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Top 10 attractions in Zao

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Sensō-ji
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Kanto Region

Sensō-ji

8.6
4.7/5
5k reviews
One of Tokyo's oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, Sensō-ji is located in the city's Asakusa District. Dedicated to the Bodhisattva of compassion, the first temple was founded as far back as 645 CE. Destroyed during World War II, Sensō-ji was eventually rebuilt and stands now as a symbol of rebirth and peace. Many small shops line the main street approaching the temple. It is a popular area for tourists and among the more well-known parts of Tokyo. Each spring a grand festival is held in and around Sensō-ji. Over the course of a few days upwards of 2 million people visit the temple complex.Japan · Tokyo
Shibuya

Shibuya

8.5
4.7/5
913 reviews
Shibuya is a commercial and entertainment district near JR Shibuya station, standing alongside Shinjuku and Ikebukuro as one of Tokyo's three major sub-centers and one of the city's bustling neighborhoods. Every time the traffic light turns green, the massive crosswalk in front of JR Shibuya station is engulfed by waves of pedestrians, while giant billboards and digital screens around reflect the energy of this busy metropolis. Shibuya is the birthplace of youth culture. In this 24-hour sleepless district, various trendy fashion shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment centers gather, and street band performances can often be seen. Major department stores are also vibrant with the presence of young people. In Shibuya, even the outfits of passersby are stylish enough, with many fashion magazines like "ViVi" and "Mina" sourcing their street snaps from here. Thanks to the prevalence of trend culture, the area is filled with fashionable men and women, and avant-garde or even eccentric outfits are not uncommon. Shopping route recommendations When shopping in Shibuya, it's recommended to start from the bustling Shibuya crossing, pass through the busy pedestrian zone Center Street and Spain Slope, and take a break at the spacious Yoyogi Park when tired. This route allows you to experience Shibuya's typical youthful atmosphere. Statue of Hachiko When you exit from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya station, you will see the statue of Hachiko. The story of Hachiko, who kept waiting for his deceased owner in front of JR Shibuya station, is well-known throughout Japan. Today, the area in front of this statue is one of Tokyo's popular meeting spots. Why not take a photo with Hachiko? Shibuya 109 Shibuya crossing is surrounded by department stores and is a highly photographed location. Across the street, Shibuya 109 houses over 120 boutique shops, offering trendy fashion that is highly representative and popular among young women, with sales staff even adopting cute and playful attitudes. Shibuya 109 also has a dedicated men's section, which is equally popular. Shibuya center street Shibuya center street pedestrian area is dotted with shops, restaurants and bars, creating a somewhat dazzling scene. It remains lively until midnight, offering a glimpse into the lives of Japanese youth. Spanish ramp A 100-m-long slope connects Shibuya Center Street to Parco department store, named for its resemblance to Spanish streets. Though inconspicuous, the Spanish slope exudes a trendy vibe with its unique shops on both sides. Here you'll find bakeries and restaurants using natural ingredients, as well as delicious coffee and wine that attract many foreign visitors. Walking up the steps through this shortcut leads to Parco, another clothing department store. Yoyogi park Continue north and you'll reach Yoyogi Park. The beautiful flowers and fountains in the park create an urban oasis for birds, where you can take a break and organize your finds from the journey. Shibuya's fashion culture in Shibuya, besides shopping, you can also experience the trendy youth culture. At Tokyo Wonder Site in front of Parco department store, you can often see works by young Japanese artists.Japan · Tokyo
Rairaikyo Gorge

Rairaikyo Gorge

3
4.7/5
7 reviews
Leilei Gorge is located in Sendai, and the strange rocks on both sides of the valley stretch for 1 km. There are well-built excursion trails along the valley. The scenery on both sides of the strait is beautiful, and it is suitable for walking on the shore to enjoy.Sendai · 15.3 km from Zao
Asakusa

