2-Day Tour from Tokyo: Ginzan Onsen, Zao Snow Monsters & Fox Village near Sendai

From Ginzan Onsen to Zao Juhyo, an all-in-one course for Tohoku's snowy landscapes.

Departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, this two-day, one-night Tohoku winter tour will take you to snow-covered hot spring towns, snowfields, and even a fox village! Take a morning bus north to Ginzan Onsen, nestled between Miyagi and Yamagata. Stroll through this 500-year-old hot spring town, lined with snow-covered wooden inns and gas lamps, reminiscent of Spirited Away and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Afterwards, check in at the Naruko Onsen Kameya Onsen Hotel. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the rich black hot spring water and an open-air bath with views of the JR trains passing by. Spend a leisurely evening strolling through the hot springs district, lined with footbaths and retro shops.
On the second day, after breakfast at the hotel, take the cable car up the mountain to see the Zao Juhyo (frost-covered trees). Admire the massive swarms of frost, aka "Ice Monsters," created by Siberian winds and snow. Then, head to Zao Fox Village and interact with fluffy foxes like the northern fox, the cross-shaped fox, and the Arctic fox. On the way home, stop by "Onihei Edocho," a recreated Edo-period street, to savor traditional dishes like shamo nabe (steamed beef stew), soba noodles, and ningyo-yaki (sweet potato pancakes). The tour concludes with a stop at Tokyo Station or Shinjuku. This short itinerary will allow you to experience the charms of winter in Tohoku, including snowy scenery, hot springs, foxes, and a retro vibe.

Tour Attractions

✅ Depart from Tokyo and enjoy the snowy landscapes, hot springs, and foxes of Tohoku all at once.
This 2-day, 1-night course departs from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku and includes only the highlights of Tohoku's winter, including Ginzan Onsen, Naruko Onsen, Zao Juhyo, Zao Fox Village, and Onihei Edo.
✅ Ginzan Onsen Village, a setting for movies and animations
You can walk along the 500-year-old hot spring town, past wooden ryokans, gas lamps, and snow-covered stone paths, creating a scene reminiscent of scenes from Spirited Away and Demon Slayer.
✅ Black Tang Beauty Bath & Railway View Naruko Onsen Accommodation
At the Naruko Onsen "Kameya Onsen Hotel," you can enjoy the rich black hot spring water and open-air bath, and also enjoy the unique "railway onsen time" where the JR train passes by with the snow-covered scenery.
✅ Zhao Shubing, Ice Monster in front of your eyes
Take the cable car up Mount Zhao and enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the "Ice Monsters" - icy landscapes created by Siberian wind and snow.
✅ Healing communication with foxes in Zao Fox Village
This is a winter healing spot where you can see various types of foxes up close, such as the northern fox, the red fox, and the Arctic fox, take pictures, and even try your hand at holding a baby fox.
✅ Onihei Edo-cho with an Edo-period atmosphere
On your way home, you can end your trip by stopping by the rest area "Onihei Edocho," which recreates an Edo-period street, and savoring traditional foods such as shamo hotpot, soba noodles, and ningyo-yaki.

Short tour course overview

• Departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku

• Stroll through Ginzan Onsen Village

• Naruko Onsen 'Kameya Onsen Hotel' Check-in & Onsen

• Depart after breakfast at the hotel

• Admire the Zhao Shui Ice (by cable car)

• Visit Zhao Fox Village

• Stop by Onihei Edocho for traditional food and relaxation

• Return to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, end of tour