldron (Limited Time Offer: Opening on April 24th)
The symbolic circular crater lake of the Zao Mountain Range is named for its resemblance to a cooking pot. It is also known as "Five-Colored Lake" because its waters change color with the seasons and weather, displaying shades of green, blue, and emerald. From approximately April to November each year, visitors can climb to the summit of Mount Karitadake or the inner shrine of Karitarei Shrine for panoramic views of the entire crater lake and the majestic mountain ridges.
Take the cable car straight up the mountain and easily overlook the magnificent scenery of the Zao Mountain Range.
The most representative crater lake of the Zao Mountain Range is known as the "Eye of Zao".
Enjoy foot baths and onsen tours to experience the most authentic Japanese onsen culture.
Stroll along the streets of Ginzan Onsen and experience the classic Taisho-era romantic and retro atmosphere of Japan.
Reaching the summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and plateau, making it a popular mountain experience.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Departure and destination for travel: Miyagi and Yamagata
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Asahi/ドリーム観光
Meals: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 1 time, Dinner 0 times
Minimum group size: 10
Team Leader: 1
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (General Incorporated Company), Regular Member
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
The tour will be arranged according to the number of participants. When there are a small number of participants, a driver will also be arranged to accompany the group throughout the tour. No additional tour leader will be provided. Participants are free to visit the attractions at their own pace. Please be aware of this.
Depending on reservations and on-site conditions, you may take either the Zao Ropeway or the Zao Central Ropeway. The Zao Ice Tree viewing may be slightly delayed or missed due to weather conditions. However, once the tour is confirmed, the visit will proceed as scheduled regardless of the ice tree conditions. Please be aware of this.
Please note that the time spent at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be cancelled due to road conditions and other factors on the day of the trip. The return arrival time may also be significantly delayed.
Due to the Zao Ropeway being closed from April 1st to April 24th, we will instead take the Central Ropeway.
Depending on the weather conditions, it may be impossible to see snow at each tourist attraction during winter.
Bus seats are subject to on-site allocation and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
The bus and restaurant seats used during the experience tour may be shared with other members of the tour group, depending on the arrangements made by the tour leader and facilities on the day.
The menu may be subject to change depending on factors such as the availability of ingredients on the day, and will be subject to change based on the actual situation.
If the cable car service is suspended due to force majeure events such as traffic or weather, the itinerary will be changed to a foot bath experience in Zao Onsen Town, and the cable car fee of 3,000 yen will be refunded subsequently. Please be aware of this.
The shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen is at your own expense and will cost between 500 and 1000 yen. Please refer to the on-site fee for details. If there is a significant increase, there may be additional charges on-site.
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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