Asakusa

8
4.6/5
709 reviews
Asakusa is a traditional district in Tokyo that developed around Senso-ji Temple, offering a distinct atmosphere from modern commercial areas like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. It retains the charm of Edo's old downtown and is regarded as a microcosm of ancient Edo culture. Historically, Asakusa suffered severe damage twice—from fires after the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII air raids—but gradually regained popularity during postwar reconstruction. Today, it epitomizes old Tokyo. The heart of the district is Senso-ji, a Buddhist temple founded in the 7th century. Its entrance, Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), features a massive red lantern inscribed with the gate's name and is flanked by statues of the wind and thunder gods, where people once prayed for good harvests and weather. The bustling Nakamise shopping street, lined with red storefronts, connects Kaminarimon to Hozomon Gate and the main hall, selling traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki, Edo-era toys, and crafts, with some shops over a century old. Kimono rentals are also available here. Nearby, Asakusa Shrine, built in the Edo period, is worth a visit, while Denbo-in Temple's garden can only be admired from outside. Asakusa also hosts traditional festivals: the Sanja Matsur in May at Asakusa Shrine embodies Edo's vibrant spirit, alongside summer's "Hozuki Market" at Senso-ji, the "Tori-no-Ichi" fair at Otori Shrine in early winter, and year-end "Hagoita Market." Sumida Park along the Sumida River is a famed cherry blossom spot, with boat rides offering waterfront views in spring. The summer fireworks festival on the river is a major annual event. For Edo-style cuisine, classics like tempura, soba, and eel are easy to find. With extra time, explore Kappabashi Street, known for kitchenware and food replicas. The area is easily explored on foot or by rickshaw.Japan · Tokyo
Zao Onsen
No. 2 of Hot Springs Attractions in Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Onsen

3.7
4.8/5
11 reviews
Zao Onsen is located on Mount Zao, on the border of Yamagata Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture. It has a history of over 1,900 years and is renowned for its unique, highly acidic sulfur springs, often called beauty baths. The large open-air bath can accommodate 200 people at once, and for just JPY 1,300, you can purchase a 3-sticker bath pass that allows you to choose and enjoy 3 out of 5 day-use hot springs. There are also 3 foot baths in the town, all of which are free.Yamagata City · 24.4 km from Zao
Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle Ruins

3.7
4.6/5
137 reviews
The Sendai Castle Ruins were built by Date Masamune in 1601. They are located on Aobayama in Aoba District, Sendai City. They are also known as "Aoba Castle" and "Five Castle Towers". In front of the main ruins, there is a bronze statue of Date Masamune riding a horse in full armor. Next to the castle tower is the charming Aobayama Park.Sendai · 24.4 km from Zao
Akiu Onsen public bathhouse

Akiu Onsen public bathhouse

2.7
4.7/5
10 reviews
Akiu Onsen, Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, and Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture are known as the three famous hot springs in Japan, surrounded by mountains and green forests. In the hot spring area, there are also famous local attractions such as Akiu Waterfall and Tianshou Pavilion Natural Park. The hot spring is not far from the center of Sendai. Many accommodation stores in the hot spring area have shuttle vehicles to and from their own stores and JR Sendai Station. When booking accommodation here, remember to check whether there is a shuttle bus.Sendai · 15.3 km from Zao
Roppongi Hills
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Roppongi Hills

7.1
4.6/5
1k reviews
Roppongi Hills is a "city where ideas are born." Roppongi Hills is a city that nurtures open-minded people. It is designed to be safe and warmly welcoming to people from all over the world. Roppongi Hills is a participatory town. Everyone who lives there, works there, and gathers there, participates in Roppongi Hills. Here, many people engage in dialogue. From new art and creative cuisine to the difficult issues facing modern society, at Roppongi Hills people come into contact with a wide variety of people and ways of thinking, and enjoy a wide variety of experiences. By participating, each person thinks and changes, and from there, ideas that will shape the future are born. We will create a city where Roppongi Hills will lead Japan and the rest of Asia, spark open dialogue with the world, and give birth to visions for the future.Japan · Tokyo
Ueno Park
2026 Global 50 - Spring Outings

