Tohoku Winter Snow, Juhyo & Onsen Rail Journey
A winter rail journey connecting Ginzan's snowy nights, Zao's snow monsters, Nyuto's rustic hot springs, and Hirosaki's snow lanterns.
A winter-themed, car-free itinerary relying entirely on trains and buses to avoid driving on snow. Highlights include the gas-lit night views of Ginzan Onsen, the "snow monsters" (juhyo) of Zao, open-air baths in the snow at Nyuto Onsen, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in February. Travel days can be long, and buses and ropeways are subject to weather conditions. The Oirase Gorge trail is excluded as it is not cleared of snow in winter.
The peak period for snow monsters is from late January to late February; the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival is held in mid-February.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Sendai & Visit Aoba Castle
Sendai（Sendai Castle Ruins、Zuihoden Mausoleum）
Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (approx. 1.5 hours). Use the city loop bus for sightseeing.
Stay: Around Sendai Station
Day 2 · Yamadera Snowscape to Ginzan Onsen
Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen（Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)、Ginzan Onsen）
Take the Senzan Line to Yamadera (approx. 1 hour). Travel to Yamagata, transfer to the Shinkansen to Oishida, and take a bus (approx. 40 minutes).
The stone steps at Yamadera can be icy and slippery; wear non-slip shoes. Book Ginzan Onsen six months in advance.
Stay: Ginzan Onsen
Day 3 · Zao Ropeway & Snow Monsters
Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen（Zao Juhyo (Snow Monsters)、Zao Onsen）
Take the bus back to Oishida, the Shinkansen to Yamagata, and then a bus (approx. 40 minutes) to Zao Onsen.
Strong winds at the summit often cause the ropeway to close; try to keep your morning schedule flexible.
Stay: Zao Onsen
Day 4 · Transfer to Snowy Kakunodate
Kakunodate & Lake Tazawa（Kakunodate Samurai District、Aoyagi Samurai House）
Take the bus back to Yamagata, then transfer via Sendai or Fukushima to the Akita Shinkansen for Kakunodate (approx. 3 to 4 hours in total).
Stay: Around Kakunodate Samurai Residences
Day 5 · Lake Tazawa to Nyuto Onsen
Kakunodate & Lake Tazawa（Lake Tazawa、Nyuto Onsen & Tsurunoyu）
Take the Shinkansen to Tazawako Station (approx. 15 minutes), transfer to a bus to the lakeshore, and then take another bus up to Nyuto Onsen.
Mountain buses are infrequent; some ryokan offer reservation-based shuttle services.
Stay: Nyuto Onsen
Day 6 · North to the Snowy Town of Hirosaki
Aomori & Oirase（Hirosaki Castle & Hirosaki Park、Fujita Memorial Garden）
Take a bus to Tazawako Station, the Akita Shinkansen to Morioka, transfer to Shin-Aomori, and take the Ou Main Line to Hirosaki.
Accommodation is extremely tight during the Snow Lantern Festival in February; book as early as possible.
Stay: Hirosaki Station Area
Day 7 · Aomori Markets & Nebuta Museum
Aomori & Oirase（Aomori Gyosai Center (Nokke-don)、Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse、Memorial Ship Hakkoda Maru）
Take the train from Hirosaki to Aomori (approx. 45 minutes). Explore the city on foot, and depart from Shin-Aomori Station via Shinkansen in the evening.