Major city · Japan
Shiroishi白石市
Spend a half‑day to one full day in Shiroishi: see the castle, visit Zao Fox Village or ski in winter, then head to Sendai.
Shiroishi is a small city in Miyagi with a historic castle, a nearby fox village, and a ski resort. It is reachable in under 2 h from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen, making it a convenient day‑trip base or a brief overnight stop before continuing to Sendai or the Zao mountains.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Jan–Feb (heavy snow, limited transport)
- Airport
- SDJ
- Nights
- 0.5–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Shiroishi110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Shiroishi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; main risks are winter road closures and occasional bike traffic.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSDJ Sendai Airport (About 60 km (37 mi) north, 1 h by bus or car).SDJ Sendai Airport (About 37 mi (60 km) north, 1 h by bus or car).
- Getting aroundShiroishi‑Zao Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) is the main hub; local buses serve the castle, fox village and ski area.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Metro or bus rideBus ride to Zao Fox Village¥1,200–¥1,500 (≈ US$9–11)
- Budget bedCapsule or hostel bed, a night, per person¥3,500 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness‑hotel double room, a night, per room¥15,000 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedBusiness‑hotel double room, a night, per room¥35,000 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥9,000 (≈ US$65) · High ¥14,000 (≈ US$95)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SDJ Sendai Airport (About 60 km (37 mi) north, 1 h by bus or car)SDJ Sendai Airport (About 37 mi (60 km) north, 1 h by bus or car)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Jul (12 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Shiroishi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
5 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
12 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
6 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Shiroishi‑Zao Station (Tohoku Shinkansen) is the main hub; local buses serve the castle, fox village and ski area. Walkable city centre.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Zao Fox Village
goDoor to door: ≈45 min
Bus from Shiroishi‑Zao Station, about 30 min
Family‑friendly; check opening hours (seasonal).
Zao Ski Resort
cautionDoor to door: ≈20 min
Shuttle from Shiroishi‑Zao Station, 10 min
Open Dec–Mar; snow conditions vary.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Venezian Hotel Shiroishi Zao
Close to Shiroishi‑Zao Station, good for ski‑season stays
Pacific Hotel Shiroishi
City‑centre location, easy access to castle and train
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–¥9,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥9,000–¥14,000 (≈ US$65–95) excl. bed
- High
- ¥14,000 (≈ US$95)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business‑hotel double room1 × 1 night × ¥15,000 | ¥15,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥9,000 | ¥18,000 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo → Shiroishi (reserved seat)2 × ¥12,000 · check | ¥24,000 |
| Local bus to Zao Fox Village (round‑trip)2 × ¥1,200 · check | ¥2,400 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥5,940 |
| Trip total≈ ¥32,670 per person per day, bed included | ¥65,340≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Shiroishi Umen bowl | ¥600–¥900 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Katsudon (Banya) | ¥800–¥1,200 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Bus ride to Zao Fox Village | ¥1,200–¥1,500 (≈ US$9–11) |
| Ski lift ticket (full day) | ¥4,000–¥5,500 (≈ US$30–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter snow can close mountain roads; check ski‑resort opening dates.
- Last Shinkansen trains depart around 21:30; plan return to Tokyo accordingly.Last Shinkansen trains depart around 9:30 PM; plan return to Tokyo accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Shiroishi白石市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
- Japan Visitor Hotline (24 h, English)050-3816-2787
Embassy
The US has a consulate in Sendai (check address); other countries use consulates in Sendai or the embassy in Tokyo.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tokyo → Shiroishi (Shinkansen, reserved): about ¥8,000–¥12,000 (≈ US$55–85), 1 h 45 min
- Shiroishi‑Zao → Zao Fox Village (bus): ≈¥1,200 round‑trip
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- これをください — This one, please (kore o kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Shiroishi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Jan–Feb (heavy snow, limited transport) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a Shinkansen seat reservation for comfort on the Tokyo‑Shiroishi leg.
- Consider a bus pass for Zao attractions if visiting multiple sites.
Sources
Ask about Shiroishi
Loading…
Was this useful?