2-Day Ginzan Onsen and Zao Snow Monsters Tour with Hot Spring Hotel from Tokyo: Zao Fox Village and Onihei Edo Village丨Step into the World of Spirited Away

What you'll experience

Highlights

2 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Tokyo - Yamagata - Miyagi

   The following itinerary is for reference only. The actual schedule, including attractions, visiting order, and time spent, may be adjusted based on the conditions on the day of the tour.

   
   7:00am – Tokyo | Begin today's beautiful journey
   Meeting Point Pick-up & Drop-off package:
   7:00am JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit
   7:30am Shinjuku MODE Gakuen (TokyoMODEGAKUEN, 1-7-3Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023Japan)
   Hotel/B&B Pick-up & Drop-off package:
   7:00am–7:30am Hotel pick-up within Tokyo's 7 central wards
   ——Departure areas from Tokyo:
   Shinjuku-ku
   Chiyoda-ku
   Chuo-ku
   Taito-ku
   Minato-ku
   Shibuya-ku
   Bunkyo-ku
   * Please confirm in advance whether your hotel address is within the pick-up area.
   * The vehicle will depart on time; please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure.
   * The pick-up order and time will be arranged by the guide based on distance and traffic conditions. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation- please follow the guide's instructions.
   
   14:00pm – Yamagata | Ginzan Onsen Street
   Visit the "Spirited Away" Bathhouse (approx. 90 min, free time; may extend up to 120 min depending on traffic or local conditions)
   Ginzan Onsen is a historic hot spring town with over 500 years of history. The popular local bathhouse "Notoya"served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Famous as a therapeutic onsen during the Edo period, the town still retains its historic charm. Along the peaceful banks of the Ginzan River, wooden ryokans built from the Taisho to early Showa era line the streets. In the evening, gas lamps reflect on the foggy stone streets, creating a stunning twilight scene, while the winter snow adds a magical touch. Stroll freely through the town and soak in its nostalgic atmosphere.
   In the popular Japanese anime Demon Slayer, Ginzan Onsen is considered the location of the swordsmith village. Nestled in the mountains, this traditional town thrived in the 17th century due to silver mining, and its Taisho-era streets remain well-preserved. Along the Ginzan River, you'll find Western-style wooden inns, exuding the romantic charm unique to Taisho-period Japan. The town's winter scenery, blanketed in snow, evokes images reminiscent of films like Oshin and The Hidden Girl.
   Make the most of your approximately two hours here: besides relaxing in the hot springs, don't forget to try Yamagata's specialty tempura soba. Stroll hand-in-hand with your loved one through the snowy streets and enjoy the romantic, serene ambiance of a bygone era.
   One of the greatest joys is soaking your feet in the hot spring foot baths or communal baths. At the entrance of the onsen street, the Waraku Foot Bath is free of charge. After walking in the snow, warm your feet while enjoying the snowy scenery-an utterly delightful experience.
   
   15:30pm – Yamagata | Depart for Naruko Onsen
   Kameya Onsen Hotel (approx. 1-hour drive; arrival time may vary depending on traffic)
   
   16:30pm – Miyagi | Check-in at Naruko Onsen – Kameya Onsen Hotel
   Stroll through one of Tohoku's popular hot spring towns, also known as the "Home of Naruko Kokeshi Dolls."
   (Alternatively, a hotel of similar standard. Includes breakfast and dinner. Dinner features authentic Northern Tohoku kaiseki cuisine, highlighting seasonal ingredients. If delayed due to traffic or other circumstances, a bento will be provided. Breakfast is served buffet style.)
   【Naruko Onsen】
   Naruko Onsen is a hot spring town nestled in the mountains of Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Along the steaming onsen streets, you’ll find hot spring inns, foot baths, and day-use baths, making it easy to enjoy the hot springs. The town is also famous for traditional crafts, including Naruko Kokeshi dolls, and local gourmet shops.
   【Rare Hot Springs – 8 Types in One Town】
   Naruko Onsen is composed of five areas: Naruko Onsen, Higashi-Naruko Onsen, Kawatabi Onsen, Nakayamadaira Onsen, and Onikobe Onsen. It is one of Japan's rare hot spring regions where 8 out of 10 types of spring water can be found, making it a highly unique onsen destination in Tohoku.
   【Kameya Onsen Hotel – Hot Spring Highlights】
   ① Indoor baths and outdoor rotenburo on the first floor; a six-story scenic bath offers panoramic views of Mount Naruko.
   ② Futami Spring features a rare black-brown bicarbonate-rich water with trace iron, known as the "beauty bath", beneficial for skin health and cleansing.
   ③ The outdoor bath offers a view of the JR Rikuu East Line trains passing by, adding a charming"railway atmosphere"to your onsen experience.

   

   Ginzan Onsen Street

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Naruko Onsen – Kameya Onsen Hotel
2. 2

   Day 2 — Miyagi - Yamagata - Saitama - Tokyo

   8:00am – Miyagi
   After breakfast at Kameya Onsen Hotel, depart for Zao Snow Monsters Ropeway
   (Approx. 2 hours; arrival time may vary depending on traffic conditions.)
   
