Itinerary 

The following itinerary is for reference only. The specific attractions, visiting order, and duration may be adjusted according to actual conditions on the day of travel.

Day 1

08:00 – Depart from Sendai

Depart from Sendai Station and travel to Yamadera.

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes

09:30 – Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple)

Duration: 90 minutes

Located among the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture, Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple) is a historic mountain temple with more than 1,000 years of history. Founded in AD 860 by the Tendai Buddhist monk Jikaku Daishi Ennin, the temple is built along steep mountain slopes, with its historic buildings scattered among cliffs and forests.

Yamadera is one of the most representative historical and cultural sites in the Tohoku region and is also closely associated with the famous Japanese haiku poet Matsuo Basho.

In 1689, Basho visited Yamadera during his journey through the Tohoku region and wrote one of his most famous haiku:

Shizukesa ya / Iwa ni shimiiru / Semi no koe

Often translated as:

“Such stillness — the cicadas’ voices sink into the rocks.”

The poem was later included in his famous travel work Oku no Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Deep North).

Recommended Yamadera Walking Route

Sanmon Gate
Begin your visit at the Sanmon Gate, the traditional entrance to the temple complex. Ancient trees and stone steps create a peaceful atmosphere.

The 1,015 Stone Steps
The traditional route from the entrance to the upper temple area consists of approximately 1,015 stone steps. Along the way, visitors can enjoy ancient trees, moss-covered rocks and a tranquil mountain atmosphere.

Basho Monument
Learn about Matsuo Basho's connection with Yamadera and his famous haiku from Oku no Hosomichi.

Godai-do Observation Hall
Located dramatically on the mountainside, Godai-do offers panoramic views over the Yamadera town, Yamagata Basin and surrounding mountains. It is one of the most iconic viewpoints in Yamadera.

❄️ Winter Yamadera Visit – Approximately 40 Minutes

In winter, heavy snowfall, ice and road conditions may affect both travel time and the accessibility of the temple paths. Driving times may be longer than usual, and arrival times may be delayed.

Winter transforms Yamadera into a beautiful snow-covered mountain temple. Historic buildings, ancient trees and rocky slopes covered in snow create a peaceful and atmospheric winter landscape.

For safety reasons, the full 1,015-step climb to the upper temple area and Godai-do is not recommended during winter when snow or ice is present.

The winter itinerary focuses on the Sanmon Gate, the temple entrance area and safe sections around the lower temple grounds, allowing guests to enjoy the historic architecture and snowy scenery.

Winter highlights include:

• Snow-covered temple buildings and stone steps
• Ancient trees and mountain scenery
• Basho's historical connection with Yamadera
• Peaceful winter photography opportunities

Winter safety reminder:
Stone steps and paths may be covered with snow or ice and can become slippery. Waterproof, non-slip footwear is strongly recommended.

The actual accessible area may vary depending on snowfall, ice conditions and temple management on the day of the visit.

Winter visit duration: Approximately 40 minutes

11:00–12:20 – Yamadera → Furuguchi Port

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes

12:20 – Mogami River Sightseeing Cruise

Furuguchi Port

The Mogami River is one of Yamagata's most famous natural and cultural landmarks. Matsuo Basho visited the region in 1689 and wrote the well-known haiku:

Samidare wo / Atsumete hayashi / Mogamigawa

The poem describes the powerful flow of the Mogami River after the May rains and was included in Oku no Hosomichi.

During the cruise, boatmen may sing the traditional Mogami River Boat Song, creating a memorable atmosphere as the melody echoes through the surrounding gorge.

Meeting time: 12:35
Cruise: 12:50–13:40
Cruising time: Approximately 50 minutes

The cruise travels through the scenic Mogami River gorge, with views of cliffs, forests and seasonal landscapes.

After the regular cruise, guests disembark at Kusanagi Port and return to the tour vehicle.

Weather-Related Cruise Changes

The cruise route may be changed due to weather conditions.

For example, strong winds or poor visibility around Kusanagi Port may prevent the boat from reaching the usual disembarkation point.

