Things to do in Yamagata

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!

Although the weather was not perfect as we could only see nothing on Zao Cable car, the guide was helpful to try suggesting other routes. He was also a funny guide to make us feel relaxed during the whole journey. Also, the customers from Taiwan were so friendly to allow me mingle in their group🥹Recommend the tour to everyone who is planning to join. Better to bring a jacket to keep you warm on the Zao mountain!

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.

The tour guide was very thoughtful! We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel, and the nine-seater van was full. The timing was perfectly managed, and the guide even gave us a brief introduction to the sights. It's a shame it rained the whole time we were there, which made it a bit more challenging! Even so, we still felt that overall, it was a great one-day trip! Not tiring at all! Highly recommend it to everyone.

Our tour guide also served as the driver and was very responsible, ensuring everything was well-arranged. The tickets he purchased were for the first row, which was an excellent spot and great value for money. The hotel arranged in the middle of the trip was an old Japanese inn, providing a wonderful experience. The other two attractions were also fantastic; the hot springs would have been perfect if visited in winter. The itinerary design was very good. If I had to point out a flaw, it would be that the hotel we returned to after the Nebuta Festival was quite far. While the tourists weren't too tired, sleeping through the journey, the driver worked incredibly hard, driving for several hours late into the night. I suggest optimizing this part of the route.