   10:00am – Yamagata | Zao Snow Monsters
   Get up close to the "Ice Monsters" (approx. 2 hours, free time; includes ropeway to the summit)
   * If tickets for the second section of the ropeway cannot be booked, the ride will only go to the mid-station instead of mountain top.
   The dry Siberian monsoon, after picking up moisture over the Sea of Japan, collides with the Aomori pines growing near the mountain top, freezing into extraordinary natural sculptures. This phenomenon only occurs in Yamagata and Aomori Prefectures in Japan's Tohoku region. The unique climate and vegetation of the Zao mountain range create countless ice formations resembling snow monsters, hence the name "Ice Monsters."Zao is the only place in Japan where you can see such magnificent and large ice formations, and it is internationally renowned.
   Take the ropeway to the summit, stopping at Zao Sanroku (base) → Juhyo Plateau → Zao Jizo Summit. From inside the ropeway, enjoy stunning 360° views of the ice formations. At the summit, get close to the ice monsters, enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck, and relax at the summit restaurant while appreciating the scenery.
   ——Notes for Viewing Ice Monsters:
   * Shapes and appearances of the ice monsters vary depending on weather conditions.
   * For your safety and the preservation of the ice, please stay within designated viewing areas. (Do not cross safety ropes.)
   * The ice monsters are a rare natural phenomenon. Please do not touch them.
   * Dress warmly and take proper cold-weather precautions.
   * To view the ice monsters, you will transfer via the Zao Ropeway base and summit lines. In case of rain, heavy fog, thunderstorms, or strong winds, ropeway operations may be suspended. The summit observation deck may also be restricted. If the ropeway is unavailable, guests will be transferred via the Zao Central Ropeway, with a corresponding fare adjustment. 
   * Ropeway operation and ride times may vary depending on the day. Thank you for your understanding
   
   13:30pm – Yamagata | Zao Fox Village
   (approx. 60 min, free time; admission not included)
   Located in the mountains of Shiroishi City, Zao Fox Village is home to over 100 foxes of seven species, including red foxes, cross foxes, and arctic foxes. Visitors can feed and photograph the freely roaming foxes, and also enjoy holding baby foxes.
   Touching the foxes'soft, fluffy fur is a highly popular experience. From autumn to winter, the foxes grow their winter coats, making them even cuter. All foxes in the park are bred in captivity, with thorough preventive measures against echinococcosis.
   * Important: For safety reasons, the park has strict entry rules. Please follow the staff's instructions at all times.
   
   18:00pm – Saitama | Onihei Edo Village
   Step back into the Edo period (approx. 30 min, includes snack time)
   Onihei Edo Village is a highway rest area themed after the world of Onihei Hankacho, combining Edo-period architecture with cultural storytelling. Opened in 2013 and inspired by Shotaro Ikenami's historical novel Onihei Hankacho, the village was designed with guidance from historians and art directors, preserving a rich historical and cultural atmosphere.
   The village features multiple eateries modeled after locations in the novel or traditional Edo shops. Don't miss these on your way back:
   【Gotei (Jidori Chicken Hot Pot)】– Recreates the famous chicken hot pot from the book, inspired by Tokyo's 1760 Tamahide restaurant. Features a special udon version with rich broth and onsen egg.
   【Honjo Sanadaya (Soba Restaurant)】– Supervised by Kanda Matsuya since 1884, serving traditional Edo soba noodles.
   【Chuhachi (Grilled Eel)】– Reproduces the eel stall from the novel, operated by the historic fish wholesaler Koihei (est. 1897).
   【Bentatsu (Chinese-style Ramen)】– Inspired by Shotaro Ikenami's frequent visits to Nihonbashi Taimeiken, offering ramen with rich soup in Edo style.
   【Manpachi (Edo Cuisine)】– Serves rabbit stew, a favorite of Heizo in the novel, supervised by Edo cuisine experts.
   【Funabashiya (Kuzumochi Dessert)】– A popular kuzumochi shop established in 1805, known for its excellent sweet flavor.
   【Yatai Ren (Street Food Stalls)】– Modeled after Ryogoku stalls, offering skewers, sweet sake, and other Edo street treats.
   【Bunraku Yaki Honpo (Doll-shaped Cakes & Taiyaki)】– Recreates popular Ningyocho baked sweets, representing classic Edo street snacks.
   
   19:30pm – Tokyo
   Arrive at JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit / Shinjuku MODE Gakuen / Hotel/B＆B– Conclude today's tour
   Guests with the Meeting Point Pick-up & Drop-off package may end the tour directly at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku.
   Guests with the Hotel/B＆B Pick-up & Drop-off package will be returned to their accommodations by shuttle bus.
   【Tokyo Station (Tokyo Station Hotel) 】is located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, at the heart of the Marunouchi commercial district. This multi-level station serves numerous lines, including: Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, Nagano Shinkansen, Tokaido Line, Chuo Line (Rapid), Sobu Line (Rapid), Yokosuka Line, Keiyo Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, Narita Express, Tokyo Metro, and Marunouchi Line (Station Code: M-17). It is not only the starting point for many rail lines in Japan but also one of Tokyo's major transportation hubs. The iconic Tokyo Station Red Brick Building is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and was restored in 2012 to faithfully replicate its original appearance from 100 years ago.
   【Shinjuku】is one of Tokyo's most famous bustling commercial districts. Key areas spread around Shinjuku Station, including the East, West, and South exits. It is a shopper's paradise with department stores, electronics shops, drugstores, and trendy fashion outlets; notable department stores include Odakyu, Keio, and Isetan. Shinjuku also hosts Kabukicho, Japan's most famous entertainment and nightlife district, featuring countless restaurants, bars, theaters, and entertainment venues, earning it the nickname "Japan's No.1 Entertainment Street.”
   Shinjuku Station is one of Tokyo's most important transportation hubs, serving nearly 4 million passengers daily, making it the world's busiest railway station. The district also offers attractions such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for cherry blossom viewing, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the famous Golden Gai area.

   

   Zao Snow Monsters

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator