From Sendai in a Day: Zao Okama, Ginzan Onsen & Fox Village on One Day Tour

Departing Sendai Station at 8:30, a full day begins

This day tour departs Sendai Station at 8:30 and visits popular spots across Miyagi and Yamagata before returning to Sendai Station at 19:00. Transport is by licensed green-plate vehicle, run as a small-group tour.

The itinerary includes Zao Fox Village from 9:30–10:30, Zao Okama Crater Lake from 12:30–13:30, and Ginzan Onsen from 15:30–17:00. This tour connects areas that are difficult to link up on your own in a single day.

There is no dedicated tour guide; the driver provides guidance. Only Japanese is spoken, and the itinerary cannot be customized. Prices start from ¥17,600, with a rating of 4.6 (16 reviews). You can check availability via this booking page.

First stop: Zao Fox Village, an hour up close with foxes

The first stop is Zao Fox Village, with a stay of about one hour from 9:30 to 10:30. At this facility, free-roaming foxes can be seen up close, making it a popular spot for those hoping to interact with animals.

The admission fee of ¥1,500 per person is not included in the tour price and must be paid on-site. Since this is the first stop of the morning, it's a good idea to dress warmly and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Next stop: Zao Okama, the crater lake known as "The Eye of Zao"

Visited from 12:30 to 13:30, Zao Okama is a crater lake whose water color changes depending on the weather, earning it the nickname "The Eye of Zao." Located high up and surrounded by ridgelines, its scenery shifts dramatically with the seasons.

In winter, the Zao area is famous for its "juhyo" (snow monsters) — trees coated in snow and ice. The sight of the ropeway gliding over pure white slopes under a blue sky is a quintessential Zao experience.

That said, seasonal views are heavily affected by weather conditions. Fog or strong winds can sometimes obscure Okama entirely, and no refunds are given based on viewing conditions. It's best to go with the understanding that visibility depends on the weather.

Final stop: Ginzan Onsen, a wooden townscape lit by gas lamps

The day concludes with a stay from 15:30 to 17:00 at Ginzan Onsen. Known as a filming location for Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away, this retro hot spring town features wooden inns from the Taisho and Showa eras lining a river, perfect for strolling.

As evening approaches and the sun begins to set, the streetlights come on and the atmosphere transforms completely. Especially during the snowy season, many visitors come specifically for this time of day, when falling snow and glowing lights combine into a magical scene.

The shuttle bus fare within Ginzan Onsen is an additional cost. Since the stay is about 1.5 hours, deciding in advance how to divide your time between strolling and photography will help you make the most of it.

Transportation and how the day unfolds

Transport is by licensed green-plate vehicle. For shared (join-in) tours, the vehicle used depends on the number of participants that day, and you cannot request a specific vehicle type.

Because the tour runs in small groups, some vehicles may not be able to accommodate large luggage. It's best to travel light on the day of the tour.

Chartered tours have a set time limit, and if the schedule is delayed due to participants' circumstances, an overtime fee of ¥5,000 is charged for every 30 minutes. Please be sure to arrive on time at each meeting point.

Things to check before booking

• Departure time: 8:30 from Sendai Station
• Return time: 19:00 at Sendai Station
• Guidance is provided in Japanese only
• No dedicated tour guide accompanies the group
• Zao Fox Village admission (¥1,500) is an additional cost
• Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus fare is paid separately
• Whether the tour is shared or private
• Infants are counted as participants, with adult pricing starting from age 0
• Whether large luggage can be brought
• Overtime fees for delays (¥5,000 per 30 minutes)
• Conditions for changes or cancellations due to weather
• Cancellation/change policies and the latest pricing

Arriving late to the meeting point is treated as a no-show, with no refund given. Participation is not recommended for those aged 70 or older with mobility concerns, pregnant travelers, or those with serious health conditions. Prices and itineraries are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

In summary

This day tour from Sendai departs Sendai Station at 8:30, visits Zao Fox Village (9:30–10:30), Zao Okama (12:30–13:30), and Ginzan Onsen (15:30–17:00), then returns to Sendai Station at 19:00.

Transport is by licensed green-plate vehicle, run in small groups. The driver provides guidance in Japanese, and the itinerary cannot be customized. Fox Village admission and the Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus fare are additional costs.

Prices start from ¥17,600, with a rating of 4.6 (16 reviews). It's ideal for travelers who want to see Tohoku's highlights in one trip without worrying about transfers, or who want to experience winter frost-covered trees and a snowy hot spring town in a single day. Be sure to check the latest schedule, pricing, and itinerary details before booking.