Ueno Park

6.7
4.7/5
2.4k reviews
Ueno Park is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. With its many facilities, you can stroll around to soak in the natural beauty and cultural charm, or spend an entire day exploring its art and culture. Every spring, the park transforms into a sea of cherry blossoms, attracting visitors from far and wide. A prime spot for cherry blossom viewing This is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo. The park currently has over 1,000 cherry trees, with the "Somei Yoshino" variety, discovered right here in Ueno Park, being particularly iconic. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, Ueno Park becomes one of the most popular spots for locals to enjoy the flowers. The cherry blossom avenue is a must-visit spot; when the wind blows, the falling petals create a spectacular "rain" of blossoms—this is the very place that inspired Lu Xun's famous line about the cherry blossoms in Ueno. The "Cherry Blossom Festival" is held annually during this time, and at dusk, the park lights up, illuminating the blossoms for a truly enchanting experience. Shinobazu Pond If you miss the "Cherry Blossom Festival," don't miss Shinobazu Pond in the southwest of the park. In summer, the melodious music from the outdoor concert hall complements the lotus flowers in the pond, while black swans, wild geese, and mandarin ducks swim gracefully on the water, making for a delightful scene. You can also visit the 4-story aquarium by Shinobazu Pond to see nearly 600 species of aquatic animals. Ueno Zoological Gardens In the northwest of the park lies Ueno Zoological Gardens, home to approx. 500 species of rare birds and animals. The zoo is divided into East and West Gardens. The East Garden is very popular, featuring two giant pandas from China, "Ri Ri" and "Shin Shin." The West Garden includes a petting zoo with small animals like pygmy goats and ostriches. The Peony Garden next to the zoo is a memorial garden established in 1980 to commemorate friendship between China and Japan. The "Lion Head" peonies here are particularly vibrant and worth seeing. In winter, you can also see winter peonies blooming within protective enclosures—a rare sight that can only be found here in Tokyo. Historical sites Beyond the stunning natural scenery, the park is home to many historical sites worth visiting. The bronze statues scattered throughout the park are a major feature. Additionally, the park contains historical sites such as Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Kan'ei-ji, the Tokugawa Mausoleum, and Kiyomizu Kannon-dō Temple, earning it the reputation as a "treasure trove of historical sites and cultural assets." Be sure to check out the Toshogu Shrine, a masterpiece of classical Japanese architecture, where the 6m-tall "Ghost Lantern" is a true highlight. It also houses many important cultural artifacts. Museums and art galleries Another major feature of Ueno Park is its abundance of cultural and art venues. One of these, the Hyokeikan, is a representative example of Western-style architecture from the late Meiji period and is a treasure in its own right. The National Museum of Western Art houses many masterpieces by renowned artists. The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum exhibits masterpieces such as traditional Japanese ukiyo-e and oil paintings. There are also the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall, The Ueno Royal Museum, and the Shitamachi Museum, which is why Ueno Park is often called a "forest of culture."Japan · Tokyo
Roppongi

Roppongi

6.6
5.0/5
29 reviews
Roppongi is one of the relatively prosperous and cosmopolitan areas of Tokyo, with many hotels, fashionable shopping malls, art galleries, museums, and restaurants. This area attracts tourists from all over the world and is a comprehensive area integrating business, culture and entertainment.Japan · Tokyo

Experiences you can't miss in Zao

Featured Outdoor experiences in Zao

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1-day tour to Frost-covered Trees in Zaō Mountains and Zaō Fox Village: Departing from Sendai station
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 55 booked
Duration: 6.6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromUS$100.11
1-day tour in Northeast Japan | Ginzan Onsen & Zao cable car & Okama crater & fruit picking experience | lunch included
󱌍
40% off
Limited-time sale
FromUS$147.58US$245.97

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Private Tours in Zao

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2D1N • Two-Day Winter Fairyland Tour in Tohoku | Ginzan Onsen, Zao Frost Trees, Fox Village & Onihei Edo Town Departure from Tokyo, breakfast and dinner at hot spring hotel included, Zao ropeway tickets available for additional purchase

Level 32D1N • Two-Day Winter Fairyland Tour in Tohoku | Ginzan Onsen, Zao Frost Trees, Fox Village & Onihei Edo Town Departure from Tokyo, breakfast and dinner at hot spring hotel included, Zao ropeway tickets available for additional purchase

Max. 30 peopleMandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationGroup Tours
Visit Ginzan Onsen featuring the iconic bathhouse from Spirited Away. Explore the secluded Tohoku gem Zao Ice Trees, a stunning natural winter masterpiece. Witness the spectacular view of countless snow monsters. Take the ropeway up to Zao summit to admire the amazing frost trees up close and enjoy breathtaking panoramic snow scenery. · Stay overnight at Naruko Onsen Kameya Ryokan, soak in nourishing black hot spring water for skin beauty, and enjoy relaxing moments blending scenic railways and soothing hot springs. Head to Zao Fox Village to meet fluffy winter foxes. Travel back to Edo era at Onihei Edo Town. Taste hearty chicken hot pot, authentic soba noodles and traditional doll pastries. This snowland journey perfectly combines hot springs, delicacies, natural scenery and traditional culture. · Group tour for minimum 4 guests. Door-to-door transfer service is available at hotels within central Tokyo. You are free from route planning and troublesome public transportation. All vehicles are officially licensed for maximum safety. Free cancellation without any service fee is allowed if applied 24 hours before departure date.
From USD 283

Free things to do in Zao

What travelers say about Zao

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Jj4ype3September 7, 2026
5.0
Yes, it gets extremely crowded (especially weekends, holidays, and peak midday hours), but that energy is part of its charm for many. Go early or late and the experience becomes almost serene.

Sensō-ji

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A_lionnaJune 10, 2025
5.0
Despite the fact that there are always a lot of people , I love this street ! It has this unique atmosphere.

