Japan Day 5: Yamagata, Mount Zao & Ginzan Onsen

[@Jc-xp8xp]

Amazing video! I'm planning a trip to ginzan onsen. Did you rent a normal car or 4WD? Thinking its better to rent a car to drive instead of bus (given how crowded it can be) but also worried about driving in snowy conditions.

[@chngysworld4218]

Thanks so much. It was a Subaru AWD and the car rental company advised we didn't need chains on the tyres as they were already fitted with the adequate type of tyre for the snowy conditions. We were largely ok but did skid a bit in some patches with heavy snow. I would consider staying in Ginzan or nearby as it will be less rushed that way. Our trip was hectic! Haha

[@natusvincere1255]

Great video! Please do get snow tires in the future if you're driving at snowy areas in Japan :) I once almost got into an accident because the other car did not have snow tires on :( and it was atop a mountain.. I sworn to myself that I would never drive in the snowy weather in Japan again.. but here I am planning another one in Feb 2024. Thank you for the video, definitely going to visit Mount Zao! :) Dec 2022 was perfect as borders have just opened 2 months prior and visitors are all time low! Hope you had fun!

[@chngysworld4218]

Yes actually the rental car had snow tires fitted which was helpful. That's why we didn't need any chains. Hope you have a great trip to Japan in February!

[@natusvincere1255]

@@chngysworld4218 ahh alright, glad that everything turned out well! Thank you so much! :)

[@chngysworld4218]

Have a great Christmas!

[@aluxh]

Nice video! What time did you reach Ginzan Onsen?

[@chngysworld4218]

Thanks Alex! It felt like the amazing race haha I think we arrived just before 6pm and we left at around 7.15pm.

[@张翔-y3y]

Nice video! When was this trip?

[@chngysworld4218]

Thanks! It was in late December 2022

[@CindyHo-k6p]

Good video. May I know where you park your car in Ginzan Onsen? Is it far walking to Ginzan onsen?

[@chngysworld4218]

Hello, there is some parking outside the main area. It's around 20-30 mins walk into the town area. The ground will be slippery during winter due to the snow, make sure you have some grippy shoes

[@CindyHo-k6p]

Is this the parking location at taisho Romankan?

[@chngysworld4218]

Sorry I'm not sure about this

[@jasonrivera2633]

Can you do mt zao and ginzan in one day? Thanks

[@chngysworld4218]

Hi Jason, you'll need to take a very early train there, e.g. 6.30am but you can definitely catch some sleep whilst on the train. Hire a car and drive to Zao first and you can visit Ginzan Onsen when it gets dark (around 5-6pm). Leave enough time to dash back and get the last train which from our experience was around 8.45pm. Don't forget to book the train tickets in advance!

[@jasonrivera2633]

@@chngysworld4218 thank you. So ill probably do an amazing race 😆

[@chngysworld4218]

To be honest if you're going to get some proper time on the slopes at Zao then don't do a day trip, it's way too rushed. We went for a change of scenery (to see the snow).

[@jasonrivera2633]

@@chngysworld4218 i know. We will be using 7 day jr pass, im trying to put in all that we missed seeing last time we went. Toyama kanazawa shirakawago and yamagata region and if still have time maybe hakodate 😑.. but i realize its all good to do a checklist, but in reality it will not be the same…

[@chngysworld4218]

@jasonrivera2633 Yes! Totally agree. Sometimes it's nice to be enjoying the moment rather than rushing from A to B. Have a great trip. Japan is so much fun!

[@CindyHo-k6p]

Good video. May I know where you park your car in Ginzan Onsen? Is it far walking to Ginzan onsen?