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  • Private Sightseeing Tours
  • Weather Dependent - Moderate
  • Private and Luxury
  • Volunteer Tours

Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Full Day Scenic Tour from Sendai

Sendai, JapanOperated by MY Travel Consulting
  • Duration10 hours
  • GroupPrivate tour
  • TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
  • LanguagesEnglish

About this activity

This tour offers a rare blend of cultural depth, scenic beauty, and gentle pacing, making for a memorable full-day journey from Sendai. At Yamadera, the mountain temple’s dramatic setting offers both rich history and natural beauty. Guests preferring a more relaxed option can enjoy the peaceful temple surroundings at the base. A local lunch near the temple provides a taste of Yamagata’s culinary traditions. In the afternoon, stroll through the nostalgic townscape of Ginzan Onsen, where early 20th-century Japan still lingers in its wooden inns and riverside charm. Traveling by private vehicle allows for flexibility and comfort, connecting iconic sights with quieter, local moments. Please note: the temple approach includes many steps. Those with heart conditions or back concerns may choose to explore the base area instead.

What to expect

10 hours4 stopsPrivate tour

  1. Risshaku-ji Temple

    4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-3301, Japan

    2 hoursAdmission included

    Yamadera, one of Yamagata’s most iconic sacred sites, offers a striking blend of history and dramatic scenery. As you ascend the stone steps, views open toward the mountains and temple halls built along the cliffs. Stone carvings, quiet forests, and landscapes linked to the poet Basho create a serene atmosphere that reveals centuries of spiritual tradition and daily life in this region. Please note that the approach to the temple includes many steps and may be physically demanding. Visitors with heart conditions or lower-back concerns may choose to explore the area around the temple entrance instead.

  2. 1 hourAdmission included

    Located at the foot of Yamadera, Fumotoya serves dishes crafted with fresh local ingredients, offering a flavorful introduction to the region’s culinary traditions. Large windows frame the surrounding mountains, allowing you to enjoy the scenery as you dine. It’s an ideal place to pause, recharge, and savor the character of rural Yamagata through its food.

  3. Ginzan Onsen

    Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture, 999-4333, Japan

    2 hours

    Ginzan Onsen features a charming row of wooden inns along a gentle river, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of early 20th-century Japan. Stone bridges, flowing water, and traditional architecture make it an inviting place for a leisurely stroll. In daylight, the refined details of the townscape stand out, offering a glimpse into the timeless spirit of this historic hot-spring village.

  4. Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

    1 Nikka, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-3433, Japan

    Pass by

    After visiting Yamadera, this optional route takes you to Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery in the quiet forests of Sakunami. Founded in 1969 by Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky, this site was chosen for its pure water and crisp air—ideal for creating refined spirits. Enjoy a guided tour (subject to availability) through red-brick buildings and copper stills, followed by a whisky tasting with scenic views. Non-alcoholic options are also available. This plan offers a calm and elegant way to conclude your day. Please select the “Nikka Whisky Plan” when booking this option.

Pickup & meeting point

Pickup is included for all travellers.

Pickup starts about 5 minutes before the departure time.

Pickup locations73

The operator lists 73 pickup points. 39 are shown here; choose yours from the full list when you book.

Hotels & residences39

  • APA Hotel Sendai Eki Itsutsubashi3-1-1 Itsutsubashi, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 984-0022, Japan
  • Hotel Crown Hills Sendai Aobadori2-3-18 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Sendai4-4-5 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Dormy Inn Sendai Annex2-11-26 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • KOKO HOTEL Sendai Kotodai ParkAoba-ku Honcho 2-15-10, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai-nishiguchi3-7-25 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Hotel Palace Sendai1-1-5 Odawara, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0803, Japan
  • Super Hotel Sendai Station East Natural Hot Spring203-12 Nakakecho, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0864, Japan
  • Dormy Inn Sendai Ekimae1-5-38 Honmachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • The OneFive Sendai4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0852, Japan
  • Hotel Pearl City Sendai2-8-9 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0811, Japan
  • Toyoko Inn Sendai-eki Nishiguchi Chuo1-1-10 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Daiichi Inn Park1-10-21 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • APA Hotel TKP Sendai Ekikita201-1 Nakakecho, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0864, Japan
  • Hotel Sumirekaikan1-13-5 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0811, Japan
  • OF HOTEL1-4-14 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0013, Japan
  • Hotel Green Pacific1-7-29 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Hotel Green Well4-3-3 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai Ichibancho4-2-2 Ichibancho Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0811, Japan
  • Hotel JAL City Sendai1-2-12 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0013, Japan
  • Hotel Monterey Sendai4-1-8 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Hotel Shoen1-4-30 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • KOKO HOTEL Sendai south4-7-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Library Hotel Higashi - Nibancho2-15-10 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • Hotel Premium Green Hills2-8-11 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Richmond Hotel Sendai1-4-12 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0013, Japan
  • Prince Hotel Aoba9-1 Kurumamachi, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0863, Japan
  • Toyoko Inn Sendai Higashiguchi No.13-4-31 Tsutsujigaoka Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0852, Japan
  • Hotel Green Selec2-9-14 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Hotel Park Sendai 2Hotel Park Sendai 2, 1 Chome-1-79 Miyamachi, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0004, Japan
  • Hotel Mielparque Sendai5-6-51 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0852, Japan
  • Super Hotel Sendai Hirosedori2-9-23 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East1-1-1 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-8487, Japan
  • Hotel Vista Sendai1-7-3 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 983-0852, Japan
  • Hotel Taiyo2-17-28 Honcho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0014, Japan
  • Almont Hotel Sendai3-4-10 Chuo Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • KOKO HOTEL Sendai Station West3-8-27 Chuo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan
  • ANA Holiday Inn Sendai by IHG1-4-1 Shintera, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 984-0051, Japan
  • Hotel Monte Hermana Sendai1-2-15 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0013, Japan
  • You can arrange your pickup point with the operator after booking.

Pickup instructions

The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby or at the gate of the cruise with your name sign. Please inform about your pick up details in advance.

Redemption

Please show the ticket to the guide when you meet.

What's included

Included

  • Private Vehicle
  • Admission Fee
  • Hotel or Port Pickup
  • apx. 10-20 USD
  • National Licensed English Speaking Guide

Not included

  • Personal Expenses

Good to know

Accessibility & suitability

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Traveller requirements

  • Minimum 1 traveller per booking
  • Maximum 15 travellers per booking
  • At least one adult must be included in the booking
  • Age bands: Infant (0–1), Child (2–11), Adult (12–99)

Additional information

  • The itinerary might be changed due to weather condition or other reasons.
  • We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements. Please indicate it to the special requirements at the time of booking.

Languages

Guide
English

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 1+ days before100% refund
  • 0–1 days before0% refund

Important booking information

Booking cut-off
Bookings close 2 days before the activity starts.
Confirmation
Instant then manual
Tickets
One per booking
Local time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Product code
452423P228

What you'll be asked when booking

  • Age of each traveller
  • First name of each traveller
  • Last name of each traveller
  • Your preferred pickup point
  • Any special requirements
  • Drop-off address
  • How you are arriving
  • Cruise arrival time
  • Cruise ship name

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Ready to book Yamadera and Ginzan Onsen Full Day Scenic Tour from Sendai?

From USD 894.5 per person · Free cancellation available

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Activity information provided by Viator, an authorized travel partner. Gateera does not operate this activity.

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