tohoku travel 2023 japan tours

TOHOKU TRAVEL’S “MANO MANO” AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS IN JAPAN TOUR #18  

Tour information.

* Tour Itinerary

*Hotel & Onsen Information

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* Conversion table for the temperature

* Sake information chart

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Ultimate Japan Tohoku Sakura 2023

Wander through the rich culture of tohoku, from wave-swept coastlines, glimmering gardens, and soaring castles, find the extraordinary side of japan.

Ready to dive into a part of Japan many have never seen? Circle through Japan’s wild Tohoku region and immerse yourself in the culture, food, and scenic beauty of this northern region. Stretching across the top of the country’s main island of Honshu, Tohoku sees far fewer visitors than the larger cities of central Japan, but they’re missing out! Including rare opportunities like a private geisha performance and sansai wild vegetable harvesting, plus fresh, seasonal foods unique to each region, if you’re a Japan enthusiast this tour is what you’ve been waiting for.

Our fully-guided itinerary will take you across six different prefectures, beginning and ending in Tokyo. There’s a cruise through Matsushima Bay, known as one of the country’s “Top 3 Most Scenic Views,” as well as a descent down the river of Geibikei Gorge, picking a special variety of strawberry in Gunma, strolling through the myriad of colors at Echigo Hillside Flower Park, and so much more!

Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to soak away your stress at any of the many soothing hot springs we visit each evening. And all of this against the gorgeous backdrop of spring, with rows upon rows of fluttering pink cherry blossom trees lined up to greet you. Experience a Japanese journey that you’ll never forget with our “Ultimate Japan” Tohoku Sakura Tour!

Destination Highlights

Minakami Onsen – Niigata – Tsuruga Castle – Yamagata – Ginzan Onsen – Hanamaki Onsen – Kitakami – Matsushima Bay – Sendai – Tokyo – and more!

Tour Includes

10 nights comfortable accommodations – 26 tasty meals – Onsen (Hot Springs) – WiFi router – HNL Airport Lounge – Unique activities & experiences – and much more!

Full Package $5,490 (Adult) / Land Package $4,290 (Adult)

Tour Details

10 NIGHTS / 11 DAYS IN JAPAN

For an in-depth look at the many activities and destinations you’ll visit, read a full overview of the tour on our blog: https://hishawaii.home.blog/2022/12/04/spotlight-on-ultimate-japan-tohoku-sakura-tour-2023/

Or see the short summary below!

Itinerary Summary

Download Tour Flyer (PDF)

Best of Tohoku

Day 1 - Tokyo to Dewa Sanzan via Niigata

Day 2 - Dewa Sanzan

Day 3 - Dewa Sanzan to Zao

Day 4 - Zao to Sendai via Yamadera

Day 5 - Day trip to Matsushima

Day 6 - Sendai to Nyuto Onsen via Hiraizumi

Day 7 - Nyuto Onsen to Lake Towada

Day 8 - Lake Towada to the Shimokita Peninsula

Day 9 - Osorezan to Hokkaido / Tokyo

The above itinerary is somewhat fast-paced. Tourists preferring a slow pace of travel should consider spending more time at some of the destinations along the way.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

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• Tohoku Trails

“A tour created to showcase Japan’s ancient samurai, spiritual & farming traditions still living on strongly in the present ”

On Tohoku Trails, enjoy the incredible natural scenery with countless lakes, waterfalls, rivers, native forests, mountain ranges, coastal views, and islands. Learn about the rich samurai and spiritual past and discover how these traditions are kept alive and still practiced in both rural and modern-day Japan. Avoid the crowd of foreign tourists heading south towards Kyoto and join the domestic Japanese tourists traveling north from Tokyo. Only 1% of international visitors go to Tohoku, so the actual experience as a foreign visitor to the region would be akin to what it was like visiting Kyoto 30 years ago before its explosion in popularity with foreign visitors. Whether this is your first time to Japan, or you are a regular repeat visitor, join us in exploring this off-the-beaten-track trail before the rest of world discovers it!!

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo - 'Izakaya' Evening

Day 2: Ultra-Luxurious Bullet Train to the north of Honshu & check into a luxurious Ryokan

Breakfast at your hotel

Transfer to Aomori by “Granclass ”; Japan’s ultimate luxury bullet train. Enjoy the longest journey of your trip – traversing all the way to the very north of Honshu by the highest class bullet train.

Evening at leisure at your Ryokan

        HIGHLIGHTS

• Kaiseki Dinner at your Ryokan
• Granclass car: The ultimate luxury bullet train

Japanese Style Accommodation:

Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru or similar

(Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 3: Full day guided tour to UNESCO native forest & in Aomori city

• Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage site Hike (weather permitting). There will be bear bells to ring in Shirakami Sanchi along the hiking paths. Some paths may be closed due to a bear appearance. If guests are worried about bears, they can take a free day in Aomori city instead of going to the national park native forest.
• Spring highlight will be the Hirosaki castle park Cherry Blossom Festival (depending on timing of trees blossoms)
• Nebuta Festival (August tours)
• Tsugaru-han Nebuta Village Museum (April and October tours)

Japanese Style Accommodation :

Day 4: Transfer to Kakunodate Samurai Village via a 300 year old Onsen

Transfer to Nyuto-Onsen by Shinkansen & Bus

• Nyuto-Onsen Experience 

This is the ultimate Onsen experience, and if you left the big cities alarmed at the pace of modern Japanese life, a visit to Nyuto Onsen Tsuruno-yu will reassure you that traditional ways are very much alive and well in Japan.

Short transfer to Kakunodate by Shinkansen or train (Just 10 -20 minutes by either)

    HIGHLIGHTS

• Viewing Kakunodate Sakura (Cherry blossom) Festival on April Tour (depending on timing of trees blossoming)
• “Kabazaiku” Craft experience – learn the unique Akita art of cherry blossom bark crafting  

Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel

Day 5 : Half day tour of Samurai village before traveling to family farm for homestay

Today we will visit Kakunodate Original Samurai Residences & Edo Era Merchant district with a private local guide for an interesting walking tour of the area and a local craft experience.

Highlights include:

• Tour of the authentic samurai residences on Bukeyashiki street

Transfer to Tono village

Walking tour of historical Tono village before transferring to accommodation.

Homestay at a traditional Japanese family farm

• Farming, picking, cooking experience at a Japanese Farm
• Stay with a welcoming Japanese farm family

Farm-House Accommodation:

Agriturismo Omori-Ke

(or similar farm homestay pending availability)

Day 6: Visit UNESCO World Heritage temple & ride a gondola through a river gorge before checking into hotel in Sendai City

Breakfast at your farm

Transfer to Ichinoseki.

