13 Best Zao Tours

Zao straddles Yamagata and Miyagi, with the ski resort and sulphur spa town on one side and the fox village on the other. In summer and autumn the Zao Echo Line climbs to Okama, an emerald crater lake that changes shade with the light.

1.Sendai Zao Fox Village & Ginzan Onsen Full-Day Tour

Compare fox encounters, Ginzan Onsen scenery, timing, seasonal trade-offs, and value on this full-day trip from Sendai.

Most Popular★ 4.8

“The vehicle, driver, tour guide, and itinerary were all excellent. The tour guide's suggestion to have lunch at the rest stop was wise, as there weren't many people at Ginzan Onsen when we arrived, but it got crowded when we left. The timing was managed…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

2.Private English and Chinese ski lessons and photography services at Zao Onsen Ski Resort

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

“The contact time was two days before the booking time. The information I filled in on Klook was asked again. Then, they were confused about whether I was a snowboarder or a skier, and the coach added the wrong person. Honestly, the staff in the…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

5.Sendai Zao Fox Village & Ginzan Onsen Full-Day Tour

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

“If you want to go a bit farther away, joining a day tour is really the way to go since the itinerary is all planned out for you. I got to try Shiroishi's local cold noodles, which the locals always eat during festivals. At the…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

6.Miyagi Zao Fox Village, Tsurigane-an, & Ginzan Onsen One day Tour

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

“The tour guide had an excellent attitude, prioritized communication throughout the trip, and provided clear explanations. The itinerary was well-paced with plenty of time, so we never felt rushed. I would highly recommend them.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

8.Zao Ropeway & Akiu Shrine Full-Day Tour

Ride Zao’s ropeway to the snow monsters, visit Akiu Shrine, and finish with local beer on a convenient full-day tour from the Sendai area.

★ 4.9

“The tour guide was very enthusiastic! It was the first time leading a group for the Chinese-speaking tour guide, and the Japanese-speaking woman was also very good. There were only nine people in our group, which gave it a great small group feeling. Purchasing the…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

9.Miyagi Zao Okama Crater & Fox Village Day Trip (From Sendai)

See Zao’s color-shifting Okama crater, free-roaming foxes and kokeshi crafts on a guided day trip from Sendai.

★ 4.8

“The private car tour for our small group of eight was very comfortable. Azumi-san and the driver provided excellent service. It's a shame the weather at Okama wasn't good, so we didn't get to see the beautiful scenery. However, Fox Village and Yajiro are definitely…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

10.Zao Onsen Ski Lesson with Gear / Chinese Private Group (1-4)

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

“Ordering was convenient, the instructors were professional, and the ski shop environment was good. The staff inside were very professional, and customer service was able to provide immediate assistance with any issues.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

11.Sendai: Ginzan Onsen, Zao Ropeway Snow Monsters Tour & Lunch

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.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

12.Sendai Zao Fox Village & Snow Monsters Full-Day Guided Tour

Compare Zao’s winter snow monsters with the foxes of Shiroishi on a guided day trip from Sendai, with practical tips on timing and mountain conditions.

★ 4.3

“We are a couple from Hong Kong who participated in the Sendai Zao Fox Village & Zao Snow Monsters Day Tour on March 5, 2026, and the overall experience exceeded our expectations. First, the meeting point at Sendai Station was very clear and easy to…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

13.Yamagata: Icefall Ice Monster Snow Trekking with Local Guide

Discover the stunning frozen landscapes of Yamagata on a guided snow trekking tour to the Icefall, complete with snowshoes, hot lunch, and expert guides.

★ 5.0

“It was an amazing experience! They are professional guides, very kind, joyful and helpful. We had so much fun even with the hard weather conditions. You do need a good fitness level, some hiking experience and proper winter clothes. So be prepared! They provide everything…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →