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- English
Join a 1-day bus tour from Sendai and experience the rare transition between winter and spring in northern Japan. Walk along the impressive snow walls of the Zao Echo Line during its limited opening period, and enjoy seasonal activities including sledding at Daikokuten Parking Lot.
The tour also features a visit to the Zao Kokeshi Museum, where you can learn about traditional Tohoku culture through its renowned collection of handcrafted kokeshi dolls. In the afternoon, take in the spectacular views of Hitome Senbonzakura, with thousands of cherry trees lining the Shiraishi River against the backdrop of snow-capped Mt. Zao. A Japanese-style hanami bento lunch is included, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a relaxed setting.
This limited-time tour operates for only a few days each year, offering a unique combination of cultural discovery and stunning seasonal scenery.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Gather at the sightseeing bus stop at the east exit of JR Sendai Station by 08:20
Itinerary
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1
The Zao Echo Line is closed throughout winter and reopens in mid-April. During this short period, visitors can walk along a 2-km route lined with towering snow walls formed during snow removal. This special experience is scheduled for only five days, from April 10 to April 13, 2026, offering a rare chance to enjoy winter scenery and spring air at the same time. At the event venue near Daikokuten Parking Lot, guests can also enjoy sledding activities and see snowplows up close, making it a fun and memorable experience for all ages.
1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
In addition to the natural scenery, the tour includes a visit to the Zao Kokeshi Museum, where you can learn about traditional Tohoku culture through handcrafted kokeshi dolls. These wooden dolls originated in the Tohoku region and are known for their simple shapes, hand-painted designs, and deep connection to local hot spring towns. The museum showcases a wide variety of kokeshi styles and offers insight into the history and craftsmanship behind this iconic regional art.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included -
3
Enjoy breathtaking views of Hitome Senbonzakura, where thousands of cherry trees line both banks of the Shiraishi River, with snow-capped Mt. Zao creating a stunning seasonal backdrop. At Funaoka Castle Site Park, you will have ample time to stroll, take photos, and fully appreciate the scenery. A Japanese-style hanami bento lunch is provided, allowing you to relax and enjoy a traditional cherry-blossom viewing experience surrounded by spring colors.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- If the minimum number of participants (15) is not met by (10) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be cancelled.
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- If the minimum number of participants (15) is not met by (10) days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date might be cancelled.
- Please note that we may not be able to take you to the snow wall due to road closures caused by bad weather. In that case, we will take you to an alternative location such as the Zao Cheese Factory. (Please note that no refunds will be made in such cases.)
- Please note that the location of the tour may change depending on the blooming of cherry blossoms.
- Although you will walk only on snow-cleared areas, we recommend that you wear trekking shoes or other footwear that are easy to walk in and slip-resistant.
- The temperature is about 7°C lower than in the plains at an altitude of around 1,500 meters. In addition, the temperature may be close to 0°C in bad weather, so please wear warm and windproof clothing.
- In some cases, cherry blossoms may be in leaf or before blooming, but no refund will be given in such cases
- A Picnic blanket is useful for the hanami experience, so please bring your own if necessary.
- If the road is impassable to the snow wall due to snow accumulation, the tour may be cancelled on the morning of the tour day.
- Please arrive at the meeting spot in time.
- Please notice that might be crowded in sightseeing spots during weekends, holidays and events.
- In case of traffic congestion or any other uncontrollable reasons, please note that changes of schedule or time shortened in each of sightseeing spots.
- No refunds will be issued in case the customer doesn't show up at the meeting spot on time.
- We will full refund in case the tour is cancelled due to extreme situations such as typhoons and other natural disasters
- As it is stipulated by the law of Japan, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus.
- Please kindly manage your valuable belongings by yourself.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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