What to expect:

• Geibikei Gorge River Cruise
• Chuson-ji Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site

Transfer to Sendai by Shinkansen (bullet train)

Evening at leisure in Sendai. Join your tour leader for a walk around taking in:

• Tanabata Big Fireworks Festival (August Tour)
• Iroha Yokocho (Street Food & Drinks)

Western Style Accommodation:

Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Eikmae

(Breakfast)

Day 7: Full day guided tour with a boat cruise on Matsushima bay followed by a hike to a mountain-top temple on Yamadera

✪ Matsushima & Yamadera (full day with local guide)

• Matsushima Bayside stroll
• Matsushima Bay boat cruise
• Yamadera village stroll with guide
• Yamadera Mountain Temple Hike (1,015 steps up to mountain-top temple – actual hike unaccompanied by guide)

Evening at your leisure in Sendai city.

Suggested evening itinerary:

• Shopping Opportunity
• Try the famous Yamagata beef
• Drinking district in the evening time

Day 8: Check into a stunning Ryokan in Aizuwakamatsu

Transfer to Aizuwakamatsu station by train

Digital Detox at your Ryokan Retreat :

• Relax in the Onsen
• Kaiseki Style Dinner

Day 9: Samurai castle tour and Japanese archery experience followed by hike around stunning lakes

What to Expect:

• Tsuruga Castle Cherry blossom festival (Spring only, blossoms may or may not be in bloom depending on the seasonal weather)
• Iimoriyama (Sazaedo temple)
• Nisshinkan former Samurai School – Traditional Samurai school experience Japanese kyudo (Japanese archery)
• Visit top Sake brewery (award-winning sake tasting)
• 4km/2.5miles hike around 5 stunning lakes at Goshikunuma

Transfer to Ouchijuku and check in into Minshuku

Day 10: Explore historic Ochijuku before a scenic train journey to Nikko

Morning Stroll at your own leisure

• Walkthrough the old traditional Japanese village where you can feel old Japanese lifestyles.

  Transfer to Yunokami Onsen Station

• Dip casually into the foot bath at the station while waiting for your train.

Transfer to Nikko by Aizu Mount Express Train

• Enjoy the stunning countryside scenery over mountains and rivers from the train

Transfer to your Hotel – Luxury awaits! Brand new Ritz Carlton Nikko.

Day 11: Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site & back to Tokyo

✪ Nikko Sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Full Day Sightseeing with Local Guide ✪

• Observe the impressive Kegon waterfall
• Soak in the stunning views of Chuzenji lake from the historical Italian & British Embassy Summer Villas that date back to 1896.
• Visit Nikko Toshogu shrine (UNESCO world heritage site)
• Stop off for photo opportunities at the beautiful wooden Shinkyo bridge

Your last leg is back to Tokyo (just under a 3-hour journey). More bullet/express trains.

Evening free time at your own leisure in Tokyo

*suggested Tokyo itineraries will be available in your travel pack

Day 12: Tokyo Free Day

Enjoy a free day at your own leisure in Tokyo city  

You will have the option to join your tour leader for a hop-on/off the subway system around Tokyo. If you prefer to go alone, your tour leader can provide you with up to date real-time information on where to go and how to go there!

Evening Option:

Farewell Dinner at a local izakaya (pay locally)

Day 13: Tour Ends

The Tohoku trails tour comes to an end after breakfast today and you will be provided with an airport transfer service from your hotel. If you would like to stay longer in Tokyo, discuss some post-tour options with your travel consultant. Don’t forget to send us your flight details as soon as you know them. Transfers need to be booked early!

Dates and Prices

Tour starts:, accommodation, tokyo (total 3 nights).

Daiwa Roynet Nishi-Shinjuku Premier (or similar)

Aomori (2 Nights)

Kakunodate (1 Night)

Tamachi Bukeyashiki

Tono (1 Night)

Agriturismo Omori-ke (or similar farm homestay)

Sendai City (2 Nights)

Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae

Aizuwakamatsu (1 Night)

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki (Japanese Style) or similar

Ochijuku (1 Night)

Honke Ogiya (Japanese style)

Nikko (1 Night)

The Ritz Carlton 5* Nikko

Tour Testimonial

Whats included, request e-book.

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• Tsunami Memorial Tour in Tohoku

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Tsunami Memorial Tour in Tohoku

Visit Rikuzentakata and Kesennuma in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures to witness their recovery from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

Tohoku District Transport Bureau

The Rikuzentakata and Kesennuma areas suffered significant damage caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, and are now moving forward while still honoring all that was lost during the disaster. 

Join this guided tour and visit the Takatamatsubara Memorial Park for Tsunami Disaster, a symbol of recovery, and the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum, built to share the facts and lessons of the tsunami with the world. Learn about traditional carpentry at the Kesen Carpentry Sakan Traditional Museum and get the full impact of the destruction at the preserved ruins in Kesennuma, which highlight the importance of disaster prevention and honor the memories and lessons of the earthquake.

Learn about the long tradition of fermented foods (and some new experiments, including craft beer) at Camocy, then support local producers and restaurateurs by sampling freshly caught seafood and locally brewed sake at Kesennuma Brewer’s Table. Or enjoy sushi and a visit to Japan’s only shark museum at Umino-ichi. 

Combining memories of the past with hope for the future, learn from the stories and resilience of the communities in this coastal area of Tohoku.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station (about 2 hours). Switch to the JR Ofunato Line to Kesennuma Station (about 2 hours). From Kesennuma Station, take the JR Ofunato Line BRT to Miracle Pine Tree Station (about 30 minutes).

(Takatamatsubara Memorial Park for Tsunami Disaster) 180 Dotekage Kesen-cho, Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate-ken

A trip to Rikuzentakata and Kesennuma

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Best of Hokkaido and Tohoku

The Best of Hokkaido and Tohoku offers the best of the northern part of Japan. The northernmost of the main islands, Hokkaido is Japan’s last frontier. It is a natural wonderland of mountain ranges, deep caldera lakes, active volcanoes, numerous thermally-heated mineral springs and virgin forests. The attitudes of the inhabitants are akin to those of the pioneers of the American West, but still unmistakably Japanese. Tohoku is the northern part of Honshu, the main island of of the Japanese archipelago. Tohoku is known as a remote and scenic region, and for its numerous remote and traditional onsens, lakes, mountains, its high quality rice, and for its welcoming and friendly people. But Tohoku is also blessed with a rich cultural heritage and history.

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Tour Details

Among the Japanese, Hokkaido has become synonymous with sensational food, stunning scenery, and some of the best onsens in Japan.

You will enjoy Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city, home to many fine restaurantes and host to the 1972 Winter Olympics. You will explore the morning market of Hakodate where you can have local specialties like crab, sea urchin, or squid prepared for you.

Tohoku may share the main island of Honshu, but it is a world apart from the crowded and busy south. The mountain villages are more remote, the forests more untamed, the traditional onsens more secluded, and the people friendlier. Better yet, Samurai history lives on in Aizu Wakamatsu, a castle town with a long Samurai tradition.

You will climb the 1,000 steps to Yamadera, a mountainside temple founded in the 9th century, and enjoy the natural beauty of Matsushima, ranked as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. You will visit Nikko, one of the most elaborate shrines in Japan dedicated to the memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first of the Tokugawa Shoguns who ruled Japan for more than 250 years.

