【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen・Zao Ropeway & Ice Monsters・Okama Crater・Seasonal Fruit Picking・Special Lunch One-Day Tour (Departing from Sendai)

4.6 / 5
120 reviews
2K+ booked
Departing from Sendai
Ginzan Onsen
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Must-visit hidden gems in Tohoku: Take a comfortable bus directly to popular attractions with inconvenient transportation. Ginzan Onsen’s romantic streetscape: Stroll along the wooden ryokan streets and experience a nostalgic, retro atmosphere. Zao Juhyo “Snow Monster” Spectacle: Take a cable car to admire the winter-exclusive natural wonder up close (winter only). Dreamy emerald green volcanic lake: Admire Zao Okama, known as “Goshikinuma” (Five-Color Pond), where the lake water changes colors with light and weather. Taste local specialty cuisine: Enjoy seasonal local flavors unique to Yamagata. Multiple experiences in one trip: A classic Tohoku route combining hot springs, snowscapes, culture, and nature.

Package options

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Package type

【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

【Plan C】Zao Ropeway & Onsen Town・Zao Okama・Ginzan Onsen Day Trip (Fruit Picking Not Included)

【Plan E】Zao Ropeway・Okama Crater・Ginzan Onsen・Fruit Picking Experience (Departures from 6/1 to 11/9)

Quantity

€ 102.19

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What to expect

- Itinerary Introduction -

Ginzan Onsen Ginzan Onsen is a nostalgic Japanese hot spring village that feels like stepping back in time. Wooden ryokans are scattered along the Ginzan River, and the winter snowscape paired with warm yellow lights is especially romantic and as moving as a movie scene. You can enjoy open-air hot springs and private baths, or stroll through the old streets in a yukata, deeply experiencing Taisho romance and traditional Japanese hot spring culture.

Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters) The Juhyo phenomenon in the Zao mountain range is one of Japan’s spectacular winter sights, often most magnificent from January to February. Cold winds and snow mist interact with coniferous trees, forming ice and snow shapes resembling monsters. Take the cable car to the plateau station to stroll and enjoy the scenery, as if entering a mysterious snowy country in a white world.

Zao Onsen Street Zao Onsen is located on the mountainside of the Zao mountain range at an altitude of about 900 meters, boasting a history of over a thousand years. The hot spring town centers around “Koyu-dori,” with traditional ryokans, public baths, foot baths, and long-established eateries lining both sides of the stone-paved street. It is filled with the scent of sulfur and rising steam, showcasing the nostalgic atmosphere of a Showa-era hot spring town, perfect for strolling around to find local delicacies and souvenirs.

Zao Okama Crater Lake Zao Okama is the symbolic circular crater lake of the Zao mountain range, named for its surface shape resembling a pot used for cooking rice. Because the lake water changes colors such as green, blue, and emerald depending on the season and weather, it is also known as “Goshikinuma” (Five-Color Marsh). Annually, from approximately April to November, you can ascend to the summit of Mount Katta or the Okumiya of Katta Mine Shrine to overlook the entire crater lake and the magnificent mountain ridges.

Seasonal Fruit Picking Experience We take you to local orchards to pick representative seasonal fruits by hand. From early summer (June to early July), you can experience picking sweet and juicy cherries, savoring the happy taste of sweet and sour intertwined with each bite; from August to October, you can enjoy fragrant, plump, and juicy grapes; and from October to November, you can pick crisp and sweet apples by hand, experiencing the joy of harvesting fruits.