In such cases, the cruise may operate as a round-trip route:

Furuguchi Port → Midway turnaround → Furuguchi Port

The sailing time remains approximately 50 minutes, and the cruise fare remains unchanged.

As the boat cannot reach Kusanagi Port on the round-trip route, the cruise operator may provide Ningyo Nagashi, a traditional Japanese purification ritual.

Guests can place a small paper figure into the river under the boatman's guidance, symbolizing prayers for protection and the removal of misfortune.

🍱 Onboard Local Meal

Mogami Double Set

• Imoni stew
• Salt-grilled sweetfish (ayu)

Lunch note:
The onboard meal is a traditional local tasting experience and the portion is relatively light. Guests who would like a larger meal are encouraged to bring a small snack or additional food.

13:50 – Kusanagi Port → Ginzan Onsen

Approximate driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes

15:00 – Ginzan Onsen

Duration: 1.5 hours

Upon arrival, transfer to a local shuttle/minibus at the entrance area of Ginzan Onsen. From the drop-off point, it is approximately a 2–3-minute walk to the main hot spring street.

Step into the nostalgic atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen, one of Japan's most atmospheric historic hot spring towns.

The beautifully preserved wooden ryokan, bridges, river and traditional street lamps create a romantic old-Japan atmosphere.

Ginzan Onsen is also widely associated with the visual atmosphere of the animated film Spirited Away. While there is no official confirmation that the town itself was directly used as a model for the film, its traditional architecture and nighttime scenery are often compared with the film's bathhouse setting.

Highlights of Ginzan Onsen

Historic Wooden Ryokan

One of the most recognizable buildings is Notoya Ryokan, known for its traditional multi-story wooden architecture, balconies and distinctive appearance along the river.

Traditional Street Lamps and Snowy Scenery

At night, traditional lamps illuminate the wooden ryokan and river, creating a particularly atmospheric scene during winter snowfall.

Bridges and Riverside Views

Small bridges cross the river running through the hot spring town and provide excellent viewpoints for photographs.

Free Time in Ginzan Onsen

Guests can enjoy:

• Photographing the traditional streetscape
• Trying local sweets and coffee
• Experiencing a public foot bath
• Shopping for Yamagata souvenirs
• Exploring the historic hot spring town at their own pace

16:30 – Depart Ginzan Onsen for the Hotel

Transfer to the accommodation.

18:00 – Hotel Check-in

Reference hotel: Yamagata International Hotel or similar

Meal: Breakfast included

Day 2

08:00 – Depart from the Hotel

The actual departure time may vary depending on the hotel's location. The driver/guide will provide the confirmed departure time.

09:30 – Miyagi Zao Fox Village

Duration: Approximately 40 minutes

Miyagi Zao Fox Village (Miyagi Zao Kitsune Mura) is a wildlife attraction where visitors can observe foxes in a natural-style environment.

The facility was established in the late 20th century and focuses on the keeping, breeding and observation of foxes.

Foxes also have a strong connection with traditional Japanese folklore. In Japanese culture, foxes (kitsune) are traditionally associated with Inari, the deity of rice, agriculture and prosperity. Folklore often portrays foxes as intelligent and mysterious creatures capable of transforming into human form.

The village is home to more than 100 foxes, including different varieties such as red foxes, silver foxes and Arctic foxes.

Visitors can observe the animals moving around the open area and may see them walking, resting or playing in their surroundings.

Fox Village Highlights

• Observe foxes at close range
• Enjoy seasonal scenery, especially winter snow
• Take unique wildlife photographs
• Visit the souvenir shop and photo areas

Important: Foxes are wild animals and should only be approached or fed according to the facility's instructions.

10:10 – Fox Village → Zao

Approximate driving time: 50 minutes

11:00 – Zao Ropeway & Zao Onsen Area

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours

Head to the Zao Onsen area and experience the Zao Ropeway, a two-stage ropeway system.

The route is:

Zao Sanroku Station → Juhyo Kogen Station → Jizo Sancho Station

The first section travels from the base station to Juhyo Kogen Station, offering views of the mountain forests and surrounding landscape.

After transferring, the second ropeway continues upward to Jizo Sancho Station.

