Overview
Discover Yamagata’s enchanting winter duo on this flexible day tour from Sendai, blending the surreal “snow monsters” (juhyo) of Zao’s ice trees with the Taisho-era romance of Ginzan Onsen. Ascend the Zao Ropeway (fee separate, ~¥3,000–¥5,000 round-trip) for panoramic views of frost-laced forests at 1,661m—peak spectacle mid-February 2026, when 10–15m snow transforms firs into ethereal giants (season: late December–late February).
Are you Visiting Japan soon?
Let us make your trip effortless. From tickets and hotels to transport and local guides, we arrange everything for you or your group. Whether it’s a music festival in Tokyo or a business conference in Osaka, our custom travel service ensures you enjoy the event stress-free.
Contact Jasumo Now →Stroll Ginzan Onsen’s snow-draped streets, inspired by “Your Name,” soaking feet in free riverside baths amid ryokan lanterns (shuttle ~¥1,150 round-trip, December 23, 2025–March 31, 2026). Pause at Sagae Cherry Land for cherry gelato and souvenirs (lunch self-paid, ~¥1,000–¥2,000).
With guaranteed departures for 2+ (solo add-on ~¥10,000), multilingual staff (Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean), and comfy bus/taxi transport, this ~10.5-hour escape suits independent travelers, families, or photographers chasing Tohoku’s powder magic (0–5°C, layers essential)—book for 2025/26 juhyo peak and skip public transit hassles.
Why Choose This Experience?
- Winter Wonders Duo: Juhyo’s mystic ice trees (world-famous, UNESCO-adjacent) + Ginzan’s nostalgic onsen town—rare combo of nature’s fury and serene charm.
- Flexible & Guaranteed: Solo bookings OK (departs with 2+); adjustable itineraries (e.g., Ginzan first on Jan 19/23, Feb 20, 2026) for ropeway reservations—email details post-booking.
- Multilingual Ease: Taiwanese/Japanese staff fluent in Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean—barrier-free guidance, from ropeway tips to onsen etiquette.
- Hassle-Free Access: Direct bus/taxi to remote spots (public transport inconvenient); includes tolls/parking—ideal for non-drivers.
- Seasonal Magic: Zao’s juhyo peaks mid-February 2026 (late Dec–late Feb); Ginzan’s snow-lit streets glow December–March—book weekends for lanterns.
- Value Touches: Free foot baths, souvenir stops; thoughtful service like shuttle coordination—perfect for half-day extensions (e.g., Zao onsen soak).
Highlights
- Zao Ropeway & Juhyo (Snow Monsters): 2-hour self-guided ascent (Sanroku to Jizo Sancho lines, ~17 min total) overlooking rime-frosted firs—sparkling “ice trees” from supercooled fog (peak mid-Feb 2026; weather-dependent, night illumination Dec 27, 2025–Feb 23, 2026).
- Ginzan Onsen Stroll: 1 hour 20 minutes in Taisho-era lanes: Free Ginzan River foot baths (mineral-rich, towel needed), cafes with street snacks (~¥500), and ryokan views—inspired “Your Name” animation.
- Sagae Cherry Land Roadside Station: 1 hour 40 minutes for Yamagata treats: Cherry/pear gelato (~¥500), local souvenirs (sake, fruits)—largest tourism hub, self-guided lunch spot.
- Multilingual Support: Staff assist with ropeway tickets (~¥3,000–¥5,000, seasonal), Ginzan shuttle (~¥1,150 round-trip, Dec 23, 2025–Mar 31, 2026), and language needs.
- Scenic Drives: 1.5–2-hour transfers through Tohoku’s snowy passes—comfy bus/taxi with photo stops.
- Winter Safety: Non-slip shoes/warm layers advised; operation pauses for storms (announce on-site).
Package Options
1. Sendai Station Transfer | Day Tour without Meals
Full-day tour from Sendai: Zao Ropeway, Sagae Cherry Land, Ginzan Onsen (no meals; solo ¥29,800). Price: ¥19,800 per person (fixed; select date for availability, December 2025–March 2026; min. 2 for standard rate).
Note: Prices for 2025/26 season; ropeway (~¥3,000–¥5,000) and Ginzan shuttle (~¥1,150) extra. Book early for juhyo peak (mid-Feb); email itinerary post-reservation (reservation times vary).
Itinerary
Standard Day Tour (e.g., December 2025; Ginzan First on Select Dates)
07:30 – Departure from Sendai Station (air-conditioned bus/taxi; multilingual staff greet).
09:00 – Zao Ropeway Zao Sanroku Station (2 hours, self-guided): Ride Sanroku (7 min) to Juhyo Kogen, then Sancho (10 min) to Jizo Sancho—gaze at ice trees from cabins (fee ~¥3,000–¥5,000; weather may suspend). Peak views mid-Feb 2026. Alternate: Ginzan first on Jan 19/23, Feb 20 (1.5-hour drive).
12:00 – Roadside Station Sagae Cherry Land (1 hour 40 minutes, self-guided): Browse Yamagata specialties: Cherry gelato (~¥500), fruits, sake—self-paid lunch (ramen/soba ~¥1,000–¥2,000).
14:40 – Ginzan Onsen (1 hour 20 minutes, self-guided): Shuttle from parking (~¥1,150 round-trip, Dec 23, 2025–Mar 31, 2026)—stroll Taisho streets, dip in free foot baths, snap ryokan pics (pedestrian-only; non-slip shoes, towel ~¥200).
