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Overview
Escape to the enchanting winter landscapes of Tohoku with this all-inclusive 2-day, 1-night tour from Tokyo. Immerse yourself in the romantic charm of Ginzan Onsen, a historic hot spring town that feels like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. Marvel at the Zao Snow Monsters, a natural wonder of ice-covered trees, and interact with adorable foxes at Zao Fox Village. With a stay at the renowned Kamesuya Ryokan in Naruko Onsen, complete with soothing hot springs and authentic Japanese cuisine, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. Enjoy hassle-free round-trip bus transfers from Tokyo or Shinjuku, with optional hotel pick-up and ropeway tickets, and a Chinese/English-speaking guide to enhance your experience. Perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a dreamy winter getaway.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Why Choose This Tour?
- Romantic Winter Escape: Experience the nostalgic beauty of Ginzan Onsen and the surreal Zao Snow Monsters in one unforgettable trip.
- Unique Attractions: Interact with foxes at Zao Fox Village and explore the Edo-themed Onihei Edo Place on the return journey.
- Comfortable Accommodation: Relax at Kamesuya Ryokan in Naruko Onsen with soothing hot springs and delicious Japanese cuisine.
- Hassle-Free Travel: Enjoy direct round-trip bus transfers from Tokyo or Shinjuku, with optional hotel pick-up for added convenience.
- Flexible Packages: Choose from options with or without ropeway tickets and hotel transfers to suit your needs.
Highlights
- Ginzan Onsen: Stroll through a 500-year-old hot spring town with Taisho-era charm, featuring snow-draped ryokans and glowing lights inspired by Spirited Away.
- Zao Snow Monsters: Witness the breathtaking “Snow Monster Forest,” where pine trees are transformed into stunning ice sculptures by winter winds and snow.
- Zao Fox Village: Interact with over 100 foxes, including silver and arctic breeds, in a unique natural setting, with opportunities to feed and hold baby foxes.
- Naruko Onsen Stay: Relax at Kamesuya Ryokan, enjoying soothing hot springs, traditional crafts, and a delicious Japanese dinner.
- Onihei Edo Place: Stop at an Edo-themed highway service area with restaurants and shops inspired by Onihei Hankacho for a cultural touch on the return journey.
- Convenient and Guided: Benefit from a Chinese/English-speaking guide and comfortable bus transfers for a seamless winter adventure.
Package Options
1. Tickets Not Included | Departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station
- Includes round-trip bus transfers, accommodation at Kamesuya Ryokan with dinner and breakfast
- Price: ¥37,000 per person
2. Includes Ticket | Departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station
- Includes round-trip bus transfers, Zao Ropeway ticket, and accommodation at Kamesuya Ryokan with dinner and breakfast
- Price: ¥42,250 per person
3. Includes Ticket & Tokyo City Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Includes round-trip bus transfers, Zao Ropeway ticket, hotel pick-up/drop-off in Tokyo, and accommodation at Kamesuya Ryokan with dinner and breakfast
- Price: ¥44,125 per person
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Itinerary
Day 1
- 07:00 – Departure from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or designated hotel (confirmed via email)
- 14:00 – Ginzan Onsen (Taisho Romankan, 1 hour 30 minutes, self-guided)
- 15:30 – Travel by bus (1 hour)
- 16:30 – Check-in at Kamesuya Ryokan or similar in Naruko Onsen (self-guided exploration)
- 18:00 – Dinner at Kamesuya Ryokan (1 hour, Japanese cuisine or bento box if delayed)
Day 2
- 07:30 – Breakfast at Kamesuya Ryokan (30 minutes, self-guided)
- 08:00 – Depart by bus (2 hours)
- 10:00 – Zao Snow Monsters (2 hours, self-guided; Zao Ropeway or Zao Chuo Ropeway, ticket included in select packages)
- 13:30 – Zao Fox Village (1 hour, self-guided, admission not included: ¥1,500)
- 18:00 – Onihei Edo Place (30 minutes, self-guided)
- 19:30 – Return to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or designated hotel
What to Expect
Ginzan Onsen (Taisho Romankan)
Step into the romantic Taisho-era charm of Ginzan Onsen, a 500-year-old hot spring town. Snow-covered wooden ryokans line the river, illuminated by twinkling lights, evoking the aesthetic of Spirited Away. Visit the iconic Notoya bathhouse, a key inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpiece, and enjoy 1.5 hours to stroll the picturesque streets and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere.
