Plans

Beginner-Friendly Zao Snow Monster Hiking from Tendo Onsen – Guided & Gear Included –
This is a snow hiking tour where you can witness Yamagata’s iconic winter scenery — the Zao “Snow Monsters” — up close. In this mystical world, you can fully enjoy the experience with all five senses, guided by an experienced professional! While most Snow Monster viewing involves taking a ropeway and observing them from afar or from inside a building, this tour is different. With snowshoes on, you’ll walk with your own feet to meet the Snow Monsters. Standing in front of towering frost-covered trees, feeling the deep snow piled above road signs, sensing the wind that creates the ice formations, and experiencing the winter cold through your whole body — it delivers a much deeper emotional impact than simply “seeing.” And that’s not all! The guide doesn’t only take you to the Snow Monster field. As you walk through the silent, snow-covered forest, a stunning beech forest appears, glistening as sunlight reflects off the snow. This is an atmosphere that is hard to describe unless you actually step into it — so come with us to feel both the awe of the Snow Monsters and the tranquility of the beech forest!
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
2026.1.9 - 3.15
JPY 19,800

Ginzan Onsen Magical Night Tour with English Guide 2025–2026 with Premium Direct Pass (Guaranteed Entry & Non-stop Access)
This winter night tour takes you directly from the Tendo Onsen Traveler’s Lounge to Ginzan Onsen, where you can enjoy strolling through and photographing the enchanting townscape illuminated at night. An English-speaking guide will accompany you, so you can visit Ginzan Onsen with peace of mind while also learning about its rich history and culture. Together, let’s experience the magical winter atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen! This tour includes an entry pass to Ginzan Onsen, so there is no need to make a reservation in advance. In addition, unlike regular visitors who must transfer to a shuttle bus, this special tour allows you to get on and off directly at Ginzanso without any transfers. It’s truly a Premium Direct Pass experience. While the price may be higher than traveling by public transportation or joining other tours, this option eliminates the hassle of purchasing entry passes, searching for routes, and transferring to shuttle buses. Buses and tours to Ginzan Onsen are available from various locations such as Sendai Station and Yamagata Station. Please choose the option that best fits your schedule and budget.
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
2025.12.11 - 2026.2.27
JPY 15,000

The Great Icefall Expedition Zao Snow Trek Guided Tour with Specialized Rental Equipment
-Tour Overview This is a guided snow trekking tour to reach the majestic Sen'ninsawa Ice Garden, a colossal blue icefall in Zao (approx. 30 meters high and over 10 meters wide). The Ice Garden is a spectacular, dramatic work of natural art, formed when spring water seeps through the rock face and freezes during the winter months. What's truly mesmerizing is the "Ice Blue" color—it's not transparent, but glows with a mysterious, vivid blue. Enjoy this cinematic world of ice and snow! Round-trip transportation from Tendo Onsen is included. -Commitment to Safety and Comfort Safety First The path to the icefall includes steep descents and ascents. Our tours are led by highly experienced guides certified by the Zao bo-daira Tourism Council. We have a proven track record of over 40 tour days per season with numerous successful icefall completions. Safety is our top priority. We employ meticulous route selection and techniques like using shovels to carve steps for slip prevention. -Convenience & Comfort Portable Toilets: The guide carries a tent-style portable toilet. This allows all participants, especially female guests, to stay well-hydrated without worry during the trek. -Hot Water Service The guide provides hot water during the lunch break. You can enjoy a warm cup noodle or drink to warm up without having to carry a heavy thermos. -Note Lunch is taken outdoors on the snow. -Free Photo Souvenir The guide will take high-quality photos during the tour and deliver the data to you on the same day. Capture your smiles and the magnificent scenery as a cherished post-tour memory. -Exceptional Experience Guaranteed Even if field conditions prevent us from reaching the icefall, rest assured you will still have a breathtaking experience. We will guide you through an alternative "Extreme Snow Monster (Juhyo) Route" to fully enjoy the spectacular white winter world that only a guided tour can provide. -Specialized Equipment Rental (Included in Tour Fee) The rental fee for all necessary professional equipment is included in the tour price. Snowshoes: ATLAS Helium (Lightweight, mountaineering-grade snowshoes) Trekking Poles: Montbell Fall-Line Poles (Lightweight poles for backcountry use) Crampons: Montbell Snow Spikes 10 (Essential for steep slopes) Helmet: Montbell Alpine Helmet (Worn when approaching the icefall, stored in the backpack during transit) Beacon: A transmitter carried for avalanche safety purposes. Seat Cushion: An outdoor cushion to prevent your bottom from getting cold during the lunch break. -Important Notes This tour is suitable for individuals with prior experience in snowshoeing or winter hiking. If you are a beginner, we recommend our separate "Snow Monster Hiking" course. Participants must have the physical stamina to hike for over 4 hours with a backpack. Please consult with us in advance if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or physical concerns. Pets are not permitted on the tour. Our guides can speak English, so English speakers are welcome to join. -Insurance Coverage We have insurance coverage for accidental injuries during the tour. You may consider purchasing additional insurance if needed. Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (Event Participant Injury Insurance) Death/Residual Disability: ¥10,000,000 Inpatient Allowance (per day): ¥5,000 Outpatient Allowance (per day): ¥3,000 -Changes and Cancellations Please refer to the cancellation policy at the bottom of the page. One free change to your reservation is permitted up to 4 days before 5:00 PM. Changes made after this time will be treated as a cancellation.
M Tu W Th F Sa Su
2026.1.9 - 3.15
JPY 23,800