Tour Highlights

• Sapporo, the Host of the 1972 Winter Olympics
• Grilled Lamb Dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden
• Ramen Lunch at Sapporo's Ramen Alley
• Otaru's Beautifully Preserved Canal Area and Herring Mansions
• Five Overnights at Japanese Onsens
• Upopoy Ainu Village
• Dinner and Tsugaru-Style Shamisen Performance in Aomori
• Matsushima - Ranked as One of Japan's Three Most Beautiful Spots for Centuries
• Yamadera (Mountain Temple) - Founded more than 1,000 Years Ago with it's Beautiful Views of the Valley Below
• Aizu Wakamatsu - Known for its Samurai History and Traditions
• Ouchijuku - Former Post Town Restored to Look as it did in the Edo Period
• Three separate rides on a Shinkansen (bullet train)

Tour Inclusions

• Travel Guard Gold Policy (for American tour members only)
• Reserved Seat Train Tickets on all Inter-City Travel
• Domestic Airfare from Tokyo to Sapporo
• Meeting service at the arrival airport
• Sending service to the appropriate train station
• Baggage transfer from city to city
• Electronic version of Tour Handbook and Japanese History

Tour Exclusions

• International airfare is NOT included.
• A printed itinerary is not included
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and desserts are NOT included

Tour Destinations

• Upopoy Ainu Village and Museum
• Noboribetsu Onsen
• Aizu-Wakamatsu
• Kinugawa Onsen

Day 1 Arrive in Tokyo

After clearing customs and immigration, you will be met at Tokyo’s Narita Airport by a Samurai Tours meeting staff member. They will then purchase a limousine bus ticket for you and help you board the bus to the hotel. After checking in, the evening is free. No meals are included.

Travel: 1-1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

Day 2 Fly to Sapporo; Sapporo - JR Sapporo Tower, Grilled Lamb Dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden

After breakfast, we will travel to Tokyo’s Haneda airport and you will fly to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. We will then travel into Sapporo, the largest city on Hokkaido and the host of the 1972 Winter Olympics. After checking in, we will visit the JR Sapporo Tower where you will be able to get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo while also getting your bearings. In the evening, we will have dinner at the Sapporo Beer Garden, located next to the original Sapporo Beer Brewery where you can try the local specialty of grilled lamb, cooked yourself at the table. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Light

Day 3 Sapporo - Nijo Fish Market, Odori Park, Tanuki Shopping Arcade, Sapporo Ramen Alley

We start the day at the Nijo Fish Market where locals visit to shop for fresh local produce and seafood such as crabs, salmon eggs, sea urchin and various fresh and prepared fish. On our way to the market, we will walk along Odori Park, the venue for the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival held annually in early February. We will also walk along the Tanuki Shopping Arcade. The unique aspect of this mall is that you will find traditional merchants selling kimonos, tea or incense side-by-side with modern stores specializing in computers, software and state-of-the-art electronics. Next we will visit Susukino. Susukino is Japan’s largest entertainment district north of Tokyo. It is packed with stores, bars, restaurants, karaoke shops and pachinko parlors. We will end the tour with lunch at Ramen Yokocho, a narrow lane lined with shops serving Sapporo’s famous miso ramen. The afternoon and evening is free. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1/2 Hour;; Walking: Heavy

Day 4 Travel to Otaru; Otaru - Aoyama Family Herring Mansion, Free Time; Return to Sapporo

Today we will take a day trip to Otaru which once thrived as a major trade and fishing port. We will start our tour by visiting the preserved Aoyama family villa, documenting the time when the herring industry played a major role in Otaru and Hokkaido’s history and development. After lunch, you will have some free time to explore the Canal area lined with Meiji period warehouses, and the Sakaimichi street with its Music Box Museum and Glass workshops. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

Day 5 Travel to Shiraoi; Upopoy Ainu Village; Travel to Noboribetsu Onsen

Before leaving for the day you will need to prepare your luggage to be transferred to Hakodate. You will travel to Noboribetsu and Hakodate with an overnight bag only. You will need to prepare your overnight bag for 3 days, 2 nights. First, we travel to the nearby city of Shiraoi where we will visit the Upopoy Ainu Village. Here we will learn more about the Ainu ,the foremost place in Japan to learn about the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan. Later in the day we continue on to Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most popular onsens, in the late afternoon. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan included.

Day 6 Free Day in Noboribetsu Onsen

This day is free to explore the Noboribetsu area. Enjoy the many hot springs or walk around the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) where you will find many steam vents, thermally heated pools, and small geysers. You may also just want to relax and enjoy one of the 17 separate baths at the ryokan. Breakfast and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: N/A; Walking: TBD

Day 7 Travel to Hakodate; Hakodate - Goryokaku Fort, Motomachi District, Mt. Hakodate Ropeway

After breakfast, we will travel to Hakodate. Hakodate was one of the first cities in Japan open to foreigners after the Meiji Restoration. After arriving in Hakodate, we will visit Goryo-Kaku, Japan’s first western-style fort. Built in 1864 by the Tokugawa Shogunate in the shape of a five-pointed star, it was designed to trap attackers in a deadly crossfire. We will go to top of the tower next to the fort, providing a view of Goryo-Kaku and the surrounding city. We will also visit the Moto-machi historic area. Overlooking the western bay at the foot of Mount Hakodate, there are numerous sloping streets lined with 19th century churches, consulates, shops and homes of the foreigners who first opened this area of Japan to commerce. In the evening, we will take a ropeway to the top of Mt. Hakodate, where we will enjoy a panoramic view of Hakodate’s night lights. You will retrieve your main luggage after arriving in Hakodate. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 3 Hours; Walking: Medium

Day 8 Hakodate - Hakodate Morning Market; Travel to Aomori; Aomori - Nebuta Warasse Museum, Dinner and Tsugaru-Style Shamisen Performance

Before leaving for the day you will need to prepare your luggage for transfer to Sendai. You will need to prepare your overnight bag for 2 days, 1 night. We will begin the day at the Hakodate morning market where fresh seafood such as crabs (kani), salmon eggs (ikura) and sea urchin (uni), as well as fresh produce such as melons are sold. Many restaurants can be found in the market area, offering fresh seafood breakfasts/lunches such as uni-ikura domburi. Next we will take an express train and Shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Aomori in northern Tohoku. Here we will stop at the Nebuta Warasse Museum, documenting the city’s famous Nebuta Matsuri (Nebuta Festival) held every year in early August. The Nebuta Warasse Museum attempts to capture the spirit of the festival and gives visitors a taste of its lively atmosphere, history, and traditions. In the evening we will enjoy dinner while being entertained by a Tsugaru shamisen player. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at a local Izakaya is included.

Travel: 2 1/2 Hours; Walking: Medium

Day 9 Aomori - Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site; Travel to Sendai

After breakfast, we will continue our adventure by visiting the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site. This is the largest and one of the most complete and best preserved Jomon Period (13000-300 BC) villages in Japan. Unearthed by accident while surveying land to build a community baseball field, the former Sannai Maruyama Village once included over 700 structures and dwellings including long houses, storage structures, roads, and trash and burial pits. Later in the afternoon, we will travel to Sendai where we will be staying overnight. You will retrieve your main luggage after arriving. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at a local restaurant included.

