From Tokyo Experience Japan’s magical winter scenery on a 2-day journey to the stunning Zao Snow Monsters and historic Ginzan Onsen.
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2 People / 1 Room (Price per person)
3 People / 1 Room (Price per person)
4 People / 1 Room (Price per person)
5 People / 1 Room (Price per person)
The Highlight
- Experience the spectacular Zao Snow Monsters illuminated at night
- Explore the nostalgic, snow-covered streets of Ginzan Onsen
- Visit Kumano Taisha Shrine, known as the “Ise Shrine of Tohoku”
- Stay at Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
The Experience
Experience the spectacular Zao Snow Monsters illuminated at night
When it comes to winter in Yamagata, the spectacular Zao Snow Monsters are a must-see! Ride the ropeways up the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of these unique snow-covered trees, also known as “Snow Monsters.”
As you ascend to higher elevations, a vast field of snow-covered trees unfolds before you. From the Jizo Sancho Station, you can enjoy an impressive view of the massive trees that look like monsters.
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to see the Snow Monsters illuminated at night. The magical scenery, beautifully lit up with colorful lights, has been recognized as one of Japan’s Night View Heritage Sites.
Best viewing period: Growth period: Late December to mid-January Peak season: Late January to late February
※ Please make sure to wear warm clothing when viewing the illuminated Snow Monsters. Temperatures near the summit can drop to approximately -8°C to -15°C.
Explore the nostalgic, snow-covered streets of Ginzan Onsen
Historic wooden buildings line the streets of Ginzan Onsen, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of Japan’s Taisho era. In winter, the town is covered in snow, creating a magical and picturesque scene.
As one of the most popular destinations in Tohoku, Ginzan Onsen is a must-visit spot when traveling to Yamagata. Take a leisurely stroll, capture beautiful photos, and enjoy seasonal treats such as yudofu (hot tofu), available only in winter. Day-use hot spring baths are also available for an additional fee, subject to closing days.
※ Access to Ginzan Onsen requires transferring to a shuttle bus.
Visit Kumano Taisha Shrine, home to the oldest thatched-roof worship hall in Yamagata Prefecture.
Known as the “Ise Shrine of Tohoku”, this historic shrine is also one of the Three Kumano Shrines of Japan. It is said that your wish will come true if you find all three hidden rabbit carvings on the main hall.
The shrine is also famous as a sacred place for love and matchmaking. Charming souvenirs such as the “Orikata Mamori” and “Yui Usagi” charms are especially popular. (Available for an additional fee.)
Stay at Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
Founded over 370 years ago, Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel is a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by a beautiful garden built around the former moat of Tsukioka Castle. Enjoy seasonal scenery, local cuisine, a relaxing hot spring known for its skin-beautifying properties, and warm Japanese hospitality.
Meals are served buffet-style, featuring a variety of homemade Japanese and Western dishes with local flavors.
- Dinner: Buffet
- Breakfast: Buffet
- Room: Japanese-style room with bath and toilet
- Smoking: All rooms are non-smoking
- Bedding: Futon or beds
Hotel facilities and services are subject to change without notice. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー Information about the tour operator Name: H.I.S. Co.,Ltd. Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309 Registration number: No.724 by the Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Information about the tour Place of departure and destination: From TOKYO to YAMAGATA Number of days of travel: 2 Days Means of transportation: Chartered bus Name of bus company: Yamato Kanko Meals: Breakfast x1, Dinner x 1 Minimum number of passengers to operate: 25 People Number of GUIDE(s)：1
Tour Operator Information Company Name: H.I.S. Co., Ltd. Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309 Registration No.: No. 724 by the Commissioner of Japan Tourism Agency Membership: Full Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Contact Information Department Name: Inbound Travel Division DMC Department Kanto Team Address: Shinjuku i-Land Tower 9F, 6-5-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 163-1309 Tel: +81- 50-1748-5754 Opening hour : 10:00~18:00 (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)
Tour Operations Manager: Kenji Nagamine
- The Tour Operations Manager is responsible for transactions related to your travel at the sales office, handling your travel arrangements. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please do not hesitate to contact the above-mentioned Tour Operations Manager.
