【2-Day Winter Ginzan Onsen Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Fox Village & Zao Chuo Ropeway Snow View & Ouchi-juku
- Stroll through Ginzan Onsen and soak in the nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere.
- Take the Zao Chuo Ropeway to enjoy panoramic views of the vast, snow-covered Zao mountain forests.
- Visit Zao Fox Village and enjoy a healing moment with adorable foxes in their natural habitat.
- Explore the historic post town of Ouchi-juku and admire the traditional village scenery blanketed in snow.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 6 travelers |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Winter Snow Exclusive |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, 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.
- Zao Chuo Ropeway Snow View
Take the ropeway to the summit and enjoy the winter-exclusive scenery of the Zao Mountain Range. Gaze out over the vast, silver-white landscape and snow-covered mountains, and experience the majestic beauty of the northern winter forests. - Zao Fox Village
Located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, this is a rare fox sanctuary in Japan. Home to various species of foxes, you can observe them up close or take photos. With different scenery in every season, it is a unique place to experience the harmony between nature and animals. - Ginzan Onsen
Known as one of the most nostalgic hot spring towns in Japan. It gained fame as an inspiration for the Ghibli film 'Spirited Away'. The streets are lined with wooden inns from the Taisho to Showa periods, and at night, the lights reflecting off the river create a warm, dreamlike atmosphere. - Ouchi-juku
A traditional post town that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period. With its teahouses, wooden buildings, and thatched roofs, it is steeped in history. The blend of old and new streetscapes makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to experience authentic Japanese charm.
【Ginzan Hot Spring】
【Zawang Fox Village】
【Ouchi-juku】
Enjoy the snow scenery from the Zango Central Ropeway
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure: Tokyo
Destination: Miyagi, Fukushima, Yamagata
Duration: 2 Days 1 Night
Transportation: Bus
Bus Company: Gunma Fukushi Kotsu Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 1, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: 1 night (Yamagata Nanokamachi Washington Hotel or equivalent)
Minimum Group Size: 12
Tour Leader: 1
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: Phoenix Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: Rex Heim Akabane 503, 2-29-3 Akabanekita, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0052
License Number: Tokyo Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-8602
Travel Agency Association: JATA Associate Member
Reminders
A minimum of 12 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 14 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
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, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women, Acrophobia
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Children aged 0-2 years old who do not occupy a seat can accompany the driver for free, but participation is not recommended. Please inform us in advance if you require your child to accompany you. If you do not notify us in advance and there are not enough seats, the driver has the right to refuse to take you.
Children under 2 years old who require a seat must purchase a ticket at the same price as adults and indicate this in the remarks column. Children 3 years and older pay the same price as adults.
Senior citizens aged 65 and above must ensure they are in good health and suitable for travel, and must be accompanied by a family member or friend aged 22 or above throughout the trip.
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
No refunds will be given to those who leave the group midway through the trip. Furthermore, any consequences arising from this, including personal injury or property damage, will be the sole responsibility of the individual.
Please be sure to comply with local Japanese laws and regulations, and do not bring any items prohibited by Japanese law, so as to avoid violating the law and affecting your own rights.
Depending on the day's traffic conditions, weather, holidays, and crowds, arrival times for each itinerary may vary, and the order of the itineraries may also be reversed. If there are delays or cancellations due to traffic congestion on special days or force majeure, please understand that no refunds will be given on this basis.
The appropriate vehicle type will be arranged based on the actual number of participants. If the group size is small, the driver will serve as the accompanying service staff, providing guidance and assistance throughout the trip. No separate tour leader will be arranged; your understanding is appreciated. This is a shared ride service; you may share a vehicle with other passengers during the trip.
This itinerary does not include personal travel insurance or accident insurance. Travelers are advised to purchase their own insurance according to their individual needs to ensure their safety. Outdoor activities and some projects may involve certain risks; please assess your own health and physical condition before participating. We apologize for any inconvenience or loss caused by unforeseen circumstances or personal conditions, and you will be solely responsible for any resulting consequences.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the trip. You will be responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
Please refrain from eating or drinking inside the vehicle to maintain a clean and comfortable environment. If stains or odors are accidentally created inside the vehicle, a cleaning fee will be charged according to local cleaning standards. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
FAQ
1. What makes visiting Ginzan Onsen a unique winter experience?
Visiting Ginzan Onsen in winter transforms it into a magical, nostalgic scene reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli film. The traditional wooden ryokans, illuminated by gas lamps against a backdrop of falling snow, create an incredibly picturesque and immersive atmosphere. It offers a truly enchanting and unforgettable winter wonderland experience.
2. What unique historical and scenic features make Ginzan Onsen famous?
Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its historical Taisho-era architecture lining the Ginzan River. Originally a silver mining town, its charming wooden ryokans, illuminated gas streetlights, and the snow-covered landscapes during winter evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and timeless beauty, making it a highly photogenic and culturally rich destination.
3. Is a two-day trip to Ginzan Onsen and nearby attractions recommended over a day trip?
A two-day trip is highly recommended to fully appreciate Ginzan Onsen and its surrounding attractions. This allows ample time to enjoy the onsen's charming evening atmosphere and light-up, experience the Zao Central Ropeway for stunning snow views, interact with foxes at Miyazaki Zao Fox Village, and explore the historic Ouchi-juku without feeling rushed.
4. How can visitors manage potential crowds to enjoy the atmosphere at Ginzan Onsen during winter?
To best enjoy Ginzan Onsen's tranquil atmosphere, consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours, such as early mornings or later evenings if staying overnight. While popular, the unique beauty of the snow-covered village and gas lamps still provides a captivating experience, even with other visitors present.
5. What are the recommended transportation options to reach Ginzan Onsen and the Zao Fox Village?
For a comprehensive and convenient visit to multiple locations like Ginzan Onsen, Miyazaki Zao Fox Village, and other scenic spots, joining an organized tour is highly recommended. These tours often provide comfortable, stress-free transportation between destinations, handling complex logistics, especially beneficial during winter travel conditions.
6. What is the optimal duration to fully experience Ginzan Onsen's attractions and its surrounding areas?
To truly immerse oneself in the unique charm of Ginzan Onsen, enjoy its evening ambiance, and also explore nearby highlights such as the Miyazaki Zao Fox Village, the Zao Central Ropeway's snow viewing, and Ouchi-juku, a two-day itinerary is optimal. This allows for a relaxed pace and deeper appreciation of each location.
7. What can be seen and experienced while taking the Zao Central Ropeway in winter?
Taking the Zao Central Ropeway in winter offers an incredible journey above a vast, snow-covered landscape. Visitors can marvel at the unique natural phenomenon of the 'ice trees' (Juhyo), where heavy snow and freezing winds sculpt evergreen trees into fantastical, otherworldly shapes, creating a magnificent snow-white spectacle.
8. What interactive experiences can visitors expect at the Miyazaki Zao Fox Village?
At Miyazaki Zao Fox Village, visitors can enjoy observing a variety of fox species roaming freely within a spacious, natural environment. The village provides unique opportunities for supervised feeding and close-up photography, allowing for memorable and heartwarming interactions with these adorable creatures.