Travel: 4 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 10 Travel to Matsushima; Matsushima - Matsushima Bay Cruise, Zuiganji Temple, Godaido, Kanrantei Tea House; Return to Sendai

Today we will take a local train to Hon-Shiogame Station. From here we will board a boat for a cruise around Matsushima Bay that will eventually take us to Matsushima. For hundreds of years, Matsushima has been celebrated as one of the Japan’s three most scenic views along with Miyajima and Amanohashidate. Matsushima Bay has more than 200 small islands covered with pine trees, and the best way to see these is by boat. After arriving at Matsushima, we will tour Zuiganji. Zuiganji was a former Tendai sect temple founded in 828, but later changed to a Zen temple in the 13th century. After years of decline, Zuiganji was restored to prominence by the feudal lord Date Masamune who rebuilt it as his family temple in 1609. We will then visit Godaido. Godaido was originally built in 807 and contains five statues which were enshrined there by the same priest who founded Zuiganji. The statues are displayed to the public only once every 33 years, and were last displayed in 2006. The present building is a 1604 reconstruction by Date Masamune. We will finish our day by enjoying tea and sweets at Kanrantei. Kanrantei is a Momoyama style tea house originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who gave it to Date Masamune for his service. Date’s son eventually moved it to its current location on a hill overlooking Matsushima Bay. We will then return to Sendai by local train. Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant included.

Day 11 Travel to Yamadera; Yamadera; Return to Sendai; Travel to Aizu Wakamatsu

Before leaving for the day you will need to prepare your luggage for transfer to Aizu Wakamatsu. You will need to prepare your overnight bag for 2 days, 1 night. We will start the day by traveling to Yamadera. Yamadera is a scenic temple located in the mountains northeast of Yamagata City. The temple grounds extend high up a steep mountainside (the name Yamadera literally translates to “mountain temple”) from where there are scenic views overlooking the valley below. The temple was created over a thousand years ago in 860 as a temple of the Tendai sect. Later in the afternoon we will travel to Aizu-Wakamatsu, a former castle town with a long Samurai tradition. Breakfast at the hotel and dinner at the ryokan included.

PLEASE NOTE: There are between 800 to 1,000 steps at Yamadera. If you are not able to climb this many steps, there are many shops near the temple.

Travel: 4 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 12 Aizu Wakamatsu - Sazedo Pagoda, Nishinkan Samurai School, Tsuruga Castle

Today we will be exploring the Samurai city of Aizu Wakamatsu. We will start at Sazedo. Built in 1796, it features a double helix staircase similar to the famous Château de Chambord, the French castle designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors ascending the slope in a circular direction and reaching the top story are considered to have completed the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage to 33 Buddhist temples. It is now a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. Next, we will visit the Nissin-kan Samurai School. It was established in 1803 by the Aizu Domain for the purpose of fostering Japan’s next generation of samurais. Children of samurai families entered this school at the age of ten and worked on academic studies and physical exercises to instill both physical and mental discipline. We will continue the day by visiting Tsuruga Castle. Tsuruga Castle was originally built in 1384, however, it was destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government by Samurai still loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of the Boshin War. The castle was rebuilt as a concrete reconstruction in the 1960s. Renovation was completed in 2011, and the color of the roof tiles was changed from grey to the original red tiles. The inside of the castle houses a museum with displays depicting the history of the castle and the Samurai lifestyle. You will retrieve your main luggage after returning to the ryokan. Breakfast at the ryokan and dinner at the ryokan included.

Travel: 1 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 13 Travel to Ouchijuku; Free Time at Ouchijuku; Travel to Kinugawa Onsen

Before leaving for the day you will need to prepare your luggage for transfer to Tokyo. You will need to prepare your overnight bag for 2 days, 1 night. After breakfast we will travel by train to Ouchijuku. Ouchijuku is a former post town along the Aizu-Nisei Kaito trade route, which connected Aizu with Nikko during the Edo Period. Restrictions set by the shogunate required travelers to make their long journeys on foot, and as a result post towns developed along the route to provide travelers with food, accommodations, and rest. Ouchijuku has since been restored to look as it did in the Edo Period with telephone and electrical wires buried. The unpaved main street is lined with thick thatched roof buildings which house shops, restaurants and inns. We will continue on to Kinugawa Onsen where we will stay overnight. Breakfast at the ryokan and dinner at the ryokan included.

Day 14 Travel to Nikko; Nikko - Rinnoji Temple, Toshogu Shrine, Taiyuinbyo; Travel to Tokyo; Sayonara Dinner

After breakfast we will travel to Nikko. In the past, Nikko was a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu Shrine was built in the early Edo Period. Toshogu Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years between the years of 1603 and 1868. The lavishly decorated shrine complex consists of more than a dozen buildings set in a beautiful forest. Countless wood carvings and large amounts of gold leaf were used to decorate the buildings in a way not seen elsewhere in Japan where simplicity has been stressed in shrine architecture. In addition to touring Toshogu Shrine, we will also tour Rinnoji and Taiyuinbyo. Rinnoji is Nikko’s most important temple, and was founded by Shodo Shonan, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century. The temple’s main building houses 3 large gold lacquered wooden statues of Amida, Senju-Kannon (Kannon with a thousand arms), and Bato Kannon (Kannon with a horse head). The three statues are regarded as Buddhist manifestations of Nikko’s three Shinto mountain deities which are enshrined at the nearby Futarasan Shrine. Taiyuinbyo is the mausoleum of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu, the grandson of Ieyasu. Iemitsu’s lavish mausoleum complex resembles Toshogu Shrine in its layout and architecture, but it was intentionally built somewhat more modestly than Toshogu, due to Iemitsu’s deep respect for his grandfather. Later in the afternoon, we will travel by local train and Shinkansen to Tokyo and enjoy our Sayonara dinner. You will retrieve your main luggage after checking into the hotel. Breakfast at the ryokan and lunch and dinner at local restaurants included.

Travel: 2 1/2 Hours; Walking: Heavy

Day 15 Return Home

It is time to say Sayonara. You will meet the sending service in the lobby of the hotel, and they will help you board the appropriate transportation to the airport. Breakfast at the hotel included.

Travel: 1 1/2 Hours; Walking: Light

Walking level descriptions: Light – 0 to 2 miles on level ground Medium – 2 to 4 miles on level ground or 0 to 2 miles on hilly ground Heavy – 4 to 6 miles on level ground or 2 to 4 miles on hilly ground

Dates & Pricing

Our tours and tour itineraries are the best, but as the saying goes, “you can’t make everyone happy all of the time”. There may a specific destination or a specific experience you may want to include in your visit to Japan that may not be included your tour. Choose from our Add On tours to include your interests and make your Japan tour even better.

Click HERE to view all of the Add-On Tours.

Or, use the arrows to scroll though the recommended list of Add-On Tours for this tour. 

