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—Itinerary Introduction—
Depart from Tokyo for a two-day trip to explore the snowy country of Tohoku.
On the first day, we headed to Ginzan Onsen, a dreamy winter destination. The retro hot spring town, bathed in snow, resembles a movie set and is a must-see winter destination. The popular Notoya hot springs were the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away."
Stay overnight at the renowned Naruko Onsen Kameya Onsen Hotel in Miyagi Prefecture. Relax, soak in the hot springs, admire the snow, and enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner and breakfast, allowing you to experience authentic hot spring lodging culture.
On the second day, your itinerary will take you to Zao Juhyo, known as the "Forest of Snow Monsters," where you'll enjoy breathtaking snowy scenery aboard a cable car. You'll then visit Zao Fox Village for photos and interactions with adorable foxes. On the return trip, you'll visit the popular Edo-style rest stop, Onihira Edokoro, for a delicious meal, drinks, and shopping.
※ The itinerary order may be adjusted according to weather or traffic conditions to ensure overall smoothness and safety. Thank you for your understanding.
※ Includes cable car ticket + hot spring accommodation + breakfast and dinner. No need to worry about transportation and ticket purchases, easily experience the essence of winter in Tohoku!
【Ginzan Hot Spring Street】
The popular local hot spring resort "Notoya" served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." Renowned as a therapeutic hot spring during the Edo period, the streets and alleys still retain the charm of those days. A stroll through the hot spring district is undoubtedly a great way to enjoy a foot bath or shared bath. At the entrance to the hot spring district, there's a free "Waraku Foot Bath." After a long walk in the snow, your feet will inevitably get cold. Here, you can simply remove your shoes and socks, soak your feet in the hot springs, and admire the snowy scenery. It's truly relaxing.
【Zao Juhyo】
Take the ropeway to the foot of Mount Zao, where you'll get a closer look at the stunning frost-covered trees. Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the cable car! Get up close and personal with the frost trees on the mountaintop! Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from the summit observatory! Enjoy the tranquility of the mountaintop restaurant!
※If the Zao Ropeway cannot be used due to long lines or the facility not accepting reservations, we will transfer to the Zao Chuo Ropeway and refund the corresponding fare difference. Please understand.
1. The shape and appearance of juhyo vary depending on the weather.
2. For customer safety and to protect the frost trees, please view them in designated areas. (Do not cross the safety ropes.)
3. Juhyo is a precious natural phenomenon. Please do not touch it directly.
4. Take precautions against the cold.
5. The cable car may be suspended due to rain, dense fog, thunderstorms, strong winds, etc. Please note that the mountaintop observatory may also be closed. Tickets will be refunded in the event of a cable car suspension.
—Important Notes—
The dry Siberian monsoon turns into water-laden winds when it meets the Sea of Japan. The winds then collide with and solidify with the Aomori pines growing near the top of the mountain, creating this natural work of art. This spectacle can only be seen in Yamagata Prefecture or Aomori Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region.
The unique climate and flora of the Zao Mountain Range create countless artistic formations resembling white snow monsters, earning them the nickname "Ice Monsters." Zao is the only place in Japan where you can see such large and beautiful juhyo, and it is internationally renowned.
The ropeway offers a clearer view of the stunning frost-covered trees. Note: If the Zao Cable Car is unavailable, you will be offered the Zao Chuo Cable Car instead, and a partial refund will be given. Thank you for your understanding.
Stay in the Naruko Onsen area: Kameya Onsen Hotel, experience authentic Japanese hot springs, soak in a hot spring and wash away your travel fatigue.
The tranquil Ginzan River is lined with wooden inns built between the Taisho and early Showa eras. The twilight scene, where gas lamps cast a brilliant glow on the misty stone pavement, and the winter snowscape are both breathtaking sights worth seeing. Stroll freely through Ginzan Onsen Town and reminisce about the romance of yesteryear.
Ginzan, named after the region's silver boom in the 17th century, retains its original Taisho-era streetscape. Along the banks of the Ginzan River, which flows through the heart of the hot spring town, you'll find numerous Western-style wooden inns, brimming with the unique romance of Japan's Taisho period. Ginzan Onsen, dotted with vibrant white in winter, evokes the silvery worlds of films like "Oshin" and "Hidden Girl."
Notoya: A century-old shop symbolizing Ginzan Onsen. With over a century of history, its red brick, wooden four-story building with elegant lattice windows is a striking landmark on Ginzan Onsen Street. Frequently featured in postcards, magazines, and television dramas, it's a prime spot for photo opportunities.
Zao Fox Village: A Popular Zoo, a Must-Visit Winter Fairytale Scene. Located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, Zao Fox Village is Japan's only fox-themed natural ecological park. Home to over 100 foxes of six different species, including the native Japanese "hokuko" and the rare white fox, the park offers a variety of activities.
Onihira Edo-no-Ku: Retro Edo Streetscapes × A New Highway Rest Stop Experience. Onihira Edo-no-Ku (Onihira Edo-no-Ku) is a themed highway rest stop located on the Hanyu Service Area (upbound) on the Kan-Etsu Expressway. Based on the Edo period setting of the popular Japanese novel "Onihira Hanka-cho," it meticulously recreates a vibrant Edo-era streetscape. Stepping into Onihira Edo-no-Ku is like stepping back in time 300 years to the Edo period. With vintage wooden stalls, hanging lanterns, and numerous shops selling a variety of traditional foods and Japanese souvenirs, this is more than just a place to stop during your journey; it's a destination where culture and food meet.
Recommended dishes: the rich charcoal-grilled "Honjo Sanadaya Grilled Eel Rice," the Edo-style dessert "Funawa Imo Yokan," and local snacks like handmade senbei (rice crackers) and okonomiyaki (sweet rice crackers). This is not only a great place for photo opportunities, but also a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Edo culinary culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, this is a truly unique stop on your way back to Tohoku!
Ticket Price | Starting from ₱ 14,362.37. |
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Available Date | 13 Dec 2025. |
Duration | 2 Days. |
Address | Ouchi-juku. |
Category | Tours |