This 7-day journey is crafted for active travelers who want to experience the quiet magic of northern Japan in winter. Beginning and ending in Tokyo, the itinerary leads you deep into the snow country of Yamagata Prefecture, blending mountaintop temples, world-class powder skiing, and a timeless hot spring town into one seamless adventure — ideal for those with a taste for the outdoors and the energy to match.
Travel from Tokyo aboard the Yamagata Shinkansen and ascend the scenic stone steps of Yamadera, a mountaintop temple wrapped in snow-covered cedars and immortalized by the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō. Spend two full days carving through the deep powder and snow-laden evergreen forests of Zao Onsen Ski Resort, one of Tohoku’s largest ski areas. Then unwind in the serene, gas-lit streets of Ginzan Onsen, an atmospheric Taishō-era hot spring town that feels especially enchanting under deep winter snow, where a traditional kaiseki dinner and a night in a classic ryokan await.
With a dedicated English-speaking guide, comfortable bullet train travel, and thoughtfully paced scheduling, this tour offers a smooth and rewarding way to explore Japan’s winter wonderland. It is best suited to physically active travelers who are comfortable on the slopes and eager to embrace the cold-weather beauty of the Tohoku region.
Why This Tour Stands Out
- Ski two full days on the deep powder slopes of Zao Onsen, one of Tohoku’s largest ski resorts.
- Discover the timeless beauty of Yamadera temple and the gas-lit streets of Ginzan Onsen.
- Travel with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide on Day 2, then enjoy the slopes and onsen towns at your own pace.
- A perfect winter escape for active travelers who love snow sports and authentic onsen culture.
Tour Pricing
| Group Size | Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| 2 | From USD 1,969 |
| 4 | From USD 1,781 |
| 6 | From USD 1,706 |
Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.
*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY
Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.
Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Long holiday weekends
Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Tokyo
Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo
Day 2 | Yamagata
- Meet your guide and transfer from Tokyo to Yamagata by bullet train
- Visit Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
Hotel: Onsen Hotel in Zao Onsen
Day 3 | Zao Onsen
- Full-day skiing and snowboarding at Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Hotel: Onsen Hotel in Zao Onsen
Day 4 | Zao Onsen
- Full-day skiing and snowboarding at Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Hotel: Onsen Hotel in Zao Onsen
Day 5 | Ginzan Onsen
- Visit Ginzan Onsen
- Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner at the ryokan
Hotel: Onsen Ryokan in Ginzan Onsen
Day 6 | Tokyo
- Free time to stroll the Ginzan Onsen streetscape
- Transfer to Tokyo
Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo
Day 7 | Tokyo
Check out from your hotel and transfer to Narita International Airport.
If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.
Inclusions
- Private tour
- Dedicated English-speaking guide on Day2
- 7 days itinerary
- 6 nights accommodation (3-star hotels, onsen hotels and a traditional ryokan)
- Breakfast everyday
- Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan on Day5
- Public transportation
- All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
- Ski lift passes and equipment rental (skis, boots and poles; ski wear not included) for the 2 skiing days at Zao Onsen
- Ride the shinkansen bullet train
Exclusions
- International airfares
- Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
- Visas
- Tipping
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Ski wear rental
- Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
Important Notes
This tour is designed for physically active travelers in good health and is best suited to those with a reasonable level of fitness. Please note that skiing and snowboarding are inherently risky activities that may result in injury. By joining this tour, participants acknowledge and accept these risks and agree to take part in all snow sports at their own responsibility. We recommend that all participants arrange appropriate travel and medical insurance covering winter sports before departure.
If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.
Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You
Interested in this 7-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.
If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.
We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.