【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
The most representative crater lake of the Zao mountain range, known as the "Eye of Zao".
Limited to spring and summer, step into the orchard and pick plump, ripe cherries by hand. With one bite, experience the sweet and juicy flavor, and feel the exclusive sweet sensation of early summer amidst the sunshine and fruit aroma.
Limited to spring and summer, step into the orchard and pick plump, ripe cherries by hand. With one bite, experience the sweet and juicy flavor, and feel the exclusive sweet sensation of early summer amidst the sunshine and fruit aroma.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
Cherries are expected to be harvested from June to mid-July.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
Peaches or grapes are expected to be harvested from August to October.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
Stroll along the streets of Ginzan Onsen and experience the classic Taisho Roman retro atmosphere of Japan.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
Take the cable car directly up the mountain and easily overlook the magnificent scenery of the Zao mountain range.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
After reaching the summit, you can overlook the mountains and plateau scenery, making it a popular mountain experience.
【Tohoku One-Day Tour】Ginzan Onsen & Zao Snow Monsters & Special Lunch | Depart from Sendai
Winter Spectacle: Zao Snow Monsters, Experience the Breathtaking Ice and Snow

Reviews

4.6 / 5
Fantastic
120 reviews
Guide
4.6
Itinerary
4.6
Quality of transfer
4.7
Value for money
4.6
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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

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.

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

overall a lovely experience, ginzan onsen was beautiful and eventhough we were struck with a heavy snowstorm for the zao ropeway trip, we still had a fun time. Everything was timed well and although 1.5 hours seem short in Ginzan, we actually still have plenty of time to stroll the city and buy souvenirs or hot coffee. The lunch was surprisingly better than we expected, local Yamagata couisine, and we did not expect we would get private rooms to enjoy it! Worth to note that the guide explains everything in chinese, and later on communicate the important parts in japanese which would be ok if you understand basic japanese. But basically just prepare a live translating app (or chatgpt) to understand the explanations! And Lili laoshi(the guide) can take very good photos🫶 Thank you so much!

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

I participated in the 1/12 tour, and because there were a large number of group members, they thoughtfully assigned two guides (Xiao Hou and Lin-san) to lead the group. They shared interesting food, history, and travel experiences along the way! I was lucky to encounter snow ❄️ in Ginzan Onsen because the strongest cold wave in Japan in ten years had arrived the day before. It was an indescribably beautiful place! When we arrived at the Zao Ropeway, I originally thought we wouldn't have a chance to go up the mountain because of the strong winds, but thanks to Lin-san's communication, we were able to reach the summit as we wished. Although the wind and snow at the summit were intense, it was worth it to see the snow monsters even for a moment! It was a very satisfying and wonderful trip! I am very grateful to the two guides for their care (especially their friendliness towards children)! (Strongly recommend leaving a WeChat account)

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

The entire trip was well-timed, and I am very grateful for the attentive service provided by tour guides Xiao Hou & Ms. Hayashi. In particular, Xiao Hou provided almost non-stop English and Chinese guidance throughout the trip, including introductions to local attractions, as well as sharing Japanese culture & unique foods. At Ginzan Onsen and the summit of Mount Zao, they also diligently led the group to see attractions such as the waterfall & the Jizo Bodhisattva statue at the summit (even though there was a lot of snow on the mountain that day). They were also very patient in helping members take photos along the way, and I could feel Xiao Hou's dedication to their craft. Both tour guides worked hard to ensure that the travelers had a wonderful experience, and the itinerary itself was well-arranged. I believe everyone has created beautiful memories 🥰 01/12/2026 Ren✍️

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

Our experience with Lions travel for the Ginzan Onsen and Zao Ropeway tour was excellent. The service was well-organized and smooth from start to finish. The itinerary was clear, the meeting point was easy to find, and everything ran on time, which made the trip stress-free and enjoyable. The transportation was comfortable, and the guide was helpful and professional, making sure everyone felt safe and informed throughout the tour. Visiting Ginzan Onsen was a beautiful and relaxing experience, while the Zao Ropeway offered breathtaking views and an unforgettable ride up the mountain. Overall, booking this tour through Klook was a great decision. It saved us time and effort, and we were able to fully enjoy both destinations without any hassle. I highly recommend Klook for anyone looking for a convenient and well-managed tour experience in Japan.Together, Ginzan Onsen and the Zao Ropeway create a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

At first, I was really worried that the tour wouldn't happen. I inquired with the vendor but didn't receive any response. I asked Klook and they only informed me on the day of the tour at noon (after waiting for 5 days) 😂. Thankfully, the tour leader informed me the night before, so I was able to confirm. Although we didn't get to eat the special lunch, we were lucky enough to still see snow, and it was even snowing in Zao instead of raining. The tour leader also took us to suitable photo spots and helped us take pictures. It was very worthwhile, and we didn't have to drive ourselves to reach two locations. We were originally considering splitting the trip into two days if the tour didn't happen 🤣.

