1 Day Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Tour in Yamagata

Nestled in the picturesque Yamagata prefecture, the 1 Day Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Tour offers an enticing blend of cultural heritage and natural wonder. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere of the historic Yamadera temple and unwind in the charming hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen. With a licensed guide, transportation, and lunch included, this tour promises a seamless experience. However, travelers should be prepared for a structured schedule and a moderate level of physical fitness. What awaits those who embark on this journey?

Good To Know

• A comprehensive 1-day tour that combines the scenic Yamadera temple and the charming Ginzan Onsen hot spring town in Yamagata Prefecture.
• Tour duration is approximately 550 minutes, including transportation, transfers, and walking, with a maximum of 8 participants.
• The tour includes an English-speaking licensed guide, admission fees, transportation, and a provided lunch.
• Strong fitness levels are required, as the tour involves walking on stone steps and may not be wheelchair-accessible.
• Participants must adhere to strict punctuality and packing requirements, such as no suitcases and recommended snow boots for winter visits.

Tour Overview and Details

The 1 Day Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Tour provides travelers with an opportunity to explore two of Japan’s most picturesque destinations.

The tour lasts 550 minutes, including trains, transfers, and walking. It’s limited to 8 participants and priced from $267.39 per person.

The tour includes a licensed English guide, admission fees, transportation, and lunch. It starts at Sendai Station and ends there around 8:30 pm.

Participants should have strong fitness levels, as the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible and involves stone steps. Comfortable shoes and snow boots in winter are recommended.

Inclusions and Costs

This 1 Day Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Tour includes several key items covered in the tour price.

Travelers will have the services of a National Government Licensed English Guide, all admission fees, and transportation costs. Lunch is also provided.

The tour price doesn’t include any additional fees beyond those listed in the inclusions.

Travelers should be aware that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a strong level of physical fitness.

Late arrivals will result in cancellation, and no suitcases are allowed on the tour.

Meeting and End Points

Travelers meet at the Sendai City Tourist Information Center, located on the 2nd floor of Sendai Station, at 7:50 am to begin the tour.

The tour ends at Sendai Station around 8:30 pm.

The meeting and end points are:

• Convenient central location at Sendai Station
• Guide will be waiting at the 2nd floor tourist information center
• Tour concludes at the same starting point for easy departure
• Allows travelers to easily access public transportation

Health and Safety Requirements

Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is open to travelers who are physically fit and don’t have back problems, heart issues, or are pregnant. A strong fitness level is required, and parental permission is needed for participants under 18, with those under 15 requiring a parent or guardian’s accompaniment.

Travelers should be aware that the tour involves walking on stone steps at Yama-dera, and snow boots are recommended in winter. Late arrivals will result in cancellation of reservations, so punctuality is crucial.

Guests are advised to pack light and use lockers or hotel storage for any suitcases.

Confirmation and Availability

When is the confirmation received for this tour? Guests can expect to receive their confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. This tour has limited spots, so early booking is recommended.

Some additional points about confirmation and availability:

• Guests will be notified if the tour is fully booked and unable to accommodate their request.

• The order of activities may vary depending on road conditions and traffic.

• The transportation method may change based on the number of participants.

• Late arrivals will result in the cancellation of reservations.

Order of Activities and Transportation

The order of activities and transportation for this tour may vary depending on road conditions and traffic.

While the tour includes specific sites to visit, the exact sequence may shift to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. Participants will travel by train, bus, and on foot to reach the destinations.

Transportation arrangements may change based on the number of travelers. Guides will navigate the group efficiently, adjusting the itinerary as needed.

Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for the stone steps at Yamadera. In winter, snow boots are recommended to navigate the snowy terrain comfortably.

Luggage and Packing Recommendations

No suitcases are allowed on this tour. Instead, you’ll need to use lockers or hotel storage for your belongings.

Pack light and bring only essentials:

• Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes for navigating the stone steps at Yamadera
• Snow boots if visiting in winter to handle the potentially icy terrain
• Layers of clothing that can be added or removed as the weather changes
• A small backpack or daypack to carry personal items, snacks, and water throughout the day.

Keeping your luggage simple will ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour experience.

Exploring Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen

This 1-day tour takes you on a captivating journey to two of Japan’s most enchanting destinations – Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen.

At Yamadera, you’ll climb 1,015 stone steps to reach the stunning Risshakuji Temple, perched atop a precipitous cliff with breathtaking views.

After exploring the temple’s historic halls and shrines, you’ll venture to the serene hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen.

Here, you’ll soak in the healing waters of an authentic Japanese onsen, surrounded by picturesque wooden ryokans and snow-capped mountains.

This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s timeless natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

The tour is only offered as a group tour, so you can’t take a private tour. However, if you have a larger group, the tour operator may be able to arrange a private tour for your group.

Do You Offer Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

Yes, the tour offers discounted rates for children under 15 and seniors over 65. Children under 15 pay $230.78 per person, and seniors over 65 pay $253.58 per person.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can discuss options with the tour provider to customize the duration and experience based on their preferences and interests.

Can I Request a Specific Start or End Time for the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not allow participants to request specific start or end times. The tour has a fixed schedule that cannot be altered. However, you can inquire about any flexibility in the meeting or end points.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options Available?

The tour doesn’t offer specific dietary restrictions or special meal options. However, the included lunch is a typical Japanese meal, so vegetarian or other dietary needs may be accommodated if requested in advance.

The Sum Up

This one-day tour provides an enriching experience of Yamagata’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Travelers can enjoy the tranquility of Yamadera’s temple grounds and the charming atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen. With a knowledgeable guide, efficient transportation, and a structured itinerary, the tour offers a hassle-free way to explore these captivating destinations, though it requires good physical fitness and punctuality.