Naruko Onsen (Kamesuya Ryokan)
Check into Kamesuya Ryokan or a similar hot spring hotel in Naruko, nestled in the mountains of Osaki City. Relax in soothing hot springs, including foot baths and day-trip facilities, and explore the tranquil “Kokeshi Village” known for traditional crafts. Savor an authentic Japanese dinner, featuring local flavors, or a bento box if delayed by transportation.
Zao Snow Monsters
Ride the Zao Ropeway (or Zao Chuo Ropeway if unavailable) to witness the iconic Zao Snow Monsters. Formed by heavy snowfall and strong winds, these ice-covered pine trees create a surreal “Snow Monster Forest,” a natural wonder unique to winter. Tickets are included in select packages; otherwise, purchase on-site, with refunds for price differences if the alternative ropeway is used.
Zao Fox Village
Located in Shiroishi City, Zao Fox Village is home to over 100 foxes of seven breeds, including silver, cross, and arctic foxes. Enjoy an hour to feed, photograph, and even hold baby foxes in a natural, open environment. Admission is ¥1,500 (not included).
Onihei Edo Place
Stop at this Edo-themed highway service area, inspired by Onihei Hankacho. Explore restaurants and shops modeled after historic Edo establishments, offering a cultural and culinary experience to recharge before returning to Tokyo.
What’s Included
- Round-trip bus transfers from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or designated hotel (select packages)
- Accommodation at Kamesuya Ryokan or similar in Naruko Onsen (1 night)
- Dinner (Japanese cuisine or bento box) and breakfast at Kamesuya Ryokan
- Zao Ropeway or Zao Chuo Ropeway ticket (select packages only)
- Chinese/English-speaking guide
Pre-Departure Notice
You will be contacted via email or phone between 17:00 and 21:00 the day before departure with detailed meeting point information. Check your spam folder if you don’t receive it. During peak season, emails may be slightly delayed; refer to the latest email if you receive multiple. If you don’t receive the information, arrive 10 minutes early at the designated meeting point and look for the JRT tour guide flag to inquire.
Note: If highways are closed or attractions are inaccessible due to weather, the itinerary may be adjusted, with refunds provided for ropeway price differences if applicable. No refunds will be given for other changes. Please arrive on time, as the tour will not wait for latecomers or allow midway joins.
Reviews
- “A winter fairytale!” – “Ginzan Onsen was breathtaking, especially at night with the snow and lights. The Zao Snow Monsters were unreal, and the foxes were so cute. Kamesuya’s hot springs were the perfect end to Day 1.”
- “Unforgettable experience!” – “The tour was well-organized, and the guide’s explanations added so much. Zao Fox Village was a highlight, and Onihei Edo Place was a fun stop. Highly recommend the hotel pick-up option.”
- “Romantic and relaxing!” – “Ginzan Onsen felt like a Ghibli movie, and the snow monsters were stunning. The ryokan dinner was delicious, and the guide was super helpful despite limited English.”
FAQs
Q: Are Zao Ropeway tickets included?
A: Ropeway tickets are included in the second and third package options. For the first package, tickets must be purchased on-site, with refunds for price differences if the Zao Chuo Ropeway is used instead.
Q: Is Zao Fox Village admission included?
A: No, admission to Zao Fox Village (¥1,500) is not included and must be purchased on-site.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Breakfast and dinner (Japanese cuisine or bento box) are included at Kamesuya Ryokan. Lunch is not included but can be purchased at Ginzan Onsen or Onihei Edo Place.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, but it’s best suited for older children due to long bus rides and cold weather at Zao. The foxes and hot springs are family-friendly.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Warm winter clothing, non-slip shoes, and layers are essential, especially for the Zao Ropeway, where temperatures can be very cold.
Q: Can I join the tour from outside Tokyo?
A: The tour departs from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or designated hotels (select packages). Contact the tour operator for alternative pick-up options.
Q: What if the Zao Ropeway is unavailable?
A: If the Zao Ropeway cannot be reserved, the tour will use the Zao Chuo Ropeway, with any price difference refunded.
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