2 days2-Day Tohoku Tour Zao Snow Monsters and Ginzan Onsen
Length
2 days
Itinerary
2 days planned
Group
Max 44
Guides
Chinese, Japanese
Overview
Discover the hidden gems of Tohoku on this immersive 2-day tour that showcases breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Visit the iconic Ginzan Onsen, a quaint hot spring town that inspired the animated classic Spirited Away, and relax in the serene ambiance of Naruko Onsen. On the second day, witness the fascinating Zao Snow Monsters and enjoy unique encounters at Zao Fox Village, where you can interact with adorable foxes. Delight in traditional Tohoku cuisine and enjoy picturesque views throughout your journey.
- Explore Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town with a nostalgic charm
- Stay at Naruko Onsen with traditional kaiseki dinner included
- Visit the Zao Snow Monsters, a rare natural phenomenon
- Interact with foxes at Zao Fox Village, a unique winter experience
Day by day itinerary
107:00AM Meet your tour guide at JR Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit)⌄
Visit the iconic hot spring town reminiscent of Spirited Away (Approx. 90–120 mins, free time) With over 500 years of history, Ginzan Onsen is one of Japan’s most charming hot spring towns. The famous Notoya Ryokan is said to have inspired scenes from Spirited Away. Wooden ryokan from the Taisho to early Showa period line both sides of the Ginzan River, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. In winter, the gas lamps glowing through the snowy streets create a magical scene. Stroll through the town, enjoy a relaxing foot bath, and don’t miss local specialties like tempura soba. This picturesque village is also believed by fans to resemble the “Swordsmith Village” in Demon Slayer.
15:30 Yamagata Depart for Naruko Onsen – Kameya Hotel (Approx. 1 hour, subject to traffic) 16:30 Miyagi ▼ Stay at Naruko Onsen – Kameya Hotel (Or similar class hotel, includes dinner & breakfast) Naruko Onsen is one of Tohoku’s most famous hot spring areas, known as the “Home of Kokeshi Dolls.” It features 8 of Japan’s 10 rare hot spring water types.
Meals: Dinner: Traditional Tohoku Kaiseki cuisine
Overnight: Stay at Naruko Onsen – Kameya Hotel (Or similar class hotel, includes dinner & breakfast)
2Head to Zao Snow Monsters⌄
08:00 Miyagi After breakfast, head to Zao Ropeway (Approx. 2 hours) 10:00 Yamagata ▼ Zao Snow Monsters (Ice Trees) (Approx. 2 hours, ropeway included) A rare natural phenomenon created by freezing winds from Siberia, forming spectacular “Ice Monsters.” Found only in northern Japan, Zao is the most famous viewing spot. Take the ropeway to the summit for: 360° panoramic views Close-up views of snow monsters Observation deck & mountaintop experience Note: Ropeway operation may be affected by weather conditions.
13:30 Yamagata ▼ Zao Fox Village (Approx. 60 mins, admission not included) Home to over 100 foxes of 7 species, including Arctic foxes. Enjoy feeding, ფოტography, and even holding baby foxes. A very popular and unique experience, especially in winter when their fur becomes extra fluffy. If closed, visit Shiroishi Castle instead.
18:00 Saitama ▼ Onihei Edo-dokoro Rest Area (Approx. 30 mins, free time for snacks) Step back into the Edo period at this themed rest stop inspired by the novel Onihei Hankacho. Enjoy traditional street food such as soba, eel rice, ramen, wagashi sweets, and more.
19:30 Tokyo Arrive at JR Tokyo Station / Shinjuku End of the tour.
Meals: Breakfast: Buffet
What's included
- ✓Vehicle.
- ✓Tour guide.
- ✓Expressway tolls,Vehicle fuel cost,parking fees
- ✓Accommodation at Naruko Onsen – Kameya Hotel or similar class hotel.
- ✓Zao Snow Monsters Ropeway Ticket
- ✓Dinner
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Pick-up & drop-off at JR Tokyo Station
- ✓Ginzan Onsen Shuttle Bus Ticket
Not included
- ✕Personal expenses
- ✕Any items not mentioned on the section of "Including"
- ✕Entrance fee of Fox Village: should be paid on site (Only if this attraction is open)
Good to know
Starts: Pick-up time and location: 7:00 am JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit. Address:1-chome-6 Marunouchi,Chiyoda city,Tokyo 100-0005 Japan. The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point.Please arrive15 minutes early.
Ends: Pick-up time and location: 7:00 am JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit. Address:1-chome-6 Marunouchi,Chiyoda city,Tokyo 100-0005 Japan. The tour guide will hold a yellow flag with the Gogoday logo at the meeting point.Please arrive15 minutes early.
Cancellation: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- 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
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Ropeway operation may be affected by weather conditions.
- Recommended: warm clothing, comfortable shoes.
- The night before your trip, you will receive an email with the tour guide's contact number and the vehicle's license plate number. Please ensure your email and phone are accessible.
- The hotel rooms are for 2–3 guests per room. If you are traveling alone, please select the corresponding single-occupancy package.
- Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 8days, 8 to 7 days before departure: 20% of the fee will be charged, 7 to 3 days before departure: 50% of the fee will be charged, 2 days before departure to the day of travel: 100% of the fee will be charged.
- If Zao Fox Village is closed, it will be replaced with an alternative attraction.
- Return time to Tokyo varies due to traffic, Usual return is 17:00–18:00, but during peak seasons, it may be as late as 21:00. Please don't arrange activity after trip.
- On weekends/peak seasons, the guide may shorten or skip stops, as Japanese drivers cannot work over 10 hours and must return on time.
- This is a shared group tour with guests from various countries. The guide will provide explanations in multiple languages.
- Each person may bring one piece of luggage free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking.
- The supplier will arrange the vehicle type based on the actual number of participants, and specific vehicle types cannot be requested.
From
$291