• Local, licensed, English-speaking, Japanese guides
• For residents of the following states please click here for your available plan. FL, KS, MN, MO, MT, NY, and WA
• For all other states and the District of Columbia click here
• Up to 69 – $0
• 70-74 – $104
• 75-79 – $180
• 80-84 – $356
• Travel Insurance Opt-Out:  If you would prefer to opt out of the travel insurance, please note this at the time of registration. You will receive a $100 credit per person, which will be reflected on your invoice. In the event that you would need to cancel your tour, cancellation penalties may apply. See the  Terms and Conditions  page for the Cancellation Fees Schedule.
• Airport transfer from Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airports and airport transfer to Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda Airports
• The meeting service will meet you at the airport and provide you a transfer to the airport hotel
• Meeting service can only be provided between 6am and 9pm. If you arrive at a time outside of these hours, we will need to provide alternative directions for you to get to the hotel on your own

For those requiring meeting or sending services on other than the scheduled arrival/departure dates, there will be a $100 fee for the meeting service from the airport into Tokyo or the sending service to Tokyo airports.

• Lodging for 14 nights in Japanese-style ryokans and western-style hotels
• Japanese-style or western-style breakfast every morning (please note: some ryokans do not offer western-style breakfast
• Four Japanese-style lunches
•  Nine Japanese-style or western-style dinners (including four gourmet kaiseki dinners at the ryokans)
• All transportation costs when traveling with the group (transportation costs during scheduled free times are the tour member’s responsibility)
• Flight from Tokyo’s Haneda airport to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport
• Electronic version of itinerary
• Admission fees to the destinations and activities listed in the Tour Highlights column on the right, during non-free times (itinerary specifics subject to change)
• Baggage transfer from the hotel in Tokyo to the hotel in Noboribetsu (one bag only)
• Baggage transfer from the hotel in Noboribetsu to the hotel in Sendai (one bag only)
• Baggage transfer from the hotel in Sendai to the hotel in Aizu-Wakamatsu (one bag only)
• Baggage transfer from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Tokyo (one bag only)
• Each tour member receives a tour handbook. This handbook is full of tips and suggestions taken from our Japan experiences. It allow you to better plan and prepare for your trip, and therefore enjoy your trip even more. The tips and suggestions included cover everything from how to save while exchanging money, what to pack, some basic Japanese-language tips, general etiquette, do’s-and-don’ts, and ryokan customs
• International Airfare is NOT included
• Alcoholic beverages are NOT included

Masahiro Honda

This tour was very unique and different compared to other guided tours we have taken. As mentioned, the use of public transportation was a great positive feature (and I assume helped control costs). Our guide Chiko-san was cheerful, diligent, friendly, approachable, organized and took care of any issues with the hotels and ryokans. There was just six of us in the group and this made the tour like a family vacation with delightful interactions among everyone plus Chiko-san.

This was our first guided tour. The small group was good and will be our way for any future tour vacations.

Janet and David Plant

Highly recommend this tour to have a glimpse of Northern Japan. We also tagged on a trip to Kanazawa, organised by Samurai , and all accommodation and transport was excellent, with great instructions.

Bruce Fujikawa

Having part of tour occur during national holiday added logistical problems that should have been anticipated.

Mike and Susie Haubenstock

We did okay with the luggage forwarding and carrying our overnight bags, but probably wouldn\’t choose to do that again.

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Hokkaido, Tohoku & Central Japan     View Tours

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Deluxe Style

Hokkaido, tohoku & central japan.

Sapporo - Otaru - Shiraoi - Noboribetsu - Lake Toya - Hakodate - Seikan Tunnel - Aomori - Towada - Morioka - Hiraizumi - Matsushima - Nikko - Tokyo - Hakone - Mt Fuji - Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Nara - Osaka

Departure Months:

For those who wish to have a more meaningful and in- depth exploration of Japan, this tour offers insight into three of Japan's stunning regions. On this tour, you'll visit the northern island of Hokkaido, northern Honshu, also known as Tohoku, and Central Japan. Enjoy your trip with All Japan Tours as you travel on private coach bus accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide. Stay at comfortable accommodations throughout the tour in selected cities. This itinerary focuses on his... View More

For those who wish to have a more meaningful and in- depth exploration of Japan, this tour offers insight into three of Japan's stunning regions. On this tour, you'll visit the northern island of Hokkaido, northern Honshu, also known as Tohoku, and Central Japan. Enjoy your trip with All Japan Tours as you travel on private coach bus accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide. Stay at comfortable accommodations throughout the tour in selected cities. This itinerary focuses on historical towns and scenic rural landscapes, while also including modern city attractions and famous must-see sights in Japan. Start your journey in Hokkaido, home to several National Parks, unique wildlife, and an abundance of beauitful scenery. Explore Sapporo, where you will have the chance to visit the Sapporo Clock Tower and learn more about the city's rich history. Continue through Noboribetsu and Shiraoi before reaching Hakodate, one of the first port cities to be open to foreign trade. Here, you will be able to visit the morning market known for their fresh seafood or you can witness the beautiful cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Fort. Board the bullet train from Hakodate to Morioka through the Seikan Undersea Tunnel where you will experience being 240 m (790 ft) below sea level as you travel the world's longest tunnel with an undersea segment. Once on the island of Honshu, explore the Tohoku region, visiting scenic places such as Hiraizumi and Matsushima. In Hiraizumi, visit Chusonji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by colorful autumn leaves during the fall months. Matsushima Bay has been known as one of the top most scenic places in all of Japan. Hop abaord a short cruise ship, touring the bay area and taking in the marvelous views. Make your way towards Nikko, a place known for its breathtaking sceneries, magnificent craftsmanship and cultural impact. Visit the Toshogu Shrine, home to the famous carving of the “See no Evil, Hear no Evil and Speak no Evil” monkeys. Journey through Tokyo, the capital of Japan, as you learn to make your own sushi with a professional chef and explore Tokyo's oldest temple, Asakusa Senso-ji Temple. Take in the majestic views of Mt. Fuji as you travel to the 5th Station, the end of the Fuji Subaru Line toll road and the highest point that general cars can reach. Depending on the tour selected, you may then travel to either Takayama, where you can witness the beautiful biannual Takayama festival during spring or autumn, or travel to Koka and Hikone, where you will find the famous Miho Museum and the original Hikone Castle. Once in Kyoto, allow your guide to help you navigate the anceint city filled with temples, shrines, and serene gardens. End your tour with a visit to Nara and Osaka, where you can do some last- minute shopping at Shinsaibashi, Osaka's large shopping district. All Japan Tours selects dates aligning with seasonal attractions, such as the Takayama Spring Festival, Wisteria and Cherry Blossom viewing, Baby Blue Eyes Flowers at the Hitachi Seaside Park, and the Kyoto Aoi Festival in Spring. During the autumn season, travelers have the opportunity to experience the Takayama Autumn Festival and fall foliage viewing on select departure dates. Get the most out of your trip to Japan by learning more about the culture and history while allowing us to take care of the details. You can relax knowing that All Japan Tours will show you the highlights of Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Central Japan. To learn more about this itinerary and its seasonal changes, please click on the tours below.

