2-Day Winter Getaway from Tokyo: Zao Snow Monsters & Ginzan Onsen

Experience the breathtaking Zao Snow Monsters illuminated at night

During the winter months in Yamagata, witnessing the stunning Zao Snow Monsters is essential! Take a ride on the ropeways to the mountain's peak and marvel at the incredible views of these extraordinary snow-laden trees, commonly referred to as “Snow Monsters.”

As you climb to greater heights, an expansive landscape of snow-draped trees reveals itself. From the Jizo Sancho Station, you will have a remarkable view of the enormous trees resembling monsters.

This tour allows you to witness the Snow Monsters illuminated at night. The enchanting sight, beautifully enhanced by colorful lights, has been acknowledged 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 ensure you wear warm attire when observing the illuminated Snow Monsters. Near the summit, temperatures can fall to around -8°C to -15°C.

Explore the charming, snow-covered streets of Ginzan Onsen

The streets of Ginzan Onsen are lined with historic wooden structures, creating a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of Japan’s Taisho era. In winter, the town is blanketed in snow, offering a magical and picturesque scene.

As a highly sought-after destination in Tohoku, Ginzan Onsen is a must-see location while in Yamagata. Enjoy a leisurely walk, capture stunning photos, and indulge in seasonal delights such as yudofu (hot tofu), which is only available in winter. Additionally, day-use hot spring baths can be accessed for an extra fee, subject to closure days.

※ Reaching Ginzan Onsen involves a transfer to a shuttle bus.

Visit Kumano Taisha Shrine, home to the oldest thatched-roof worship hall in Yamagata Prefecture

Referred to as the “Ise Shrine of Tohoku”, this ancient shrine is also one of the Three Kumano Shrines of Japan. It is believed that your wish will be granted if you locate all three hidden rabbit carvings on the main hall.

The shrine is well-known as a sacred site for love and matchmaking. Endearing souvenirs like the “Orikata Mamori” and “Yui Usagi” charms are particularly popular. *(Available for an additional fee.)*

Stay at Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel

Established over 370 years ago, the Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel is a traditional Japanese inn encircled by a beautiful garden that once formed part of Tsukioka Castle’s moat. Enjoy seasonal views, local delicacies, a soothing hot spring known for its skin-enhancing qualities, and warm Japanese hospitality.

Meals are presented in buffet style, featuring a range 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 prior notice. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

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 oversees transactions related to your travel at the sales office and manages your travel arrangements. Should you have any inquiries or concerns regarding the explanations provided by the staff about this travel contract, please feel free to reach out to the Tour Operations Manager mentioned above.

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

Highlights

• Witness the breathtaking Zao Snow Monsters glowing under the night sky
• Wander through the charming, snow-blanketed avenues of Ginzan Onsen
• Tour Kumano Taisha Shrine, often referred to as the “Ise Shrine of Tohoku”
• Enjoy your stay at Senkeien Tsukioka Hotel

Itinerary

• Shinjuku (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
• 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>
• Shinjuku (Arrive around 20:10)

Price Details

Included

• Accommodation
• Air-conditioned bus
• Admission fee
• Round-trip transportation
• Dinner
• Breakfast

Not included

• Expenses not mentioned
• Personal expenses
• Tips

Important 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.

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.

How to Use

Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.

Cancellation Policy

• 21 or more day(s) before the activity date: 0% cancellation fee
• Between 8 and 20 day(s) before the activity date: 20% cancellation fee
• Between 2 and 7 day(s) before the activity date: 30% cancellation fee
• 1 day(s) before the activity date: 40% cancellation fee
• On the activity date: 50% cancellation fee