Itinerary
Highlights
~ Visit Yamadera Temple, a historic 1,000+ year-old mountain temple with 1,015 stone steps; major pilgrimage site with stunning views~ Visit Ginzan Onsen, a beautifully preserved Taisho-era hot spring town with traditional wooden ryokan lining the river; magical evening gas-lamp illumination; often compared to Spirited Away bathhouse setting
~ Snowshoe trek to 30-meter-high frozen Sennin Waterfall (Icefall), a majestic wall of blue-tinted ice
~ Snowshoe trek through snow-covered forests to see the Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo)
~ Snowshoe trekking through deep powder snow on the Miyagi Zao mountain range
~ Snowcat (Wild Monster) tour to enjoy the snowy scenery and snow monsters up close
~ Learn the techniques of snowshoe trekking from an experienced mountain guide
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo – Sendai
Welcome to Tokyo! Meet up with the Travel Wander Trip Facilitator at Tokyo Haneda Airport before travelling down to Tokyo Station. From there, board our shinkansen train to Sendai, where our local guide is there to greet us warmly.
Visit Yamadera, officially known as Risshaku-ji, a historic mountain temple that offers a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and history. It is considered one of the most important and scenic temples in the Tohoku region, serving as a major pilgrimage site for over a thousand years.
Explore Ginzan Onsen, a beautiful, historic hot spring town in Yamagata Prefecture. It is famous for its beautifully preserved streets and nostalgic atmosphere. The town feels like a step back in time. The main street is a pedestrian-only zone, with traditional wooden inns (ryokan) from the Taisho Era lining the Ginzan River. In the evening, the town is lit by warm gas lamps, creating a magical scene, especially when heavy snow covers the rooftops in winter. It is often compared to the bathhouse setting in the film Spirited Away.
After dinner, rest early for our upcoming snow adventure!
Meal: Dinner
Stay: Nijinoyakata Onsen Hotel or similar
Day 2 Sennin Waterfall Snowshoe Trek
The snowshoe trek to the Sennin Waterfall (often referred to as the “Icefall” or Hyobaku) is a spectacular winter adventure. It offers you a chance to see a massive, frozen waterfall up close. The trek’s goal is the Senninzawa Ice Garden, home to a natural icefall. It is not a small frozen trickle of water but a majestic wall of ice that is over 30 meters high and dozens of meters wide. The ice is known for having a beautiful blue tint, creating a movie-like, almost otherworldly scene.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Yamagata City Hotel or similar
Note: Depending on the day’s weather conditions, the sequence of events may change between day 2 and day 3.
Day 3 Mount Zao Snowshoe Trek
A snowshoe trek to see the Zao Snow Monsters (Juhyo) is the perfect way to get up close with this incredible winter phenomenon. Instead of just viewing them from a distance, we will walk right among the icy “monsters” and through quiet, snow-covered forests.
The Zao Snow Monsters are formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto Aomori fir trees, and strong winds sculpt the ice into massive, fantastical shapes. They are not just a few scattered trees but a vast field of these icy figures, creating an otherworldly landscape.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Yamagata City Hotel or similar
Note: Depending on the day’s weather conditions, the sequence of events may change between day 2 and day 3.
Day 4 Miyagi Zao Snowshoe Trek
Today we head over to the Miyagi Zao mountain range, which is on the opposite side of Yamagata. Embark on a snowshoeing trek where you will trek through deep powder snow on the slopes of the Zao mountain range. The trails lead to incredible sights like snow-covered forests, and on a clear day, you might see the frozen Okama Crater. The highlight for many is reaching the summit to see Togatta Shrine, which becomes a fantastical ice sculpture from the severe wind and cold.
Thereafter, enjoy the snowy scenery on a snowcat vehicle where you can get up close to the snow monsters and admire the scenery with minimal effort.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Stay: Ounuma Onsen Ryokan or similar
Day 5 Sendai – Tokyo Station
After breakfast, visit Akiu Shrine (Akiu Jinja), a historic and spiritual landmark located in the Akiu Onsen area, just outside Sendai. It is primarily famous as a powerful shrine dedicated to the “God of Victory,” making it a popular destination for people seeking success in competitions, exams, business, and other life challenges. The shrine has a history spanning over 1,200 years, with its origins dating back to 808 AD.
We will be back at Sendai Station by 12.00 PM where we embark on our Shinkansen train back to Tokyo station, where the tour ends.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
~ 4 nights accommodation in a mixture of local hotels and ryokans;
~ 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners;
~ one-way airport bus from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station;
~ two-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station;
~ transportation as per itinerary;
~ cable car ticket for Zao snow monster;
~ snowcat ride for Miyagi Zao snow monster;
~ entrance tickets as per itinerary;
~ snowshoe, crampons rental and gaiters;
~ TW hiking tee;
~ service of an English-speaking local guide;
~ supported by a bilingual (English/Mandarin-speaking) Travel Wander Trip Facilitator.
Exclusions
~ flights to Tokyo, Japan;
~ transportation to Tokyo Station;
~ tourist visa (if required);
~ comprehensive travel insurance;
~ all lunches;
~ any expenses of personal nature;
~ tipping for local driver-guide.
Price
Twin/Double Occupancy: SGD 3,368 per person
Single Occupancy: SGD 3,568 per person (on request basis, subject to availability)
< WBWG Rate Applicable >
Important Notes
~ A non-refundable deposit of SGD 300 is required at the time of booking.
~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.
~ Only book your air ticket to Tokyo, Japan when you have been informed to do so.
~ This trip requires minimum 6 hikers to depart and the maximum group size is 8 hikers.
~ Should you require a visa to enter Japan, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.
~ Every effort is made to ensure the trip and included experiences take place during the ideal time or period of the year, however certain sights are subject to weather conditions and seasonal variations that are not within the control of Travel Wander. Although you may get to see and/or experience, we cannot guarantee the sightings.
~ Important Winter Hiking Advisory: winter hiking is essentially dependent on weather conditions and safety regulations. Please be advised that the planned itinerary may be adjusted in real-time to provide the most suitable trail based on current conditions. Hiking routes, national parks, and specific mountains mentioned in this itinerary are subject to change on short notice due to snow forecasts, weather events, or access restrictions imposed by the National Park authorities. By booking this trip, you acknowledge and accept that last-minute changes may be necessary for your safety. We reserve the right to make such adjustments as required. In the event that you choose to terminate the trip due to these changes, no refund will be issued, and any additional arrangements made thereafter will be at your own expense.
~ Provision of meals during the trip showcases the local authenticity, cuisine and food culture of the places we are visiting. All food allergies and dietary restrictions must be disclosed to Travel Wander at the time of booking. We will use reasonable efforts to accommodate special requirements or requests but this is not always possible given the nature of the destinations visited and availability of options. We cannot guarantee that dietary needs or restrictions can be accommodated. Travel Wander is not liable for failure to accommodate or fulfil such requests. Meal supplementary charges may be imposed to meet your dietary needs.
~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.
~ As you prepare for the hiking vacation, we recommend one hour of exercise 2 times per week (this can be hiking, running or walking). At least once a week, you should hike at least 10 KM.
~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the hikers. Therefore, the inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due (not limited) to bad weather, local conditions, accommodation bookout, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary, and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue the trip.
~ Because hiking requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it may not be suitable for hikers with chronic and/or acute diseases. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Hikers must ensure they are medically and physically able to hike.
~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.
~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.