16:00 – Return Drive (2 hours): Scenic Tohoku roads back to Sendai.
18:00 – Arrival at Sendai Station.
Note: Total ~10.5 hours; times reference—actual via email (ropeway slots vary). Adjustments for weather/crowds; no waits for lates (100% fee).
What to Expect
Board a cozy bus/taxi at Sendai Station, your multilingual staff (Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean) briefing on the day’s flow—flexible for solo/duo departures. Ascend Zao Ropeway’s dual lines (fee separate) into juhyo wonderland: Frosted firs (“snow monsters”) sparkle like silver ghosts (late Dec–late Feb 2026, peak mid-Feb; -10°C chills, windproof layers key). If fog obscures, guides suggest alternatives like onsen views. Refuel at Sagae Cherry Land’s bustling hall—gelato and souvenirs amid cherry-themed charm (lunch self-serve). Arrive Ginzan Onsen via shuttle (~¥1,150, reserve on-site): Wander snow-veiled Taisho lanes, foot baths steaming by the river (towel essential), and cafes with hot cocoa (~¥500)—”Your Name” vibes without overnight crowds. Return by dusk, staff handling logistics. Ideal for independent explorers (no group rush) or families (kid-friendly paces)—Tohoku’s raw beauty shines, with thoughtful aids like language support and weather checks.
What’s Included
- Multilingual staff (Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean)
- Round-trip transfers from Sendai Station (bus/large taxi)
- Transport, toll fees, parking fees
- Operator-provided insurance
Note: Ropeway tickets (~¥3,000–¥5,000, seasonal), Ginzan shuttle (~¥1,150 round-trip, winter), meals (~¥1,000–¥2,000), and souvenirs self-paid. Towel/shoes extra.
Pre-Departure Notice
- Meeting Point: Sendai Station (07:15 arrival for 07:30 departure); look for staff flag. Lateness: No wait, 100% fee.
- Confirmation: Instant booking; email with actual itinerary/departure (post-ropeway reservation)—check spam. Select dates for Ginzan-first (Jan 19/23, Feb 20, 2026).
- Weather: Ropeway suspends in storms (on-site announce, prorated refund); tours adapt (no full refunds). Juhyo weather-dependent.
- Health: Light walking (~1–2km, snowy/uneven); no pregnancy/extreme conditions. Cold exposure—layers/gloves.
- Children: Ages 4+ welcome (inquire rates); under 4 lap-held. Supervise near edges.
Good to Know
- Age Rules: All ages; under 12 supervised on ropeway/paths. Solo: +¥10,000; min. 2 standard.
- Group Size: Up to 14–20 (minibus/bus); private add-on available.
- Attire: Non-slip boots, warm layers/gloves/hat (-5–10°C); towel for foot baths (~¥200). Camera for juhyo glow.
- Duration: ~10.5 hours; ropeway 8:30–17:00 (Sanroku), 8:45–16:45 (Sancho). Season: Dec 2025–Mar 2026.
- Accessibility: Ropeway cabins accessible; Ginzan pedestrian (shuttle OK)—notify for mobility aids. English/Korean support.
- Photos: Juhyo/Ginzan prime—staff tips; no drones.
- Sustainability: Respect juhyo—no touching; pack waste for Tohoku’s fragile snow.
Reviews
“They helped me buy the Zao Juhyo Cable Car tickets in advance. Since I only bought the afternoon tickets, my itinerary had to be changed. I went to Ginzan Onsen in the morning and didn’t have to wait long for the shuttle bus. We arrived at the tree ice in the afternoon. The temperature on the mountain was only minus 10.5 degrees. The whole day’s trip was smooth and we were very satisfied.”
“Before the trip, I received an email informing me that we would go to Ginzan Onsen in the morning and Zao Juhyo in the afternoon. I understand. There were 14 people in the group that departed that day, and they were arranged in a medium-sized minibus with enough seats. The 2-hour drive to Ginzan Onsen includes a rest stop, and each subsequent drive takes about an hour. The itinerary is flexible, well arranged, and things are handled properly. Unfortunately, there was a bit of fog in the Zao Ice Tree in the afternoon”
FAQs
Q: When is juhyo (snow monsters) best in 2025/26?
A: Late December–late February 2026, peaking mid-February—book weekends for illumination (Dec 27–Feb 23).
Q: Are ropeway/Ginzan fees included?
A: No—ropeway ~¥3,000–¥5,000 (seasonal); Ginzan shuttle ~¥1,150 round-trip (Dec 23, 2025–Mar 31, 2026). Staff assists booking.
Q: What if the weather affects the ropeway?
A: Suspends in storms (announce on-site, prorated refund); tour adapts to Ginzan/Sagae—no full cancellation.
Q: Suitable for solos/families?
A: Yes—solo +¥10,000 (departs with 2+); kids 4+ (supervise). Flexible pacing, multilingual.
Q: How cold is it?
A: -5–10°C (Zao summit -10°C); layers/gloves/non-slip shoes essential. Foot baths warm up.
Q: Email itinerary details?
A: Sent post-booking (after ropeway reservation)—check spam; includes exact times/slots.
Q: Can I add meals?
A: Self-paid at Sagae (~¥1,000–¥2,000); inquire for bento upgrade (~¥1,500).
Planning a Group Trip to Japan?
From corporate teams to friends traveling together, we create tailor-made travel packages. Enjoy VIP access, curated itineraries, and full support from our local experts. Tell us your plans, and we’ll handle the rest.
Contact Jasumo Now →
Leave a Reply