Small-Group Day Trip from Sendai: Ginzan Onsen, Zao Snow Monsters & Fox Village

9 AM Departure from Sendai Station into Tohoku's Winter Wonderland

This day tour departs Sendai Station between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, returning between 7:00 and 7:30 PM. You can choose between a small-group tour using a licensed green-plate vehicle, or a private charter with a 5-seater or 9-seater vehicle.

There are three itinerary options: Ginzan Onsen + Fox Village, Zao Snow Monsters + Fox Village, or Zao Snow Monsters + Ginzan Onsen. Pick the combination that matches the sights you want to see most. Please note the itinerary content itself cannot be customized.

No dedicated tour guide accompanies the group—your driver will provide guidance instead. The language (Japanese or Chinese) is randomly assigned and cannot be requested in advance. You can check availability and book via this booking page.

First Stop: The Zao Fox Village, Where Foxes Relax in the Snow

Most itineraries begin with a roughly one-hour stop at the Zao Fox Village between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Over 100 foxes roam freely across the snow-covered grounds.

With their thick winter coats, the foxes look wonderfully fluffy, and you can watch them curled up in the snow from close range. Since these are wild animals, please keep a safe distance, avoid touching or chasing them, and follow the village's rules.

The ¥1,500 entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately.

Into the World of Snow Monsters via the Zao Ropeway

Itineraries that include the Zao Snow Monsters spend around 3 to 4 hours in the Zao area. Formed when cold seasonal winds coat the trees in thick layers of ice and snow, these dramatic ice formations are known as "Snow Monsters"—one of Tohoku's most iconic winter sights.

As the Zao Ropeway climbs steadily in altitude, a vast field of snow monsters and pure white slopes unfolds below. The ¥4,600 ropeway fare is paid separately; if the main ropeway is suspended or fully booked, you'll be transferred to the Central Ropeway instead.

The snow monsters can melt or change shape depending on the temperature, so their appearance varies depending on the day's weather and visibility.

As Dusk Falls, Arrive at the Retro Charm of Ginzan Onsen

Depending on the itinerary, your stay at Ginzan Onsen runs from either 1:30 to 5:00 PM or 3:30 to 5:00 PM. Wooden ryokan roughly 100 years old line the riverside, and the glow of gas lamps creates a scene widely regarded as one of Tohoku's most beautiful snowy hot spring towns.

As evening falls, the gas lamps and warmly lit ryokan windows reflect off the snow, transforming the town completely from its daytime look. Many visitors come here specifically for the atmosphere reminiscent of "Spirited Away."

The shuttle bus fare to the hot spring town is an additional cost paid separately.

Heading Back to Sendai Station: Mind the Schedule

The return to Sendai Station is scheduled for 7:00–7:30 PM, though this may shift depending on road conditions that day. Plan your evening with some buffer time.

Charter tours operate within a fixed time limit, and if the schedule is delayed due to participants' own circumstances, an extra fee of ¥5,000 is charged per 30 minutes over. Please be sure to arrive on time at each meeting point.

Arriving late will be treated as a no-show, and no refund will be given.

Things to Check Before Booking

• Which of the three itineraries you'll choose, and the departure time
• Whether it's a shared or private tour
• Meeting location and time (late arrival means no refund)
• The driver's language (Japanese or Chinese—cannot be specified)
• The ¥1,500 Fox Village entrance fee, paid separately
• The ¥4,600 Zao Ropeway fare, paid separately
• The Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus fare, paid separately
• Warm gear such as down jackets, gloves, and waterproof non-slip shoes
• Whether large luggage can be carried (traveling light is recommended)
• Infants are counted in the total headcount, with adult pricing from age 0
• The ¥5,000 per 30-minute overtime fee for delays
• The latest pricing, availability, and cancellation terms

If the ropeway is suspended, you'll be transferred to the Central Ropeway, and how the snow monsters appear depends on the day's weather. Since prices and schedules are subject to change, please confirm the latest details before booking.

In Summary

This day tour departs Sendai Station in the morning and visits the Zao Fox Village, the Zao Snow Monsters, and Ginzan Onsen all in a single day. Choose from three itineraries and either shared or private transport, all in a licensed green-plate vehicle.

You'll view the snow monsters while ascending by ropeway, and visit Ginzan Onsen in the evening when its gas lamps are lit. At the Fox Village, you can observe foxes in their fluffy winter coats up close. Entrance fees and the ropeway fare are paid separately.

Prices start from ¥19,900, with a rating of 4.2 from 26 reviews. Be sure to dress warmly and allow plenty of time in your schedule.