Undiscovered Japan Tohoku 14 Days
Sendai, Matsushima, Kakunodate, Oga, Oirase Gorge, Aomori
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $2,637 per person (based on twin share) |
Discover the charms of Tohoku – the spirit of samurai, magnificent temples co-existing with nature and unique local culture and food. Tohoku is famous for its rice, its sake and its whisky. Visit the Nikka whisky distillery to learn about the craft and enjoy the idyllic surrounds. Tohoku’s pristine nature is on display at Oirase gorge where you can stroll along the river as it winds its way from Lake Towada into the forest. Bask in the beauty of Hirosaki, especially in cherry blossom season, and marvel at the stunning gorges of Ichinoseki.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, commence your exploration of the city.
You may like to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Building in Shinjuku. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Tokyo from the free observation deck.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 1 night
Day 2: Tokyo – Sendai
Take a train to Sendai. Explore the largest city in Tohoku, called the ‘City of Trees’. Stop by the tranquil Aoba Castle Ruins and enjoy a sweeping Sendai city view. Admire the glorious Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune. Wander around the bustling shopping arcades and try the local snack food, Shyotan-age (Sendai style corndog).
Accommodation: Sendai – 4 nights
Day 3: Sendai – Matsushima – Sendai
Take an excursion to Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places. Stop by Shiogama, a port town famous for its large shrine with an approach of 202 steep, stone steps. Savour the delicious Sushi, one of Shiogama’s specialties, before moving on. In Matsushima, see the bay of islands close-up with a leisurely cruise, stop by the many sights including Zuiganji Temple, sacred Ojima Island, Kanrantei tea room, the beautiful garden at the Entsuin Temple, and don’t miss Godaido Hall.
Day 4: Sendai – Yamadera – Sendai
Take a day trip to Yamadera temple complex where a magnificent valley view awaits you. On the way back to Sendai, stop by the Nikka Whisky Distillery. Learn about the process of distilling whisky and taste this famous and delicious Japanese whisky.
Day 5: Sendai – Ichinoseki – Sendai
Visit the exquisitely beautiful Geibikei Gorge. Take a calming tour along the river on a flat-bottomed, non-motorised vessel. You’ll be enchanted by the stunning seasonal vista and amazed by the impressive rock formations.
Day 6: Sendai – Hiraizumi – Morioka
Board a train and stop by Hiraizumi, which contains over 3,000 national treasures, historical sites and cultural attractions. Visit Chusonji Temple, famous for its Konjiki-do Hall, and Motsuji Temple, best known for its ‘Pure Land Garden’. Then move on to Morioka.
Accommodation: Morioka – 2 nights
Day 7: Morioka – Kakunodate or Lake Tazawako – Morioka
Take an expedition to Kakunodate, a former castle town containing rows of samurai residences. Stroll around this charming historical town at your own pace. Visit the serene, mysterious sapphire blue Lake Tazawako, Japan’s deepest lake. Its wonderful nature captivates you whichever season you visit.
Day 8: Morioka – Akita
Explore Morioka and its beautiful landscape with Mt Iwate and its two rivers, Kitakami River and Nakatsu River. Visit the local temple and shrine, or experience and make local crafts or snacks at Handi-Works Square. Feast on the famous Wanko Soba for lunch before heading off to Akita.
Accommodation: Akita – 2 nights
Day 9: Akita – Oga Peninsula – Akita
Take a day trip to Oga Peninsula, home to dynamic nature, spectacular scenery and a unique local culture. A private car will take you to Cape Nyudo-saki along the breathtaking coastline. Savour the local Ishiyaki-ryori cuisine for lunch and experience a Namahage performance at the Namahage Museum.
Day 10: Akita – Hirosaki -Aomori
Board a train to Hirosaki, a castle town famous for its Neputa Festival. Learn about and experience the local summer festival at the Tsugaru Neputa Mura museum. Amble through the peaceful Hirosaki Park, containing the Hirosaki Castle Ruins and thousands of cherry trees – a spectacular sight in spring. Afterwards, make your way to Aomori.
Accommodation: Aomori – 2 nights
Day 11: Aomori – Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada – Aomori
Catch a bus to the stunning Oirase Gorge, part of the Towada Hachimantai National Park. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the picturesque gorge to Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on the main island.
Day 12: Aomori – Tokyo
Explore the city of Aomori. Visit a special historical site, Sannai Maruyama, and see the remains of an ancient village up to 5,000 years old. Then wander around the bay area and have a peek at the Furukawa Fish Market. Try some Nokkedon, seafood donburi, for lunch before returning to Tokyo.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 1 night
Day 13: Tokyo
Time at leisure.
*Optional guided tours are available. See Tokyo Day Tours
Day 14: Tokyo – Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places, Matsushima
– The sublime mountain temple, Risshakuji Temple in Yamadera
– ‘Little Kyoto in Tohoku’, the samurai district Kakunodate
– Wonderful seasonal beauty of nature in Aomori
– Spectacular scenery and unique local culture in Oga Peninsula
Package Details:
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Sendai, Matsushima, Yamadera, Hiraizumi, Kakunodate, Oga Peninsula, Hirosaki, Aomori, Oirase Gorge, Tokyo |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $2,637 per person Triple share from $2,285 per person Single from $3,482 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in April, May, June, July, August and October) | |
Package inclusions:
– 13 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels
・ 3 nights in Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel or similar
・ 4 nights in Sendai – Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or similar
・ 2 nights in Morioka – Hotel Metropolitan Morioka or similar
・ 2 nights in Akita – Akita View Hotel or similar
・ 2 nights in Aomori – Aomori Kokusai Hotel or similar
– Meals
・ Breakfast in Morioka, Akita, Aomori
– Transfer in a private car in Oga Peninsula
*Private car around Oga Peninsula travels on a designated route. Travel outside this route, or by other modes of transport, is not included
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us with your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses (unless covered by the Japan Rail Pass and private car route around Oga Peninsula).
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
