Things to do in Yamagata Prefecture

This was a well organized and enjoyable tour. Even with poor weather, Ginzan onsen is beautiful. There was enough time at each spot. Explainations in English were given in simple, auto translated texts through LINE. It is understandable, as the English speaking guests were a minority on the tour, but it is worth noting that the guide does not speak any English

The weather was poor all the way from Sendai, but upon reaching Mt. Zao, the area was wide open and a strong gust of wind blew the clouds away, revealing the "Zao Okama" crater lake! I was fortunate to witness this ever-changing crater lake with my own eyes. Driving further to the Zao Ropeway, although many autumn leaves had already fallen, the desolate yet magnificent scenery was still unforgettable! Lunch featured regional snacks from Yamagata Prefecture, and right across the restaurant was a large supermarket where we could quickly buy seasonal fruits—how wonderful! Arriving at Ginza Onsen required transferring to a shuttle bus, which certainly squeezed our staying time. As it was getting dark, some of the inns had already lit up their warm lights, making for quite lovely photographs! The tour guide, Ms. Yangliu, was always thoughtful in reminding everyone of the meeting times, explaining the features of the attractions in detail, and even reminding us where we could grab a bite before returning to Sendai. Her service attitude was extremely warm and professional!

Hotel shuttle within 2km of Sendai JR Station makes getting around super convenient. There isn't much of a guided tour; everyone just shares a comfortable 9-passenger van. Be sure to check the email sent the evening before for the exact arrival time at the pick-up spot, and it is recommended to head downstairs a bit early to wait. The following costs are not included: Fox Village admission fee (Junior high school students and above = 1500 yen / younger = free); Hand-stretched Shiroishi Umumen noodles at Koan (meal cost). We arrived and waited for a table before the restaurant opened, with a total of about 15 people across two vans. It took 17 minutes just to be seated and place our orders after opening, leaving only 15 minutes until the meeting time after the food was served. Waiting so long for a meal and then having to rush through eating was quite stressful—while the van will wait for you, it is rather annoying.

The 2-day trip to Ginzan Onsen was an absolute 10/10! I strongly recommend staying overnight; the night view is truly breathtaking, making you feel like you've stepped right into the fairytale world of Spirited Away. The pace of the itinerary was very comfortable, with no rushed sightseeing. Staying at a ryokan, we enjoyed authentic Japanese meals for breakfast and dinner, and the hot spring water was of excellent quality—soaking in it left our whole bodies wonderfully warm. Strolling through the historic hot spring street during the day, watching the antique lamps light up at dusk, and experiencing the quiet, crowd-free town in the early morning made for amazing photos. The entire arrangement was smooth, worry-free, and effortless. It was an unforgettable trip, and I'd love to visit again next time!

our driver, Wei, is very enthusiastic and friendly. overall, this day trip is of low value, the fox village was small and boring. the noodle place was closed. it was crowded on the ginzan onsen shuttle bus and the place was small. the driving roads was not smooth and most of the time were spent on driving.

Although we didn't visit during the winter, it was still very beautiful. The overall environment is peaceful with quite a few tourists. For visitors who plan to soak in the hot springs, it is recommended to bring your own towel to dry your feet. Sitting by the river to enjoy the scenery and relax is a wonderful experience.

Taking a private small group tour that was upgraded to a private car charter was very convenient and relaxing. The pick-up location was clear. The itinerary timing was just right. The tour guide Emily provided detailed explanations, recommended various authentic local foods, and even helped take photos. The driver drove steadily. We were very satisfied with the service. We will book through Klook again next time.