Shibuya

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E59***56September 27, 2023
3.0
If you come to Akiu Onsen, this is a place you should definitely stop by. It's rich in nature and you can feel the negative ions. We walked quite a bit, but there wasn't much to see, so maybe it wasn't necessary to go to the edge.

Rairaikyo Gorge

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_TI***j0February 6, 2025
4.0
another historic scenic spot that is must go in Tokyo Japan , there is the grand temple , busy historic streets for sightseeing

Asakusa

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NikitalalalaFebruary 20, 2020
5.0
First time to Zao, very nice ski area and good onsen. Stayed three nights in Wakamatsuya, good food variety and quality, staffs were super friendly and detailed. JR pass is really easy to us and good saving from Trip.com.

Zao Onsen

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139***15May 14, 2025
5.0
worth. Although every city has its own history, when I approached it, I didn’t expect that the first thing I saw was the sculpture of Lu Xun! Ha ha! If I remember correctly, the words next to the sculpture were written by Guo Moruo himself. Looking out from the museum, the light and shadows are beautiful. The castle ruins are located on a high point, overlooking the entire Sendai.

Sendai Castle Ruins

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jkidd28September 19, 2022
5.0
Along with the smell of hot spring sulfur, all along the small road in the hot spring town, there are beautiful scenery everywhere! You only need to walk a long distance to see the beautiful scenery, on the mountain, in the river, it is very quiet!

Akiu Onsen public bathhouse

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Andy LinnnSeptember 2, 2026
4.0
Went there to see the night view and The Apothecary Diaries exhibition. The overall experience was great, I list how the dancing scene with stars in the sky blends in with the local city view seamlessly. Only thing is the area is pretty complex in terms of finding the right place to go, but for locals it should be a big deal. The overall price is pretty high, but I enjoy the view and exhibition.

Roppongi Hills

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_TI***l0August 21, 2026
5.0
Stepping into this mountain forest, favored by time, is like entering a slowly unfolding three-dimensional painting. Morning mist, like gauze, gently entwines the verdant peaks, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, each step resonating with the breath of nature. Ancient trees reach for the sky, their gnarled branches telling tales of centuries of wind and rain and unwavering perseverance; the babbling brook, crystal clear, is like the earth's whispered poetry. A mountain breeze caresses the face, carrying the fragrance of grass and earth, instantly banishing the hustle and bustle of the world. Birdsong echoes from the depths of the forest, crisp and melodious, like celestial music, adding a touch of vibrancy to the tranquility. Wildflowers dot the path, unassuming yet adorning every inch of the land with their tenacious vitality. Looking out from the summit, the mountains stretch endlessly, a sea of ​​clouds surging, as if heaven and earth have merged into one. Standing atop the mountain, my heart moved by the scenery, I suddenly understood that true beauty is never clamorous, but rather silently awes the soul. At that moment, I didn't want to blink, afraid of missing even the slightest bit of nature's charm. It turns out, the most beautiful scenery isn't far away, but in the instant you're willing to stop and feel it with your heart. Slowly climbing along the old stone path entwined with wild vines, the wind carried the faint fragrance of wild jujube blossoms and the cool mist from the ravine below. A small lizard, its long tail trailing behind, darted into a crevice in the rocks, leaving behind the daily worries that lingered in my heart with each step. The higher I climbed, the wider the view became. Layer upon layer of verdant mountains unfolded in the flowing thin clouds, and in the distance, reed beds swayed in the wind, creating pale white ripples. A few water birds skimmed across the lake, and even the air seemed to soften. There were no noisy announcements or hawkers along the way, only local villagers carrying bamboo baskets, smiling as they handed you a few freshly picked wild akebia fruit. Peeling off the thin skin and taking a bite, the soft, sweet flesh instantly filled your mouth. Standing on the mountaintop, the wind billowed my coat, and the pent-up frustration of the past two weeks vanished with a long howl. Suddenly, I realized that those little things that kept me up at night were nothing compared to the vast mountain scenery. On my way down, I picked a few reeds covered in morning dew and put them in a glass bottle at my lodging. For the next few days, I could look up and see the wild beauty everywhere I looked.

Ueno Park

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温酒看月光October 26, 2024
5.0
Every year from early November to Christmas, Roppongi will have a lighting event. The trees along the street are all hung with light strips. The lights start to light up at 5 pm, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.

Roppongi

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Frequently asked questions

You can give Sendai local food tour! Stroll through the gourmet capital [departing from Sendai] and Japan's tuna capital! Shiogama seafood bowl free pairing & Urakasumi sake tasting 1-day tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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