2 Day Ginzan Onsen and Zao Snow Monsters Tour from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan
Duration2 days
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, Japanese, English
Group sizeUp to 40 travelers

Overview

Discover the enchanting winter landscapes of Japan’s Tohoku region on this 2-day guided tour from Tokyo. Experience the nostalgic charm of Ginzan Onsen, a picturesque hot spring town, before relaxing at a traditional hot spring hotel in Naruko Onsen. On the second day, ride the Zao Ropeway to marvel at the extraordinary Zao Snow Monsters, unique ice formations that create a surreal winter wonderland. This tour combines convenience and cultural richness, making it perfect for winter travelers seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

- Explore Ginzan Onsen’s historic streets with time for shopping and relaxation.
- Overnight stay at Kameya Hotel with traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast included.
- Witness the Zao Snow Monsters and take stunning panoramic photographs.
- Enjoy comfortable round-trip transportation from Tokyo, making travel hassle-free.

Options

Shared Room (2–3 Guests)

2–3 Guests per Room
Including Zao ropeway

Excluded cable car ticket

2–3 Guests per Room
without cable car ticket

Single room ( 1 Guest)

1 Guest per Room
Including Zao ropeway

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from Tokyo
  • Zao Ropeway round-trip ticket(Please choose the package including ticket)
  • Multilingual tour guide
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Parking fee
  • One-night accommodation at a hot spring hotel
  • Ginza Onsen Shuttle bus ticket
  • Lunch on both days
  • Personal expenses
  • Fox villiage (optional activity, ticket is around JPY1500)

What to expect

Day 1: Tokyo – Ginzan Onsen – Naruko Onsen
  1. Ginzan Onsen
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Morning Departure
    Meet your tour staff at one of the following departure points:
    7:30 AM
    Tokyo MODE Gakuen

    14:00 Ginzan Onsen
    Arrive at Ginzan Onsen, one of Japan's most famous hot spring towns.

    Nestled in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Ginzan Onsen is known for its beautifully preserved Taisho-era wooden inns lining the Ginzan River. Stone bridges, traditional architecture and gas lamps create a nostalgic atmosphere that is especially magical during winter.

    Enjoy approximately 90 minutes of free time to stroll through the town, browse local shops, photograph the historic streets, or relax at one of the public foot baths.

    Overnight at Naruko Onsen
    Continue to Naruko Onsen, one of the most celebrated hot spring resorts in the Tohoku region.
    Stay at Kameya Hotel or a similar standard hot spring hotel.

    Your stay includes:

    Traditional Japanese dinner
    Overnight accommodation
    Buffet breakfast
    Access to indoor and outdoor hot spring baths
Day 2: Zao Snow Monsters – Zao Area – Tokyo
  1. 2h · Admission ticket included
    8:00 AM After breakfast, depart for Mount Zao.

    10:00 AM Zao Snow Monsters

    Ride the Zao Ropeway (included) to witness one of Japan's most remarkable winter landscapes.

    Known locally as Juhyo, the "Snow Monsters" are naturally formed ice-covered fir trees created by freezing winds blowing across the mountains. These spectacular formations can only be found in a few locations in northern Japan.

    Enjoy approximately 2 hours to:

    Ride the ropeway
    View the Snow Monsters from the observation areas
    Take panoramic photographs
    Explore the summit (weather permitting)

    Please note:

    Snow Monster conditions vary depending on weather.
    Ropeway operations are subject to weather and safety conditions.
    If the main ropeway is suspended, an alternative ropeway may be used, with any applicable fare difference refunded.
  2. 1h · Admission ticket not included
    13:30 Zao Area Sightseeing Stop

    Following the ropeway experience, the tour includes a short sightseeing stop in the Zao area.

    Depending on operating conditions, guests may visit a local attraction such as Zao Fox Village (admission not included,around 1500JPY) or Shiroishi Castle.

    The final sightseeing stop may vary according to seasonal conditions and facility operations.
  3. Onihei Edodokoro
    30m
    18:00 Onihei Edo-dokoro

    Before returning to Tokyo, stop at Onihei Edo-dokoro, a uniquely designed highway service area inspired by Japan's Edo period.

    Browse traditional-style shops, enjoy local snacks, or sample regional specialties while experiencing an atmosphere reminiscent of old Edo.

    Return to Tokyo
    Estimated arrival:
    Around 7:30 PM

    Arrival time may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

7:30AM Depart from Tokyo Mode Gakuen.
Address: 1-7-3 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023 Japan. Meet your tour guide outside building of Tokyo Mode Gakuen by 7:15AM, look for the yellow GOGODAY flag.

End point

7:30AM Depart from Tokyo Mode Gakuen.
Address: 1-7-3 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023 Japan. Meet your tour guide outside building of Tokyo Mode Gakuen by 7:15AM, look for the yellow GOGODAY flag.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before departure.There are many tour groups at the location, Late arrivals or no shows will not be refunded.
  • You will receive an email the evening before the tour with important details, including the guide,driver and meeting point information. Please check your inbox and spam/junk folder.
  • This is a shared group tour with guests from various countries. The guide will provide explanations in multiple languages.
  • Please make sure to follow all local laws and regulations in Japan.
  • Vehicle type will be arranged based on the group size and cannot be specified in advance
  • Prices are based on twin-share accommodation. A Single Supplement applies for guests requesting a private room(15000JPY)(
  • Each traveler may bring one suitcase and one backpack free of charge.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
45,000.00 JPY 38,250.00 JPY per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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