1-Night, 2-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo: Ginzan Onsen, Zao Snow Monsters & Fox Village

Depart Tokyo at 7am for the Snow Country: Tohoku's Winter Highlights in Just 1 Night, 2 Days

This group tour departs from Tokyo Mode Gakuen at 7am, covering the winter highlights of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures over one night and two days. Priced from ¥37,000, rated 4.0 (8 reviews), with English and Chinese-speaking guides—you'll meet your guide before departure.

Day one includes a lunch of local Tohoku cuisine, followed by Zao Fox Village and the streets of Ginzan Onsen, with an overnight stay at a hot spring inn. On day two, you'll ride the ropeway at Zao Chuo Highland, depart for Tokyo at 2:30pm, and arrive back at Shinjuku West Exit around 8pm for dismissal.

During winter, navigating these snow-covered areas independently can be difficult due to limited transit connections—but this tour's biggest advantage is covering everything by coach. You can check availability via the booking page here.

First Stop: Zao Fox Village, Where Foxes Roam Free in the Snow

The first highlight of day one is a visit to Miyagi Zao Fox Village from 1:00 to 1:40pm. Home to over 100 free-roaming foxes, this facility lets visitors walk right into the area where the foxes live, observing their daily life up close.

In winter, the grounds are blanketed in snow, creating a striking scene of foxes wandering across the white ground. With about 40 minutes to explore, it helps to decide in advance what you want to see.

Remember these are wild animals—please don't touch or chase them, keep a safe distance, and follow the facility's rules. The ¥1,500 admission fee is paid on-site.

As Dusk Falls, Stroll Through the Lantern-Lit Streets of Ginzan Onsen

From 4:00 to 5:30pm, you'll have free time to explore Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Wooden ryokan line both banks of a hot spring river here, making it one of Japan's most iconic onsen towns, with a townscape that still evokes the atmosphere of the Taisho and early Showa eras.

In winter, snow piles on the rooftops, and as dusk falls, gas-lamp-style streetlights and the glowing windows of the ryokan come to life. This is the moment when the town looks its most magical—white snow, wooden buildings, warm lantern light, and rising steam all coming together.

The bridge crossing the river offers the best vantage point to take in the whole street straight on. Since the ground gets icy and slippery, wear shoes with good grip. Note that the shuttle bus fare for Ginzan Onsen is paid separately.

Evening at the Hot Spring Inn: Buffet Dinner and a Relaxing Soak

Day one's accommodation is Oedo Onsen Monogatari Koun-kaku, with check-in at 6:30pm; dinner and breakfast are included in the tour price. After arrival, enjoy a buffet dinner and soak in the hot springs to ease away the day's travel fatigue.

The next morning, breakfast is served at the inn from around 7:30am, with departure at 9:45am. There's enough time in the morning for another dip in the baths before setting off.

This tour does not offer family rooms or shared rooms. Infants aged 0 to 3 are not provided with a bed or meals, so please inform the tour operator of the number of travelers, including infants, at the time of booking.

Day Two Highlight: Ride the Ropeway Over Snow Monster-Covered Slopes

On day two, you'll spend from noon to 2:30pm at Zao Chuo Highland, riding both the Zao Ropeway and the Chuo Ropeway. As the gondola rises toward the summit, you'll look down on slopes covered in ice and snow-encrusted trees known as "juhyo," or snow monsters.

On clear days, the contrast between the blue sky and the pure white slopes is stunning, with countless snow monsters blanketing the mountainside as far as the eye can see. The Chuo Ropeway travels through forest and snowy scenery, offering a quieter, different kind of winter landscape from the snow monsters. At the summit, you can admire icicles and snow-covered trees, and take a break at the café terrace.

The condition of the snow monsters depends heavily on temperature and weather, so what you see will vary depending on the day. Please keep in mind that they may melt or the scenery may change. Ropeway tickets are purchased separately on-site.

Before You Book

• Departs Tokyo Mode Gakuen at 7am sharp—please arrive on time
• Expected dismissal around 8pm on day two at Shinjuku West Exit
• Guides speak English and Chinese
• Fox Village admission (¥1,500) paid on-site
• Zao Ropeway and Chuo Ropeway fares paid separately
• Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus fare paid separately
• Bring waterproof, slip-resistant shoes and warm clothing
• One piece of free baggage (standard size) per person
• No family rooms or shared rooms available
• Children aged 0-3 do not receive a bed or meals—please declare at booking
• Itinerary may change due to weather, and snow monster visibility varies

Participation is not recommended for those aged 70 or older with mobility concerns, pregnant travelers, or anyone with serious health conditions. Prices, schedules, and tour details are subject to change, so please check the latest information before booking.

In Summary

This 1-night, 2-day tour from Tokyo takes you through Tohoku's winter highlights in succession: Miyagi Zao Fox Village, the snow-covered streets of Ginzan Onsen, and the snow monsters of Zao Chuo Highland. Accommodation is at Oedo Onsen Monogatari Koun-kaku, including dinner, breakfast, and hot springs.

The tour departs Tokyo Mode Gakuen at 7am and dismisses around 8pm the following day at Shinjuku West Exit. Since transportation is limited in this area during winter, having both travel and accommodation bundled together makes this tour especially convenient. Priced from ¥37,000, rated 4.0 (8 reviews).

Fox Village admission (¥1,500), ropeway fares, and the Ginzan Onsen shuttle bus fare are all paid separately, and snow monster visibility depends on the day's weather. Pack warm, waterproof gear, and check the latest schedule and pricing via the booking page.