Tour Highlights

• Journey north to main islands Hokkaido and Tohoku, as well as to famous sites in Central Japan.
• Enjoy a balance of stunning landscapes, historical landmarks, and modern attractions.
• Learn how to makeyour own sushi with a professional sushi chef.
• Visit Nikko, a city known for breathtaking scenery, majestic waterfalls, and many shrines.
• Travel from the hidden-gems of Hokkaido to the busy city of Tokyo, all in one trip!
• Opportunities to see cherry blossoms, festivals, or autumn leaves.
• Experience a traditional green tea ceremony hosted by an apprentice geisha (maiko).
• Select itineraries include the Takyama Autumn Festival, Kyoto Aoi Festival, or the Takayama Spring Festival.

Spring (Mar - May)   (119)

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November 2026   (1)

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Classic Tour   (31)

Cherry Blossoms   (73)

Autumn Leaves   (41)

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Special Interest   (98)

less than 9 nights   (102)

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15 nights +   (25)

Hokkaido   (49)

Tohoku   (26)

Kanto   (242)

Chubu   (241)

Kansai   (240)

Chugoku   (110)

Shikoku   (96)

Kyushu   (32)

Okinawa   (0)

Kyoto Aoi Festival   (9)

Kawazu Cherry Blossoms   (4)

Lavenders   (11)

Snow Monkeys   (52)

Shirakawago   (85)

Gion Summer Festival   (4)

Awa Odori Dance Festival   (4)

Sapporo Snow Festival   (5)

Otaru Snow Light Path   (1)

Ice Breaker Cruise   (5)

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing   (5)

Shiretoko Nature Cruise   (8)

Blue Pond   (14)

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest   (199)

Miho Museum   (109)

Ise Grand Shrine   (4)

Kumano   (6)

Koyasan   (20)

Himeji Castle   (98)

Kurashiki Canal Area   (99)

Miyajima Island   (106)

Shimanami Kaido   (88)

Takeda Castle   (2)

Motonosumi-Inari Shrine   (2)

Adachi Museum of Art   (6)

Naoshima Island   (12)

Tottori Sand Dunes   (2)

Kyoto Cuisine with Maiko   (35)

Shikoku Pilgrimage Route   (4)

Takachiho   (28)

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers   (7)

Wisteria   (11)

Takayama Festivals   (16)

Shibazakura Festivals   (10)

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals   (3)

Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko   (163)

Sushi-Making   (196)

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route   (6)

Group Tour | Deluxe           Book Now & Save $100

Group Tour | Deluxe     Book Now & Save $100

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6598.00

Hokkaido (Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate), Tohoku (Seikan Tunnel / Aomori / Towada / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima), Central Japan (Nikko / Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Obara / Takayama / Shirakawa-go / Kanazawa / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka)

Exploring japan's two main islands: hokkaido & honshu…plus enjoy the obara shikizakura festival, where fall foliage and cherry blossoms appear at the same time..

16 Days 15 Nights | from US $6698.00

Central Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Matsumoto / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo / Ashikaga / Nikko), Tohoku (Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Kitakami / Morioka / Seikan Tunnel), Hokkaido (Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo)

Experience japan's famous cherry blossom trees and captivating wisteria flowers while exploring popular attractions and local gems..

Central Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo / Nikko), Tohoku (Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Morioka / Towada / Aomori / Seikan Tunnel), Hokkaido (Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo)

Exploring japan's two main islands: honshu & hokkaido, as well as the takayama hachiman autumn festival..

Hokkaido (Sapporo / Otaru / Shiraoi / Noboribetsu / Lake Toya / Hakodate), Tohoku (Seikan Tunnel / Morioka / Hiraizumi / Matsushima), Central Japan (Nikko / Hitachi Seaside Park / Tokyo / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Hikone / Koka / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka)

Experience one of kyoto's largest festivals, visit japan's main cities, see the baby blue eye flowers, and catch sight of cherry blossoms in northern japan..

Central Japan (Nara / Kyoto / Kanazawa / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Mt Fuji / Hakone / Tokyo / Nikko), Tohoku (Matsushima / Hiraizumi / Kitakami / Morioka / Seikan Tunnel), Hokkaido (Hakodate / Lake Toya / Noboribetsu / Shiraoi / Otaru / Sapporo)

Travel on a cherry blossom filled journey through honshu and hokkaido, and experience the takayama spring festival..

Spring Tours (Mar - May)

Summer Tours (Jun - Aug)

Autumn Tours (Sep - Nov)

Winter Tours (Dec - Feb)

Travel Styles

Deluxe-Plus

Ultra-Deluxe

Walking Tour

Cherry Blossom Tours

Autumn Leaves Tours

Festival Tours

Special Interest Tours

Seasonal Attractions

Cherry Blossoms

Takayama Spring Festival

Kyoto Aoi Festival

Shibazakura Festivals

Baby Blue Eyes Flowers

Lavenders in Hokkaido

Gion Summer Festival

Tohoku 3 Great Summer Festivals

Awa Odori Dance Festival

Autumn Leaves

Takayama Autumn Festival

Snow Monkeys

Sapporo Snow Festival

Ice Breaker Cruise

Wakasagi Smelt Fishing

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Things Not to Miss

Shirakawago

Miho Museum

Naoshima Island

Himeji Castle

Shiretoko Nature Cruise

Sushi-Making Experience

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9 Days Hokkaido & Tohoku Japan Tour

• From Tokyo To Hokkaido
• Friday, November 3, 2023 Updated

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Tour Descriptions

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Tour Departure and Prices 1) Price per person.    2) Airfare is not included.  

Tour Includes

• - Travel Insurance
• - Optional Excursions

Travel Highlights

Important information, maximum group size.

The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

Single Supplement

Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

We request one suitcase, one carry-on bag, and an overnight bag per person. The tote bag we provide can be used to hold any small merchandise/souvenirs purchased during your tour. When you check out, bring your luggage to the lobby and the bus driver will assist in loading it onto the bus. When you arrive at the next hotel, the bus driver will unload your luggage for you to bring to your room. Please note: The maximum weight of a checked in bag is typically 20 Kilograms or 44 Pounds. You will be traveling with your luggage except during the bullet train ride (if applicable).

Accommodation

All hotel rooms come with a full bathroom and room amenities free of charge unless stated otherwise.

Transportation

All motor coaches come equipped with air-conditioning, plenty of space, comfortable seats, and Wi-Fi.

International Flights

All of our tours begin in either Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto. When beginning or ending a tour in Tokyo, please book flights to or from Narita International Airport or Haneda International Airport. For tours beginning or ending in Osaka/Kyoto, please book flights to or from Kansai International Airport or Itami Airport. We recommend you do not book your flights until the tour status changes from Book Now to Guaranteed Departure . You can also contact us if you would like for Japan Deluxe Tour's to arrange your flights.

Fitness & Shoes

Traveling and visiting sights in Japan includes a good amount of walking. To fully enjoy the tour, please be prepared to keep up with the pace of the group, climb stairs with no difficulty, and wear comfortable shoes for all day use.

Guests with tattoos may not be able to use the hot-springs or onsens while in Japan. We apologize if you are unable to enjoy this experience during your stay.

