Hidden Cherry Blossom Northern Japan 14 Days
Tokyo, Sendai, Yamagata, Morioka, Kakunodate and Aizu-Wakamatsu
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days |
| Departs | Daily During April |
| Price | From $2,768 per person (based on twin share) |
The Hidden cherry blossom northern Japan package takes you to some of Japan’s best and most popular cherry blossom viewing venues. Northern Japan is famous for its rice, its sake and its whisky, as well as its magnificent cherry blossoms. Experience the spirit of samurai, magnificent temples co-existing with nature and the unique local culture and food. Discover the charms of Tohoku in the beautiful cherry blossom season.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, commence your exploration of the city. Make sure to visit Shinjuku Gyoen, one of the best places to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo! In the evening, visit Ueno Park, which is filled with cherry blossoms from more than 1,000 trees. Many local people have “Hanami parties” (cherry blossom viewing parties) here.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 2 nights
Day 2: Tokyo
It takes only an hour to travel from the city to the middle of nature. At Mt Takao-san, in Tokyo, you can see many cherry blossom trees and more than 500 different kinds of plants. Stroll around the mountain’s base and trails and head to the summit using the cable car. The well-known Takaosan Senbonzakura (the thousand cherry blossoms of Mt Takao), at the Itchodaira area, is the best viewing spot on the mountain.
Day 3: Tokyo – Sendai
Take a bullet 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). In the evening, visit Nishi Koen Park. Enjoy a hanami party and the spectacle of the cherry blossoms lit up by lanterns.
Accommodation: Sendai – 3 nights
Day 4: 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 around the bay. Stop by the many sights including Zuiganji Temple, the sacred Ojima Island, Kanrantei tea room, the beautiful garden at the Entsuin Temple, and don’t miss Godaido Hall.
Day 5: Sendai – Yamagata – 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. Stop by Ogawara or Funaoka Station to see the gorgeous 8.5 km row of cherry blossoms (Senbonzakura (the thousand cherry blossoms) along the Shiroishi River between Shibata and Ogawara (you will be able to see some of the cherry blossoms from the train).
Day 6: Sendai – Ichinoseki
Board a train to Ichinoseki. Visit the exquisitely beautiful Geibikei Gorge. Take a calming tour along the river on a flat-bottomed, non-motorised boat. You’ll be enchanted by the stunning seasonal vista and amazed by the rock formations.
Accommodation: Ichinoseki – 2 nights (Breakfast)
Day 7: Ichinoseki – Hiraizumi – Ichinoseki
Continue your travel with a day trip to Hiraizumi. This World Heritage town 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’).
Day 8: Ichinoseki – Morioka
Board the train to Morioka. 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 and visit the amazing Ishiwari-sakura (a 360 year old tree which has broken through a large rock to display its beautiful cherry blossoms). Finish your day at the tranquil Morioka-joshi Park – home to around 300 beautiful cherry blossoms.
Accommodation: Morioka – 2 nights (Breakfast)
Day 9: Morioka – Kakunodate – 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. After exploring the Kakunodate samurai district, take a walk along the Hinokinai River dike where approximately 2 km of cherry blossom trees will captivate you.
Day 10: Morioka – Aizu-Wakamatsu
Board a train to the historic castle town, Aizu-Wakamatsu. Visit Tsuruga-jo Castle, an exquisite combination of historical buildings and cherry blossoms. Stroll around the retro district in the Nanuka-machi area.
Accommodation: Aizu-Wakamatsu – 2 nights (Breakfast)
Day 11: Aizu-Wakamatsu – Ouchijuku – Aizu-Wakamatsu
Take a day trip and savour the idyllic scenery of Ouchijuku. Ouchijuku was one of the station towns in the Edo period and contains many traditional thatched-roof houses, inns and shops. Soba noodles and rice cakes for are the famous snacks in this quaint little village.
Day 12: Aizu-Wakamatsu – Tokyo
Explore Aizu-Wakamatsu a little more. Discover the samurai history at the Aizu-Bukeyashiki Museum. See and climb the stairs of the unique structure, Sazae-do Hall – and don’t forget the local sake brewery and sake museum before heading off to Tokyo.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 2 nights
Day 13: Tokyo
Discover more of Tokyo and complete your sightseeing and shopping.
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:
– Northern Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms
– Tohoku’s largest city Sendai
– One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places, Matsushima
– “Little Kyoto in Tohoku”, the samurai district Kakunodate
– Historic samurai castle town Aizu-Wakamatsu
Package Details:
| Duration | 13 nights and 14 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | During cherry blossom season (April) *Please note that cherry blossom viewing is not guaranteed due to Mother Nature. Cherry blossoms are a very sensitive flower, dependant on the weather. When it was a colder winter, cherry blossoms will bloom later, and when it was a warmer winter, cherry blossoms will bloom earlier than average. |
| Route | Tokyo, Sendai, Yamagata, Ichinoseki, Morioka, Kakunodate and Aizu-Wakamatsu |
| Tour Type | Self guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $2,768 per person Triple share from $2,422 per person Single from $3,296 per person |
Package inclusions:
– 13 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels
・ 4 nights in Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel or similar
・ 3 nights in Sendai – Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or similar
・ 2 nights in Ichinoseki – Kura Hotel or simil
・ 2 nights in Aizu-Wakamatsu – Aizu-Wakamatsu Washington Hotel or similar
– Meals
・ Breakfast in Ichinoseki, Morioka and Aizu-Wakamatsu
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).
– 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.
