The itinerary order may be adjusted depending on hotel availability and traffic conditions.
Day 1
08:00 – Depart from Sendai
09:30 – Visit Yamadera Temple (90 minutes)
Recommended visiting route
Sanmon Gate
Stone Staircase – Approximately 1,000 steps through cedar forests
Bashō Memorial Site – Honouring Matsuo Bashō
Godai-do Observation Hall – Panoramic views of Yamadera and surrounding valley
12:20 – Mogami River Cruise
(Furukuchi Port → Kusanagi Port)
The river became famous after Matsuo Bashō visited in 1689 and described it in Oku no Hosomichi.
During the cruise, boatmen sing traditional river songs, creating a unique cultural atmosphere.
Weather notice
In case of strong winds or poor visibility, the route may change to a return course.
Lunch will be served on board
15:00 – Visit Ginzan Onsen (1.5 hours)
Shuttle transfer to entrance → short walk to high street
Town atmosphere resembles scenes from Spirited Away
Free time highlights
Retro photo spots
Local sweets & cafés
Traditional foot bath (ashiyu)
Souvenir shopping
16:30 – Travel to Hotel
18:00 – Hotel Check-in
Day 2
08:00 – Depart from Hotel
09:30 – 09:30 Arrive at Fox Village (1 hour)
You can see foxes up close.
Foxes playing in the snow are especially cute.
Great place to take unique photos.
The winter scenery with foxes feels magical and dreamlike.
11:30 – Zao Ropeway Experience (1.5-2 hours)
Enjoy panoramic mountain views from the summit
Seasonal scenery: greenery / autumn leaves / snow monsters (winter)
After ropeway:
Free time at Zao Onsen Street
Lunch on your own
Relax in foot baths
Recommended foot baths
Shimoyu Foot Bath
Robata-mae Foot Bath
Shinzaemon-no-Yu
14:30–15:30 Okama Crater (40–60 minutes)
Visit
Mount Zao Okama Crater
Because the lake water contains various minerals and changes colour depending on sunlight and weather, it is also called the “Five-Color Lake.”
The name “Okama” means “cooking pot” in Japanese, because the crater shape looks like a large pot.
From the observation deck, visitors can overlook the entire crater lake and surrounding volcanic landscape.
Travel Tip:
The temperature at the summit is usually about 10°C lower than at the base, so please bring a light jacket even in summer.
Okama Opening Period (2026):
From April 24, 2026 (11:00) to November 4, 2026
(Subject to weather conditions)
Alternative Itinerary (When Okama is Closed – November)
13:30 Zao → Akiu Great Falls
Akiu Great Falls (1.5-2 hours)
Recommended walking route
Waterfall Observation Deck – about 10 minutes walk from the car park, great for panoramic photos
Walking trail to the bottom of the waterfall – experience the powerful sound and mist up close
Akiu Otaki Fudo Temple – a historic temple next to the waterfall
End of Tour
16:30 – Return
18：00 – Arrive at Sendai