Meals & Dietary Requirements

Please notify us before your tour starts if you have any dietary restrictions or requirements we should be aware about. Japan Deluxe Tours can provide Vegetarian meals for guests, and we will do our best to cater to any serious allergies or dietary restrictions. We will not be able to substitute or change meals after your tour begins.

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Soup Curry (JDT Recommend)

Cultural experience.

Otaru Music Box Museum

Otokoyama Sake Brewery Museum

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

Chusonji Temple

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Hakodate Ropeway

Bullet Train

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Tohoku 7 Days Itinerary

Tohoku region is the north part of Japan, which consists of 6 prefectures; Aomori , Iwate , Miyagi , Akita , Yamagata and Fukushima prefecture. When you plan to travel to the Tohoku region, you may wonder how many days you will need to travel all the prefectures. In this article, we prepared a sample 7 days itinerary for your Tohoku trip which you can complete by using public transportations only; the itinerary starts from Fukushima and finishes at Miyagi prefecture to visit all 6 prefectures in 7 days.

How to travel to the Tohoku Region

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Located north of Tokyo, the Tohoku region can easily be reached using the Tohoku Shinkansen. The bullet train stops at all the main station Sendai, Morioka or Aomori and from there you can travel into the region. Since April 2021, anyone with a foreign passport can purchase the JR East Pass Tohoku and take advantage of this opportunity to travel cheaper in the Tohoku region. This JR Pass let you travel for 5 consecutive days on all JR trains and Shinkansen covered. The pass costs ¥20,000 for adults and ¥10,000 for children (6-11 years old). You can buy the JR East Tohoku Pass online or purchase the ticket at the designated ticket machine at some stations (including Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shinagawa, Yokohama, Mito, Narita Airport, Sendai, Yamagata, Fukushima, Morioka, Hachinohe, Aomori and Akita).

To explore the Tohoku Region more flexible, we recommend you to get a rental car at the location. This will give you much more freedom to discover the more remote areas where public transportation in the area is limited and infrequent. Driving in Japan is safe and easy, read more about the rules and more in our blog driving in Japan .

If you are not comfortable driving, you can still use the public transportation but bear in mind that the service is limited in the Tohoku area, so checking the train and bus schedule beforehand is essential. You wouldn’t want to end up having to wait for a couple of hours for the next trains. If you want to make it a slower trip, it is better to make it 10 days or 14 days, which also allows you to visit more places in the beautiful Tohoku region. 

▶Get a JR East Pass Tohoku Area – 5 Days Pass

Day 1 – Fukushima (Ouchijuku and Aizu-Wakamatsu) 

First destination is Ouchijuku in Fukushima .There are several ways to get there from Tokyo; 

From Tokyo Station

• Tokyo > Shin-Shirakawa Station (Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen) > Take Aizu Bus to Ouchijuku  
• Tokyo (Tohoku Shinkansen) > JR Koriyama Station > JR Aizu Wakamatsu Station > Yunokami Onsen Station >Bus (Saruyu-go) > Ouchijuku 

From Asakusa Station 

•  Asakusa Station (Tobu Line)> Shin-Fujiwara Station > Aizu Kogen Oseguchi Station> Yunokami Onsen Station > Bus (Saruyu-go) or taxi  > Ouchijuku    

If you take a train around 9am, you will get to Ouchijuku around 12:30 pm. It is an old post town which prospered during the Edo period , where travelers took a rest and stayed overnight. Visit the museum to see the exhibition of pictures and tools such as the hearth and cooking stove which people used during the Edo period, and you can learn how people lived during that time in this area (admission fee: 250 yen). At Miharashidai , View Point, you can take the best picture over the traditional houses at Ouchijuku.

Eat Negi soba for lunch, it looks like the ordinal soba noodles but actually here you use Negi (green onion) instead of chopsticks to eat! 

Takakura Shrine is another place to visit in Ouchijuku. In the middle of the village, you will spot the first tall torii gate, but keep walking to pass the second torii, and you will enter the forest that leads to the main shrine. After a short walk alongside rice fields from Ouchijuku to Takakura Shrine, there stands a quiet shrine in the middle of the forest to relax. 

Around 2pm, leave Ouchijuku and head to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Take a bus to Yunokami Onsen Station and change to Aizu Tetsudo and get off at Aizu Wakamatsu Station. It will take about 30 minutes.

While Tsuruga Castle is always the best option to visit in Aizu-Wakamatsu, you can also visit Sazaedo temple built in 1796, which is known for the unique shape and the spiral staircase. Around the temple, there are historical sites related to the Byakkotai, which was a group of 300 teenage samurai of the Aizu Domain who fought in the Boshin War (1868-1869) . Their well-known tragic story is that 20 members of the Byakkotai spotted Tsuruga Castle engulfed in the black smoke from Mt.Iimori and they decided to commit the ritual suicide known as Seppuku . You can learn more stories of the Byakkotai at the museum and many tourists visit the gravesite to offer flowers to show their respect, which is only a 2 minutes walk from Sazaedo temple. 

• Aizu Wakamatsu Washington Hotel
• mooi guesthouse  

Day 2 – Fukushima (Goshikinuma) 

On the second day, head to Goshikinuma , a cluster of ponds and lakes located in Bandai Plateau of Mt.Bandai, which attracts many tourists for so-called “mystic beauty” with the color of emerald green, cobalt blue, turquoise and pastel blue ponds.  

In the morning around 10am, take JR Ban-Etsusai Line to Iwashiro Station from Aizu Wakamatsu Station, and then take a bus to Nagamine Funatsuki Bus Stop, the nearest bus stop to Goshikinuma. It will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Around 2:30 pm, take a bus from Nagamine Funatsuki to Inawashiro Station, and then take a Ban-Etsusai Line to Koriyama Station, and transfer to Yamagata Shinkansen to head to the next destination, Yamagata Station. It is a long journey (about 4 hours 15 minutes), so we recommend you to enjoy Ekiben on the Shinkansen ! Once you get there, check in to your hotel near Yamagata Station, and take a nice evening stroll and enjoy local foods and sake at Izakaya!

• Yamagata Grand Hotel
• CASA DE YOSHI
• Hotel Castle   

If you’re planning on strictly following our 7-day itinerary, you probably won’t have time on this trip, but we highly recommend seeing other parts of Fukushima, as it has so much to offer. You may hear the word Fukushima and be reminded of everything that happened in 2011. There are a lot of misconceptions that the area is still unsafe to visit, but this is not true. Explore the area on our 2-day Nuclear Power Plant and Disaster area tour , and you will find out the truth about everything, see how far they have come in the reconstruction process, and even have a chance to go into the nuclear power plant!

Day 3 – Yamagata 

First thing in the morning, visit Yamadera . It takes only 15 minutes from Yamagata Station to Yamadera Station by JR Senzan Line. The official name of Yamadera is Hoshuyama Risshaku Temple, which is the Tendai Sect temple established in 860. Climb up 1,000 steps to the top of the mountain, a round trip will take about 1 hour to 1.5 hour to complete.

