Things to do in Yamagata Prefecture

My first visit to Ginzan Onsen two years ago was met with a breathtaking blizzard. I was stunned by the beauty but also frozen by the temperature. Although I enjoyed the purest essence of Taisho Romance, the heavy snowfall prevented me from taking many photos, leaving me with only one picture and a lingering regret. This time, I decided to revisit with my camera to recapture those memories. Without the overwhelming snow and bustling crowds, I could better appreciate the retro charm of the place. I finally got to see the waterfall I missed last time, explore the mine I hadn't visited, and browse the small shops I couldn't properly explore before. Ginzan without the snow offered a different kind of serene elegance. This dream-fulfilling trip finally allowed me to make up for that beautiful regret from years ago. A special shout-out to the incredibly generous and delicious set lunch; I even thought it was extravagant. The plating was truly a work of art, and I thank the travel agency for their thoughtfulness.

Our tour guide, Ashley, was very friendly and provided detailed explanations! We were able to use the fast pass lane for the cable car, avoiding the long queues to go up the mountain! The guide mentioned that the snow had started melting two days prior, leaving only branches. Luckily, the day before our trip, strong winds blew the snow back, so the weather was perfect! ❄️🌲 We were so fortunate to see beautiful ice-covered trees ❄️ even though it was very windy and cold at the summit. The sun even came out as we were leaving! We were truly lucky! It's definitely worth seeing!

We took a day trip arranged by the travel agency to Fox Village, Shiroishi Umen Noodles, and Ginzan Onsen. The itinerary was packed but rewarding. Observing the foxes up close at Fox Village was a unique experience, the Shiroishi Umen noodles were refreshing and distinctly local, and the scenery at Ginzan Onsen was charmingly rustic. It was an unforgettable experience combining nature, culture, and delicious food.

Our tour guide, Vivien, is truly a wonderful person! You can really feel her passion and love for her job! She's so thoughtful and charming! We were very satisfied with the itinerary! The only minor drawback was that the stopover time was a bit short for those who love to shop, but overall, we were very happy! ✨

great experience 🥰My trip to Ginzan Onsen was such a wonderful and unforgettable experience. The town looked like something out of an old Japanese movie, with beautiful traditional buildings, a small river flowing through the center, and soft lights glowing at night. Walking around there felt peaceful and magical, especially when the snow made everything look even more stunning.

Our driver, Mr. Lee, was very responsible. The day before our trip, he proactively contacted us to provide meeting information. The itinerary for the day was also very smooth. At each attraction, he provided introductions and allowed flexible time for us to explore. When he learned that the noodle shop we planned for lunch was closed, he immediately adapted and took us to eat lunch near Tendo Onsen, also allowing time for everyone to browse the shops. It was fantastic! ❤️ Transportation to Fox Village and Ginzan Onsen can be inconvenient, so having a package tour like this is truly perfect for independent travelers!! 👍🏻

The allocated time is sufficient to cover each destination, including time for shopping and grabbing a light meal or ice cream. The guide, Xiao Li, was punctual, polite, and gave us clear explanations during the trip. There was quite a bit of walking/ hiking needed to be done in order to reach the temple and/or if you wished to go deeper to the Ginzan Onsen cave (during my visit it was closed for safety checking). Overall, it was a great experience, as we could truly feel the peace and tranquility of these places.

The one-day shared tour was very convenient, and with a small group, we moved quickly. The driver was very kind and polite, and simple English communication was sufficient. The timing and pace of travel between attractions and free time were managed perfectly!

Today, I had a wonderful time on a day trip to Zao Fox Village in Sendai and Ginzan Onsen. The weather was beautiful and sunny, which made the entire journey even more enjoyable. At the fox village, I got to observe many adorable foxes up close; they roamed freely, truly allowing me to experience the charm of nature. Furthermore, the scenery at Ginzan Onsen was picturesque, with babbling brooks and magnificent surrounding mountains that uplifted my spirits. Soaking my ankles in the outdoor hot spring and enjoying the comfortable warmth helped me forget the stresses of daily life. Overall, this trip not only allowed me to get up close with foxes but also immersed me in the beautiful natural scenery, making it a truly unforgettable experience.