Ginzan Onsen and Zao Fox Village 1-day tour from Sendai Day Tours

Must Do Experiences

• Stroll across the iconic red bridge at Ginzan Onsen and admire the multi-story wooden ryokans that look straight out of a Studio Ghibli film

• Hand-feed and photograph the friendly, free-roaming red foxes at the Zao Fox Village sanctuary

• Relax and soak in the historic public foot baths while taking in the serene mountain atmosphere of the hot spring town

• Enjoy a scenic, stress-free drive through the beautiful Tohoku countryside with your expert local driver-guide

Hidden Gems

• Look for the subtle gas lamps lining the Ginzan Onsen riverbank, which cast a magical, nostalgic glow during the late afternoon and early evening

• Visit the shrine located deep within the Zao Fox Village where you can tie prayer plaques specifically dedicated to the fox messengers of the Shinto god Inari

• Discover the small, traditional sweet shops tucked away from the main Ginzan street selling local cherry blossom and walnut mochi treats

What Makes it Special

• Combines two of Yamagata's most iconic and contrasting attractions into one seamless, fully guided day trip from Sendai

• Offers the rare opportunity to safely interact with wild foxes in their natural forest habitat at one of Japan's only dedicated fox sanctuaries

• Includes hassle-free round-trip transportation and a dedicated driver-guide, eliminating the stress of navigating rural Tohoku public transit

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

Winter transforms Ginzan Onsen into a breathtaking snowscape, making January and February the most magical, albeit crowded, times to visit. For milder weather and lush green scenery, late spring and early autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, while the foxes are particularly active and playful during these cooler months. Arriving in the late afternoon allows you to capture the stunning transition from daylight to the glowing gas lamps of the hot spring town.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic view of Ginzan Onsen from the red bridge just before sunset when the traditional gas lamps flicker on and reflect off the river

• Use a fast shutter speed and get down to eye level when photographing the foxes at Zao Fox Village to capture their expressive faces and playful movements

• Bring a polarizing filter for your camera to reduce glare on the water and enhance the rich wooden textures of the historic ryokan buildings

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When visiting the public foot baths in Ginzan Onsen, it is customary to wash your feet before soaking and to bring your own small towel to dry off afterward. At the Zao Fox Village, remember that the foxes are wild animals; respect their space by not chasing them or attempting to pick them up. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, but a polite bow and a warm thank you to your driver-guide will be greatly appreciated.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The Ginzan Onsen Snow Festival in February features stunning illuminated snow sculptures and traditional winter light-ups that make the town look incredibly romantic

• During the Zao Fox Village spring season, visitors can witness the adorable sight of newborn fox kits taking their first steps out of their dens

• The autumn foliage season in November paints the mountains surrounding both attractions in vibrant shades of red and gold, offering spectacular scenic drives

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Do not attempt to touch or feed the foxes with your bare hands; always use the designated feeding areas and follow the sanctuary staff's instructions carefully

• Be cautious when walking along the riverbank and bridges in Ginzan Onsen, especially during winter when the wooden pathways and stone steps can become extremely slippery

• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun during summer months, as the mountainous terrain can still yield strong UV exposure despite cooler breezes