Things to do in Sendai

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!

The driver, who also served as our guide, was very attentive. He contacted us the night before to reconfirm the pick-up location. The nine-seater vehicle was comfortable and not crowded. We were fortunate to see Ginzan covered in heavy snowfall — truly a beautiful and worthwhile experience.

The Travel Agent emailed the reminder invluding the driver’s details via email a day before the trip. Communicated with the driver, Mr Li, whom is pleasant and accommodating. He arrived on time, drive along the trip was smooth and safe. My family and I enjoyed the destinations along the trip. Recommended.

Originally, the day tour required a minimum of three people, but because one of the members canceled, the guide didn't want to disappoint us, so they proceeded as planned, turning it into a private tour for just my husband and me. Although the only person accompanying us on the entire trip was a driver who only spoke Japanese, he enthusiastically translated everything for us, communicated with us using translation apps, and introduced us to many of Sendai's unique features. We are truly grateful to him! The fox village and Ginzan Onsen are worth a visit, and we are very fortunate that we chose this day tour and had a fulfilling and enjoyable day!

Great day tour from Sendai Station. The bus was spacious, clean, comfortable, and had WiFi plus a tray for drinks and snacks. Driver and guide were punctual and professional. Our guide, Sanichi, really stood out. He speaks good English, is knowledgeable, and shared useful tips throughout the day. He also told us the inspiring story of Hamaguchi Goryo and the “Fire of Rice Sheaves,” with light jokes along the way that made the tour feel relaxed and welcoming. He helped take photos and gave great recommendations on what to see and eat. Zao Fox Village was fun and unique, with foxes up close. Feeding or hugging costs extra, and the guide helped with translation. Lunch was a simple but tasty noodle and tempura set. Ginzan Onsen was crowded and rainy, but well managed with clear instructions. Still worth visiting, as it’s very hard to reach by public transport. Overall, a fantastic day trip—the guide’s passion made all the difference.

We took about a 20-minute walk from the nearest JR station. Easy exchange of ticket at the ticket counter. There are performances at fixed times, including taking photos with seal & penguins up close (paying minimal fee for the printed photo). Overall, Aquarium is not as big as some others in Japan we have been to, but the shows, displays and experience were great.