At the summit area, visitors can see the famous Jizo statue and enjoy panoramic views of the Zao mountain range.

In winter, the area is famous for its spectacular Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo). During spring, summer and autumn, visitors can enjoy fresh greenery, alpine scenery and autumn foliage.

❄️ Winter Zao Snow Monster Experience

During winter, Zao receives heavy snowfall and the ropeway can become very busy, particularly during the peak Snow Monster season.

The winter experience focuses on the snow-covered mountain landscape and the famous Snow Monsters.

Snow and ice accumulate on the branches of alpine coniferous trees under special weather conditions, gradually forming the giant, unusual white shapes known as Snow Monsters.

The actual appearance of the Snow Monsters depends on temperature, snowfall, wind and weather conditions and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Ropeway Operation Notice

If the Zao Ropeway is closed for scheduled maintenance, the itinerary may use the Zao Chuo Ropeway instead.

If the ropeway is suspended because of strong winds, severe weather or other circumstances beyond our control, the ropeway fee will be refunded.

Reference refund amount:

• Adult: JPY 4,000
• Child: JPY 2,000

Zao Onsen Street – Foot Bath & Lunch

After the ropeway experience, enjoy some free time around Zao Onsen Street.

Guests can explore the traditional hot spring town, enjoy local food and relax at a public foot bath.

Shimoyu Public Foot Bath

• Free to use
• Located near the center of Zao Onsen Street
• Convenient during a walking tour

Robata-mae Foot Bath

• Located along the walking route
• Popular with both visitors and local residents

Shinzaemon-no-Yu Foot Bath
Located at Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon-no-Yu. Opening arrangements and fees may vary seasonally.

Lunch: Self-pay

❄️ Special Winter Zao Notes

• The ropeway may have long queues during the Snow Monster season.
• Heavy snow, strong winds or severe weather may cause delays or temporary suspension.
• Mountain roads may be covered with snow or ice, resulting in longer driving times.
• The actual sightseeing time may change according to ropeway queues and weather conditions.
• Okama Crater and Akiu Falls are not included in the winter itinerary.
• Winter sightseeing focuses on the Zao Snow Monsters and snowy mountain scenery.
• The appearance and visibility of the Snow Monsters cannot be guaranteed.

Around 16:00 – Depart Zao for Sendai

The actual departure time may be adjusted according to ropeway queues, weather and road conditions.

Seasonal Alternative: Okama Crater

13:10 – Mount Zao Okama Crater

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

During the non-winter operating season, visit Okama Crater, one of the most famous natural landmarks of the Zao mountain range.

Okama is a volcanic crater lake formed by volcanic activity. The lake is approximately 300 meters in diameter and around 27 meters deep.

Because of its mineral-rich water and changing light and weather conditions, the lake can appear in different shades of green and blue. This has given it the nickname “Goshiki-numa,” or “Five-Color Lake.”

The name “Okama” means “cooking pot” in Japanese, referring to the lake's distinctive shape.

From the observation area, visitors can look across the crater lake and surrounding volcanic landscape.

Highlights

Kattamine Shrine

Visit Kattamine Shrine, located near the crater and associated with the spiritual traditions of Mount Zao.

Okama Observation Area

Enjoy panoramic views of the volcanic crater and lake.

Crater Walking Area

Take a short walk around the designated observation paths and enjoy different views of Okama.

Weather Notice

Okama is located at an altitude of approximately 1,750 meters, where weather conditions can change quickly.

Fog, strong winds and cloud cover may reduce visibility, and the crater lake may not always be clearly visible.

Even during summer, temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than in the city. A light jacket is recommended.

2026 Seasonal Opening

Expected opening: April 24, 2026, from 11:00, weather permitting
Expected closing: November 4, 2026

The opening and closing dates may change depending on weather and road conditions.

Zao Echo Line – Seasonal Scenery

The route may pass through the Zao Echo Line during the Okama operating season.

After November 4, when Okama is closed, the itinerary will not use the Zao Echo Line.

Seasonal Highlights

April 25 – May 10
Spring road opening and spectacular snow corridors. Snow walls can reach approximately 7–10 meters in some years.

Late May – June
Fresh greenery and alpine plants.