Around noon, head back to Yamagata Station and head to Ginzan Onsen , the traditional hot spring town which is naturally the best place to stay on your Tohoku trip! Take Yamagata Shinkansen to Oishida Station, or if you prefer taking the local line, you can take JR Senzan Line from Yamadera Station and get off at Uzen Chitose Station, and change to Yamagara Line to Oishida Station. It takes about an hour either way. You can take a bus from Oishida Station to Ginzan Onsen (40 minutes). 

• Notoya Ryokan

Day 4 – Akita

After having a relaxing evening at onsen hot spring, head to the third prefecture on the itinerary; Akita. From Oishida Station, take Yamagata Shinkansen to Shinjo Station, and then transfer to JR Ou Line and get off at Yokote Station. After about a 3 hours train ride, you will finally be in Akita prefecture. 

Let’s explore around the Yokote area for a couple of hours before heading to Kakunodate Samurai District . You can choose from Yokote Park, Akita Museum of Modern Art and Akita Furusato Village for your local experience. During winter, this area is famous for Kamakura snow hut , and you can see the exhibition of snow huts at Kamakura-kan all year round.

At 2pm, take Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station and then transfer to Shimonobu Line to Kakunodate Station. You can either walk for 15 minutes or take a bus to Yokomachi-Jumonji to the Samurai District, which used to be a castle town during the Edo period . You can visit actual Samurai Houses, and if you rent a kimono and take a rickshaw ride, it’ like traveling back in time. In spring about 400 beautiful weeping cherry trees will welcome many visitors!

After 6pm, take Akita Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Akita Station, eat Kiritanpo for dinner around the station, and then take a rest at the hotel. 

• Dormy Inn Akita
• Akita View Hotel
• Hotel Metropolitan Akita

Day 5 – Aomori 

Wake up early and be ready for a long train ride to Aomori today. Around 8:30 am, take JR Ou Line to Owani Onsen Station, and then walk to Owani Station to get a Konan Tetsudo-Owani Line to Chuo Hirosaki Station. After about 4 hours of travel, you can finally visit Hirosaki Castle , one of the 12 original castles in Japan .

After spending a couple of hours exploring Hirosaki Castle it’s time to head to Aomori Station in the afternoon. Take Konan Tetsudo-Owani Line at Chuohirosaki Station to Ginjukukodo-Mae Station, and then walk to Ishikawa Station to take JR Ou Line to get to Aomori Station (~1.5 hours). You can’t leave Aomori without learning about the Nebuta Festival at Nebuta Museum WA RASSE , one of the biggest summer festivals in Japan , during summer time it opens until 7pm (May-Sep). And for souvenir gift shopping and trying local sweets, stop by A-FACTORY near the museum.

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Aomori
• Hotel JAL City Aomori
• Iroha Ryokan

Day 6 – Iwate 

At 9:30 am, head to Aomori Station and take JR Ou Line to Shin Aomori Station, and then transfer to Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen and get off at Hiraizumi Station. Around 1 pm, you finally get to the destination, and begin to explore around Hiraizumi area in Iwate prefecture. Once you get off at the station, and wonder what you should do, you can visit the tourist information center situated right in front of the station. They will kindly show you the best spots to visit in the Hiraizumi area which is full of historical sites and treasures dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185) .

Chusonji temple is a must-visit place, which is registered on the World Heritage Sites. The main hall is located on the top of the hill, you can enjoy a pleasant hike among the beautiful old cedar trees which are easily over 300 years old. Chusonji has preserved over 3,000 cultural properties including Konjikido, which is a hall covered in gold built in 1124. When you get hungry, try Wanko Soba which is an all-you-can-eat style of soba noodles which originated in Iwate. Yoshiie is the soba restaurant serving Wanko Soba conveniently located on the way to the temple.  

At 5pm, it’s time to head to the hotel. Walk back or take a local bus to Hiraizumi Station, take JR Tohoku Line to Ichinoseki Station. About 30 minutes later, you will arrive at Ichinoseki Station, where visitors can enjoy the remains of the old castle town during the Edo period. If time permits, you can walk around the station to visit the old samurai house and the sake museum which was renovated from sake brewery, where you can enjoy the local beer and sake. 

• Hotel Sunroute Ichinoseki
• Atto Business Hotel Ichinoseki
• Hotel Route-Inn Ichinoseki Inter

The last day of your Tohoku trip has come. It’s only 30 minutes away from Ichinoseki Station to Sendai Station by Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen. Sendai in Miyagi prefecture is the largest city of the Tohoku region. When you get to Sendai Station in the morning, head to Sendai Asaichi , the lively morning market which is only 5 minutes away from the station. There are about 70 small shops lined up selling fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables etc. Visit Shoke for breakfast, they offer some fresh sushi bowls for ¥500 with small plates and miso soup. 

It’s a good idea to visit the historical sites such as Aoba Castle(Sendai Castle) and Zuihoden , or you can make a short trip to Matsushima for the scenic view of the Matsushima Bay. Read The Best Things to Do in Sendai to get more ideas!

Going back to Tokyo is pretty easy from Sendai Station, 1.5 hours ride on Shinkansen and then you are back to Tokyo Station. Don’t forget to buy the Gyutan Ekiben to savor the taste of Sendai’s specialty on the Shinkansen on the way home!

When planning your trip in the Tohoku region for a longer period of time or traveling to other regions as well, consider the Japan Rail Pass too. If you are an international traveler (not applicable for foreign residents), this pass helps you to save a lot of money. The Japan Rail Pass, or commonly referred to as JR Pass, is the most economical means of travelling throughout Japan, especially for long distance train travel. The pass can be used by anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa only and offers unlimited use of transportation offered by the JR Group. For the details, please check out the article below! 

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency offering guided tours in Japan. From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we will organize the best tours for you! If you want to explore around Japan to learn more histories and backstories of the area, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will happily take you to the best spots! Also, we can provide you with any assistance for your upcoming trip in Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions/need some help!

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2023 Tohoku and Hokkaido Tour Photo Gallery

Exploring tohoku and hokkaido with tour manager janie tomihara.

Our journey was a delight, with sunny Sendai days and delicious food. We savored gyutan (beef tongue) for lunch, even discovering that the soup contained cow tail – a unique culinary experience!

We climbed the stairs to Masamune Date’s mausoleum, enjoying the rewarding view. Then, a picturesque cruise through Matsushima Bay with islands of all shapes and sizes awaited us, along with an oyster feast. Our group’s record? 50 oysters!

Crafting our own Sasakama fishcakes was a hands-on treat.

Our adventure continued, exploring sites and savoring local cuisine. We visited the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum and marveled at the miracle tree that survived the tsunami.

At Lake Tazawa, we heard the legend of Tatsuko and got creative decorating Chagu Chagu Umako wooden horse dolls.

Our tight-knit group discovered surprising connections among themselves. It’s all about building bonds while exploring local sites and enjoying delectable food.

Cruising Lake Towada, admiring autumn colors, the Nebuta House Warasse with its float displays, and the mesmerizing night view from Mount Hakodate were all highlights.

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