Please read and understand the Terms and conditions below. Travel Terms and Conditions:Domestic Package Tours Travel Agency Terms and Conditions:Section of Package Tour Contract
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Japanese
Itinerary
- Include: Dinner
- 08:10Shinjuku (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building) (Depart 8:10)
- <Expressway>
- Roadside Station Yonezawa (Shopping / Lunch on your own / Approx. 40 min)
- Kumano Taisha Shrine (Visit the shrine known as the "Ise of Tohoku" / Approx. 30 min)
- Kaminoyama Onsen: Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel (Hotel check-in) *Note: If the itinerary is significantly delayed due to traffic or other factors, we will proceed directly to the Zao Ropeway without stopping at the hotel first.
- Zao Ropeway & "Snow Monster" (Juhyo) Illumination (View the magical, spectacular illuminated "Snow Monsters" emerging from the pitch-black night / Approx. 90 min)
- Overnight at Kaminoyama Onsen: Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel
- Include: Breakfast
- Enjoy Breakfast at Hotel
- Ginzan Onsen & Taisho Roman-kan (Stroll through the nostalgic, snow-covered townscape / Shopping / Approx. 90 min) *Note: Transfer to a shuttle bus is required to reach Ginzan Onsen.
- Gutto Yamagata (Shopping for Yamagata specialties / Lunch on your own / Approx. 50 min)
- <Expressway>
- 20:10Shinjuku (Arrive around 20:10)
Price Details
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
- This tour is a Japanese tour. We recommend that you install a translation app or similar software on your device.*
- If the minimum number of 25 participants is not met, or if the tour cannot operate due to force majeure such as disasters or accidents, the itinerary may be changed or the tour canceled up to 3 days prior to departure (13 days prior for tours including accommodation).
- Guests who wish to participate using a wheelchair, cane, or other mobility aid must contact us by phone before making a reservation.
- Please make sure to wear warm clothing when viewing the illuminated Snow Monsters. Temperatures near the summit can drop to approximately -8°C to -15°C.
- The Zao Ropeway may be suspended due to bad weather. In such cases, we will refund JPY 3,500 for adults and JPY 1,750 for children and infants who paid the ropeway fare. However, if the amount is used for an alternative arrangement or other purposes, no refund will be provided.
- Some roads and paths may be frozen and very slippery. To avoid falling, please wear snow boots or other footwear suitable for walking on snow.
- The appearance of the Snow Monsters may vary depending on weather and snowfall conditions. Please note that the Snow Monsters may not be visible due to weather conditions.
- Snow-covered scenery may not be visible at some sightseeing locations depending on weather conditions.
- A shuttle bus transfer is required to access Ginzan Onsen.
- Depending on traffic and weather conditions, the time spent at each location may be shortened.
- Guests aged 2 or younger cannot participate in this tour.
- Please note that this tour is guided in Japanese only.
Important Booking Information
- After the scheduled departure time, the tour will depart at the discretion of our staff. Please arrive strictly on time.
- Scheduled times and itinerary details are subject to change due to road or traffic conditions.
- In the event of late arrival requiring taxi use or additional accommodation, we cannot accept any related claims or expenses.
- Depending on the number of participants, a medium-sized or small bus may be used.
- The bus is not equipped with a restroom.
- Smoking is prohibited on the bus. Seat reclining is generally not permitted (except on select tours).
- No refunds or compensation will be provided for unused benefits or inclusions.
- Please note that we cannot accommodate special requests such as dietary restrictions.
- In accordance with Japanese labor regulations effective April 1, 2019, meal times during the tour may serve as the tour conductor’s rest period. In some cases, the tour conductor may stay at a different accommodation. During free time, guests are generally expected to explore independently.
- Lost items will be kept for two weeks after the tour ends. Perishable items or items difficult to store will be disposed of immediately.
- Participation with pets is not permitted.
- Bus seat assignments are determined by the company.
- In emergencies, guests may be seated together with the tour conductor.
- If the minimum number of 25 participants is not met, or if the tour cannot operate due to force majeure such as disasters or accidents, the itinerary may be changed or the tour canceled up to 3 days prior to departure (13 days prior for tours including accommodation).
- Requests for seat preferences, smoking/non-smoking hotel rooms, or allergy accommodations may not always be met and may be declined in advance after explanation.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 21 day(s) before departure date, Fully refundable (100% refund)
- Cancel during 8 ~ 20 day(s) of departure, will charge 20%
- Cancel during 2 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 30%
- Cancel on 1 day(s) before departure, will charge 40%
- Cancel on activities date, will charge 50%