Zao Onsen’s water is among the most acidic in Japan, strong-smelling and said to be good for the skin. The big outdoor bath, Dairotenburo, sits along a mountain stream and opens from spring to autumn.
Compare fox encounters, Ginzan Onsen scenery, timing, seasonal trade-offs, and value on this full-day trip from Sendai.
Most Popular★ 4.8“The local tour guide was very nice, carefully explained the attractions' culture, and also recommended good restaurants and food. They also shared a lot about Sendai's food culture and helped us make restaurant reservations in the evening, saving us queuing time.”
★★★★★★★★★★
80 reviewsFrom $142.09
Learn to ski at Zao Onsen with a private English or Chinese instructor, three-hour lessons, powder snow, and optional photos near the famed snow monsters.
★ 5.0“Skiing was so much fun! Thank you, Coach Vincent, for your patient guidance. Everyone felt it was fun and rewarding! ❤️”
★★★★★★★★★★
52 reviews3 hoursFrom $259.99
Compare Zao’s winter snow monsters with Ginzan Onsen on a long, organized day trip from Sendai, with group ropeway access and extra fees to plan for.
★ 4.8“Friendly tour guide, smooth itinerary, and skilled driver.”
★★★★★★★★★★
51 reviewsFrom $125.05
Rent ski or snowboard gear at Zao Onsen, with Mandarin-speaking staff, full-package options, and a pickup point near the slopes.
★ 4.5“Equipment: I rented ski equipment (skis and boots) for four days from January 31st to February 3rd. Unfortunately, Noe Ski Gear doesn't offer overnight storage, which is inconvenient if, like me, you're staying at Yamagata Station and taking the bus to Zao. There are no…”
★★★★★★★★★★
50 reviewsFrom $31.20
Compare fox watching, local Shiroishi noodles and Ginzan Onsen on a small-van day trip from Sendai, with practical tips on costs, timing and pickup.
★ 4.8“Fantastic full-day tour to Zao Fox Village and Ginzan Onsen! Mr. Lee was excellent and incredibly helpful throughout the entire trip. Pick up was right on time. He kept us informed via WhatsApp, sharing maps and helpful guidance as we arrived at each stop, which…”
★★★★★★★★★★
49 reviewsFrom $74.29
Visit Zao Fox Village, try Shiroishi uumen noodles, and see Ginzan Onsen on a long day trip from Sendai. Know the extra costs and timing before you book.
★ 4.4“This review is for a day trip booked at the end of June 2026 for early August. I will honestly describe some specific situations encountered. Pros: 1. The itinerary's destinations are not easily accessible for tourists without a car. Although the travel time is a…”
★★★★★★★★★★
27 reviewsFrom $106.19
Review this Sendai day trip to Zao Okama, Fox Village, and Ginzan Onsen, with practical details on timing, costs, language, and trade-offs.
★ 4.6“The driver was very kind, and the trip went smoothly.”
★★★★★★★★★★
17 reviewsFrom $111.25
Learn to ski or snowboard at Zao Onsen with a Chinese-speaking coach, small private groups, optional gear rental, and snow-monster views.
★ 4.2“The coach is great at providing emotional support and taking beautiful photos!”
★★★★★★★★★★
5 reviewsFrom $302.55
Explore Japan's snowy landscapes, relax in historic hot springs, and marvel at the Snow Monsters on this full-day tour from Sendai with stunning views and delicious food.
★ 4.7“Excelente tour desde Sendai. Lamentablemente por condiciones climáticas adversas no pudimos observar los mounstros de nieve, pero los guías intentaron hacer todo lo posible para lograrlo, fueron bastante atentos.”
★★★★★★★★★★
4 reviews11 hoursFrom $167by LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co. Ltd.