A Hot Spring Town (from Sendai)

THIS TOUR STARTS FROM A LOCATION OF YOUR CHOICE IN SENDAI.

You can pick your hotel, Sendai Airport, a train station or any other location as long as it is located within SENDAI CITY.

If you would like our assistance in reaching SENDAI, please book a customized bespoke tour instead.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

+ Vehicle designated in selected package (either a Toyota Alphard or HiAce Grand Cabin)

+ English speaking driver (the driver is not a guide & may only have basic English skills)

+ Tolls, Highway Fees, Parking Fees, Fuel (and other associated vehicle costs for this itinerary)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE?

+Region Expert

+Meals

+Entrance or Rental fees

SEAT PLAN

Toyota Alphard	HiAce Grand Cabin

HOW CAN I ADD A TOUR GUIDE?

Pick a date & package; press the PROCEED BOOKING button. The next screen will offer you the option to add on a REGION EXPERT (a local guide with expert knowledge of the area, its history and culture) for an additional fee. Other add-ons may also be available.

ITINERARY

This private package tour will start at a location of your choice within SENDAI and then proceed to your chosen destination options.

Please type in two options from the following options after pressing the PROCEED BOOKING button.

Option 01: Zao Ropeway (Recommended)

Option 02: Zao Dairotenburo (Recommended)

Option 03: Shinzaemon no Yu

Option 04: Kawarayu Public Bath

Option 05: Shimoyu Public Bath

DETAILED ITINERARY

The hot spring town of Zao Onsen has the largest collection of hot springs in Yamagata Prefecture with 5 hot spring source groups and 47 individual hot springs. Standing about 800 meters above sea level and among splendid mountains, this traditional hot spring village surrounded by nature boasts many hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

We start off in Tohoku’s the largest city, Sendai, located just two hour away from Zao. After picking you up in one of our luxurious private vehicles, we will drive you through some truly spectacular views to the two destinations of your choice.

Option 01: Zao Ropeway (Recommended)

There are three different cable cars in Zao Onsen offering the opportunity to “walk in the sky” while enjoying a great view from above of Mt. Zao in any season. The Zao Ropeway is registered as one of Japan’s romantic Satellites of Lover’s Sanctuary.

Entrance fee (separate from Tour price, to be purchased on the spot)

Adults (Senior High School and over) : JPY1500 per person. Children: JPY800 per person.

*Service might be suspended due to weather conditions.

Option 02: Zao Dairotenburo (Recommended)

A famous big open-air bath at the highest point in Zao Onsen town. An open-air bath for men and women made alongside the mountain stream, with capacity for 200 people. An open construction surrounded by Zao’s nature, it is a popular spot for enjoying the hot spring or peaceful walk through the woods. The hot spring water is of the highly acidic sulfur variety, also called the “beauty maker.” Unfortunately, they cannot be used during the winter months.

Admission fee (separate from Tour price, to be purchased on the spot)

Adults: JPY500 per person / Children: JPY300 yen per person

*Closed from late November to mid April

Option 03: Shinzaemon no Yu

Zao Onsen’s sulfuric waters are among the most acidic in the entire country with a PH value of close to 1. They can be enjoyed at multiple public bath houses across the town, which range from small, old-fashioned community baths to a modern facility with various pools. Shinzaemon no Yu is an attractive public bath house with multiple, gender-separated indoor and outdoor pools.

Admission fee (separate from Tour price, to be purchased on the spot)

Adults: JPY700 per person. Children: JPY400 per person.

Option 04: Kawarayu Public Bath

The Kawarayu is the most unique of Zao’s three traditional public bath houses. The unmanned building stands right on top of a hot spring source with water gushing up directly into the pools. A wall separates the men’s from the women’s bath rooms, but the two genders’ pools are connected with each other under the water surface.

Admission fee (separate from Tour price, to be purchased on the spot)

Adults: JPY200 per person. Children: JPY100 per person.

Option 05: Shimoyu Public Bath

The Shimoyu (“lower bath house”) is one of three traditional, small public bath houses in the old town center. The unmanned facility offers two simple, gender-separated pools.

Admission fee (separate from Tour price, to be purchased on the spot)

Adults: JPY200 per person. Children: JPY100 per person.

The tour will end with us dropping you off at a location of your choice in Sendai.