July – August
Cooler mountain temperatures and ideal conditions for enjoying the Okama area.

Late September – Mid-October
Autumn colors begin to appear around the summit.

Mid-October – Late October
Peak autumn foliage period.

Early November
Winter road closures begin.

Early November – Late April
Mountain roads and the Okama area are closed during the winter season.

Seasonal Autumn Alternative

14:00 – Okama → Akiu Falls

Approximate driving time: 1.5 hours

15:30 – Akiu Great Falls

Duration: 1 hour | Seasonal

Akiu Great Falls is one of the famous waterfalls near Sendai and a popular autumn foliage destination.

The waterfall is approximately 55 meters high and around 6 meters wide. It is designated as one of Japan's 100 Great Waterfalls.

2026 autumn departure period: November 5–30, 2026

Recommended Walking Route

Waterfall Observation Deck

Walk approximately 10 minutes from the parking area to the observation point, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the waterfall.

Lower Waterfall Trail

For guests who wish to get closer to the waterfall, a mountain path leads toward the lower viewing area, where you can experience the sound and mist of the falling water.

Akiu Otaki Fudoson

Located near the waterfall, this historic Buddhist temple is dedicated to Fudo Myoo and is an important local place of worship.

18:00 – Arrive at Sendai Station

Travel Information

【This tour allows free luggage. Please inform us of the number of luggage items in advance when booking.】

1. Once the booking is confirmed, the travel date cannot be changed. Any losses incurred due to changes must be borne by the guest.

2. Please provide complete and accurate information at the time of booking (full name, number of participants, phone number, email address, and pick-up location) to avoid errors that may affect the itinerary.

3. Please carry your passport and valuables with you at all times. Any loss, theft, or damage shall be borne by the guest.

4. Elderly guests, guests with cardiovascular conditions (such as high blood pressure or heart disease), and pregnant women are advised to travel with a companion.

5. Guests under 18 years old are not permitted to book this tour alone. A legal guardian must book and participate together.

6. This is a shared fixed-route tour. Guests are required to follow the scheduled stop times at each attraction and comply with the driver-guide’s arrangements.

   • If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, please refer to our private charter services.

   • Please arrive at the designated pick-up point on time. Late arrivals will not be waited for.

   • This product cannot be refunded, rescheduled, transferred to another departure, or joined midway. If you fail to participate due to personal reasons, the loss shall be borne by yourself.

7. If a guest fails to participate or leaves the tour early due to personal reasons or lateness, no refund will be provided.

8. Guests who leave the group during the tour will be deemed to have voluntarily terminated the service, and no refund will be issued. Any resulting personal injury or property loss shall be the guest’s own responsibility.

9. Arrival times may vary due to traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels. Delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors are non-refundable.

10. Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes.

11. Please comply with Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry prohibited items to avoid legal issues.

12. During free time, guests are responsible for their personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses caused by failure to follow advice shall be borne by the guest.

Important Tour Notes

Due to the unpredictability of traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowd levels, arrival times at attractions may change.
According to Japanese law, a driver’s maximum working time is 10 hours per day. To ensure safety and stable operations, the itinerary may be adjusted as necessary, including shortening visit times or canceling certain attractions.

We sincerely ask for your understanding and support regarding any such adjustments made in the interest of safety. In cases involving the above or other force majeure factors, we regret any inconvenience caused. Refunds will not be provided under these circumstances, as this policy is implemented to protect both drivers and passengers and ensure smooth tour operations.

Force Majeure Includes but Is Not Limited To

• Natural disasters: earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, typhoons, etc.

• Traffic incidents: road accidents, severe congestion, etc.

• Weather conditions: heavy snow, rainstorms, dense fog, etc.

• Government regulations: emergency orders, traffic controls, etc.

• Medical emergencies: sudden illness or injury of a guest or group member

• Social events: strikes, protests, social unrest

• Mechanical failures: vehicle breakdowns or malfunctions

Cancellation & Refund Policy

• More than 3 days before departure (excluding the departure date): 100% refund

• 2–3 days before departure (including those days): 50% refund

• 1 day before departure or on the departure date: No refund