Tours

Zao Snow Monsters Night Cruiser Tour from Sendai with Hotel

Sendai, Japanby H.I.S.Co., Ltd.

9 hours
Up to 36 travelers
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Guide: Japanese, English

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Overview

Experience the ultimate winter journey combining nature, flavor, and culture! Enjoy guaranteed seats on the famous Zao Night Cruiser to explore the mystical 'Snow Monsters' lit up in the dark. Savor freshly picked, sweet strawberries at the peak of their harvest season, and immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture at the sacred Kanahebi Sui Shrine. For dinner, enjoy complete freedom at Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao, where you can choose and sample your favorite authentic Tohoku regional specialties.

What's included

Accompanying Staff: Japanese (Basic English support)
Admission fee
Air-conditioned vehicle
Twin Room for 2 (Breakfast Included): Pacific Hotel Shiroishi

Dinner

Itinerary

1
Kanahebisui Shrine
50 min
Famous as a sanctuary for financial luck and business prosperity, Kanahebi Sui Shrine is a scenic spiritual spot dedicated to water and snake deities. Visitors can pray for good fortune, admire beautiful seasonal wisteria, and receive artistic Goshuin (hand-drawn shrine stamps). The shrine is also renowned for its stunning variety of gold and snake-themed amulets (omamori), crafted to bring wealth and protection.
2
La Phrase
30 min
Taste Miyagi’s famed winter strawberries at their delicious peak—intensely sweet, plump, and freshly picked right from the farm. Renowned for their high quality and rich flavor, Miyagi strawberries offer an unmissable local treat. (Note: The strawberry picking farm location is subject to change depending on crop growth conditions.)
3
Stop 3
1 hour
Michi-no-Eki Yamagata Zao is a modern regional facility and a true paradise for local food lovers. Featuring a lively court of vendors and shops, it offers a wide variety of authentic Tohoku delicacies—from savory Imoni (beef and taro stew) and Yamagata beef to fresh local snacks—making it the perfect stop to dine and shop for unique souvenirs.
4
Stop 4
40 min
Arrive at Zao Sanroku Station & Prepare for the Tour
5
Stop 5
1.3 hours
Witness the breathtaking wonder of Zao’s famous 'Snow Monsters' (Juhyo)—a rare winter phenomenon where sub-zero winds and heavy snow transform mountain trees into giant, icy sculptures. Lit up against the dark winter night, this magical landscape feels straight out of a fairy tale. Ride in warmth and comfort aboard the specialized, heated Night Cruiser snowmobile to get up close to these illuminated frost giants. Night Cruiser Experience Breakdown (Approx. 75 minutes total): 1. Ropeway ride to the Night Cruiser Boarding Area 2. Night Cruiser Tour (includes a photo stop after disembarking) 3. Return by Night Cruiser to the Ropeway Station 4. Ropeway ride back to Zao Sanroku Station Note: The entire experience takes approximately 75 minutes in total.

Meeting and pickup

Meet at Sendai Station East Exit Sightseeing Bus Stop. Directions: Go through the 2nd-floor East-West Promenade toward the East Exit. Follow the signs on the pedestrian deck and take the escalator down to the 1st floor (ground level). Look for our guide holding a blue 'HIS' board.

End point

The tour ends at Pacific Hotel Shiroishi. (Tour staff and bus service end upon arrival at the hotel.) Please check out on your own the following morning.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Age Limit & Booking Requirement: Children must be at least 5 years old to participate. At least one adult is required per child.
Joining / Leaving Mid-Tour: Joining the tour midway or leaving before the tour ends is not permitted.
Luggage Policy: For overnight plan guests: Please inform us of your suitcase count after booking so we can arrange luggage storage for you.

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Staff & Language: Accompanying staff will provide guidance in Japanese or simple English.
Tour Duration: The Night Cruiser tour (including the ropeway ride) takes approximately 75 minutes in total.
Important Information regarding the Zao Snow Monster Tour
Weather & Ice Monster Conditions: Snow Monsters are a natural phenomenon. In the event of insufficient snow, damaged ice formations, or severe weather, the tour may be canceled on the day of departure. If canceled, a full refund will be provided. Please note that rescheduling to another date is not available. Your hotel accommodation remains fully available for your stay, and a partial refund (excluding the room rate) will be issued.
Clothing & Footwear: Please wear warm, layerable clothing and non-slip footwear (snow boots are highly recommended for the Zao Ropeway area).
Meals & Snacks: Meals are not included. We recommend bringing your own snacks, especially for late-night travel. Please note that you must take all your trash back with you, as no garbage disposal service is provided.
Itinerary & Delays: Depending on traffic and road conditions, the time spent at each stop (Shrine, Strawberry Picking, Roadside Station, etc.) may be shortened. Partial refunds will not be issued in such cases.
ID Verification & Ticket Resale: To prevent ticket resale, identity verification (ID check) will be conducted for the lead booker. Please bring a valid photo ID (passport, etc.). Please be careful not to lose your ID during the tour.

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Sendai, Japan

10 hours

10 hoursFree cancellation

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