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

Excellent trip! Lili the tour guide was great. She knew the places really well and we passed by some beautiful places not in the itenerary. She was very efficient in buying the tickets and organizing the trip. Lunch was delicious and filling. Best of all, the tour price includes priority cable car tickets all the way to the top of Mt. Zao. We barely had to line up giving us plenty of time to sightsee and take pictures. Highly recommended!!!

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

A very unique experience worth doing! Make sure to wrap up warm as it’s very cold on top of the mountain. The lunch was delicious and we were dat in private tables for your group. The onsen was picturesque.

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

I was the only Thai person on this tour, and I can communicate only in English. The tour information clearly stated that the guide would communicate in Chinese. However, after reviewing many tour programs, this was the only one that truly matched what I was looking for, so I decided to book it. I was very impressed with the experience. The guide, LiLi, was absolutely wonderful. She made a great effort to translate and communicate with me, took very good care of me throughout the trip, and managed the schedule exactly as planned. The tour was fun, enjoyable, and well organized. I truly appreciated her kindness and professionalism, and I would definitely recommend this tour to others.

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Review for: 【Plan A: Winter Limited】Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen Day Trip

Our tour guide, Ms. Wang Li Li, was very responsible. The weather was great. It was wonderful to see the snowy scenery of Ginzan Onsen and the cloudless blue sky of the Zao Snow Monsters. A great travel experience! It's a pity that we couldn't have a special Chinese lunch due to the time arrangement, but there was enough time in Ginzan Onsen to eat delicious fried tofu and soup tofu at the century-old tofu shop. Also, the Zao Ropeway group ticket saved more time than buying tickets individually. At most, we stood for 10 minutes to get on the first ropeway. Highly recommended!

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Good to know

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. The bus will depart on time, and no waiting will be provided for latecomers. Late arrivals will be considered a No-show and no refund will be given. Please be aware.
  • At each tourist attraction in winter, depending on weather conditions, it may not be possible to see snow.
  • Zao Juhyo (ice monsters) may vary slightly due to weather conditions, and there is a possibility that they cannot be viewed. After the tour is formed, it will proceed as usual regardless of the Juhyo situation. Please be aware.
  • If Zao Ropeway cannot be reserved, Zao Chuo Ropeway will be used instead.
  • If the ropeway is suspended due to unavoidable factors such as traffic or weather, the itinerary will be changed to a footbath experience at Zao Onsen Street, and a refund of 3000 JPY for the ropeway fee will be provided later. Please be aware.
  • Vehicles will be dispatched according to the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also serves as an attendant will provide full tour service, without an additional tour leader. Free sightseeing will be allowed upon arrival at the attractions. Please be aware.
  • Bus seating will be arranged on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
  • Bus seats and restaurant seats used during the experience tour may be shared with other tour participants, depending on the arrangements made by the tour leader and facilities on the day.
  • Meal contents may be adjusted due to factors such as the restaurant's ingredients on the day. The actual situation on-site will prevail.
  • On the day of the tour, due to road conditions and other factors, the停留時間 (stay time) at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be canceled, and the return arrival time may also be significantly delayed. Please be aware.
  • The Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus needs to be arranged by yourself, and the cost is 1000 JPY. If there is a significant increase in price, there may be a possibility of an additional charge on-site for the difference.
  • The itinerary order is for reference only and may be adjusted according to the ropeway reservation time. Thank you for your understanding.
  • Due to the Zao Ropeway reservation time slot, lunch may not be provided and will be changed to a free meal, and the meal cost will be refunded separately. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The above times are estimates only. Please avoid arranging other activities after the tour on the same day. Our company will not be responsible for any losses caused by delays. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The fruit ripening period may vary due to weather, and it is also possible to eat pre-picked fruits.

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