2 daysGinzan Onsen and Yamagata Zao Snow Monsters Winter Tour 2 Days
New2 daysTokyo
Length
2 days
Itinerary
2 days planned
Group
Max 42
Guides
Japanese, English
Overview
Explore the enchanting winter landscapes of Yamagata on this immersive two-day tour, showcasing iconic hot spring towns, breathtaking snow-covered mountains, and historic shrines. Stroll through the picturesque Ginzan Onsen, known for its charming wooden inns, and ascend the Zao Ropeway to marvel at the unique "Snow Monsters." Visit the revered Kumano Taisha Shrine and savor exquisite regional cuisine, including a Yonezawa beef lunch. This tour includes Shinkansen travel, overnight accommodation, and meals, making it the perfect getaway for winter adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
- Discover the nostalgic hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen
- Ride the Zao Ropeway and see the famous Snow Monsters
- Explore historic shrines linked to samurai culture
- Enjoy Yamagata cuisine, including Yonezawa beef hot pot and more
Day by day itinerary
1Ginzan Onsen and Kumano Taisha Shrine⌄
After meeting your tour conductor, depart from Tokyo between 7:44 AM and 9:16 AM aboard the Yamabiko Shinkansen in a reserved standard-class seat. Arrive at Fukushima Station and continue by coach to Yamagata Prefecture. Please note that lunch is not included on the first day. You may wish to bring a meal and enjoy it on the Shinkansen or coach journey. Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train number, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
After approximately 75 minutes of travel, arrive at Kumano Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's three major Kumano shrines. Often referred to as the "Ise Shrine of Tohoku," this historic shrine is known for its peaceful setting and centuries of spiritual heritage. You can explore the shrine grounds and look for the three hidden rabbits carved into the shrine buildings. According to local tradition, finding all three is said to bring good fortune.
After approximately 95 minutes of travel, continue to Ginzan Onsen. This picturesque hot spring town is famous for its traditional wooden inns lining the river and its nostalgic atmosphere. A stroll through the town feels like stepping back in time, especially during winter when the snow-covered streets create a magical setting. Take time to explore the charming shops, cafés, and footbaths while enjoying one of Japan's most photogenic winter destinations. Please note that snowfall and winter scenery depend on weather conditions.
After approximately 60 minutes of travel, arrive in Tendo for your overnight stay. Accommodation is at Hotel View Kuroda, which features a large public bath. Dinner includes a selection of Yamagata specialties, featuring dishes such as locally raised pork and imoni (taro soup), a hearty regional stew enjoyed throughout the prefecture.
Meals: Dinner: Dinner featuring a set meal of Yamagata specialties, such as pork and Imoni (taro root stew)
Overnight: Hotel View Kuroda (Western-style single or twin room with private bathroom)
2Zao Snow Monsters and Yonezawa⌄
After breakfast, depart Tendo and travel approximately 50 minutes to Yamagata Zao. Ride the ropeway through a spectacular winter landscape and enjoy views of the region's famous Snow Monsters, trees covered by layers of snow and ice created by unique weather conditions. Seen from the ropeway, these frozen formations create an otherworldly scene found in only a few places in the world. By visiting early in the day, you can enjoy the scenery before larger crowds arrive. The Snow Monster season typically runs from late December through early March. As this is a natural phenomenon, viewing conditions depend on weather and temperature.
After approximately 65 minutes of travel, continue to Yonezawa. Enjoy a lunch featuring Yonezawa beef hot pot, prepared with one of Japan's most highly regarded wagyu beef varieties. You will also have free time to visit Uesugi Shrine and the former site of Yonezawa Castle. Dedicated to the famous samurai lord Uesugi Kenshin, the shrine is a popular destination associated with good fortune and the fulfillment of wishes.
After approximately 5 minutes of travel, visit the Toko Sake Brewery Museum. Operated by a brewery founded more than 400 years ago, the museum displays traditional sake-making tools and introduces the history of brewing in the Yonezawa region. Optional sake tasting may be available for an additional fee. If the brewery museum is closed, a visit to Takahata Winery will be substituted. For departures on December 30, December 31, and January 1, both facilities are closed and this stop will be omitted.
After approximately 60 minutes of travel, return to Fukushima Station. Board the Yamabiko Shinkansen in a reserved standard-class seat for the journey back to Tokyo. The tour concludes with arrival at Tokyo between 5:24 PM and 7:48 PM, with optional drop-off available at Omiya and Ueno.
Meals: Breakfast: Japanese set meal at the hotel · Lunch: Yonezawa beef hot pot
What's included
- ✓Ropeway fee
- ✓Transportation by train and coach
- ✓Lunch
- ✓Dinner
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Japanese-speaking tour conductor using a translation app for assistance
- ✓Overnight accommodation
Not included
- ✕Food and drinks, unless specified
- ✕Hotel pickup and drop-off
- ✕National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
- ✕Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, shopping)
- ✕Meals and bed arrangement in the hotel, train seats for child (3-5yo)
Good to know
Starts: Meet at the open space near the Bellmart Kiosk, located by the Nihonbashi Exit of Tokyo Station. (On the second floor of the kiosk is a Starbucks). Please arrive at least 10mins before the scheduled meeting time. Please look for staff wearing jerseys with our company logo and tell them the tour name
Ends: The tour ends at Tokyo Station, with arrival expected between 5:24 PM and 7:48 PM. Exact arrival time will be confirmed one week prior to the tour date. You may choose to get off at Ueno Station. If you plan to do so, please let the tour conductor know on the tour day. You may choose to get off at Omiya Station. If you plan to do so, please let the tour conductor know on the tour day.
Cancellation: If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
- Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
- According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed
- Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to refund
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted 14 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
- Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no seat and no bed or any other arrangements. Infant meals are also not included
- Child (3-5 years old) rates includes bus seat only.
- If Toko Sake Brewery is closed, the visit will be replaced with Takahata Winery. Please note that both facilities are closed on departures on December 30, December 31, and January 1, and will therefore be omitted from the itinerary.
- Juhyo is a natural phenomenon. Due to weather conditions or growth status, you may not be able to see the frost-covered trees or snowy landscapes. Typically, frost-covered trees form in December (initial stage / ice formation), January (growth stage / snow accumulation), and February (peak season). The degree of growth varies depending on weather conditions, and in the case of a warm winter, viewing may not be possible.
- Weather conditions and natural growth patterns may affect the formation of the snow monsters (juhyo) and winter scenery. No refund will be provided if these natural phenomena cannot be viewed during the tour.
- Even if you apply with two or more people, train seats may not be adjacent or may be separated.
- Wearing thick winter clothes and warm shoes that let you move easily and comfortably is strongly recommended, as visiting spots will be very cold
- The Zao Ropeway and snow vehicles may be suspended or have their operating routes modified due to weather conditions, unusually warm temperatures, or other circumstances. If a service is suspended, a refund equivalent to the unused portion will be provided where applicable. However, no refund will be issued if substitute arrangements are made using the equivalent value.
- Extended waiting times may also be required before boarding the Zao Ropeway.
- In Ginzan Onsen you will transfer to a shuttle bus before entering the hot spring town. Please note that extended waiting times may occur before boarding the shuttle bus.
From
¥56,900
